Mercedes-Benz has launched the new SLK in India. The Mercedes SLK is powered by a 3498cc, V6 BlueEFFECIENCY motor which produced 306 HP of power at 6500RPM and 370 Nm of torque at 3500 RPM. The SLK350 features 225/45 R17 tyres at the front and 245/40 R17 tyres at the rear. Top speed is limited to 250 kmph and the SLK350 will reach o-100 kmph in just 5.6 seconds. It has a turning radius of 5.26m and weight 1540 kgs. With a tank capacity of 60 liters (including 8 liters reserve), the SLK can travel close to 300 kms on a tank of fuel (fuel efficiency of 5 kmpl). The boot capacity is 335 liters while the SLK350 is 4132 mm long, 2006 mm wide and 1303 mm tall. Priced at Rs. 61.9 lakhs (ex-showroom, Delhi), the SLK features a MAGIC SKY CONTROL which is basically a glass roof that allows you to change settings from completely transparent to translucent. The Mercedes-Benz SLK has received 5-star EURONCAP rating.
Mercedes calls the SLK roadster their entry level sports car. The SLK is based on the C-Class platform. It features top of the line safety features like ‘ATTENTION ASSIST SYSTEM’ which has previously been seen in the Mercedes E-Class. Mercedes claims the Attention Assist System is an independent judge of fatigue, constantly monitoring a driver’s behavior to send warning chimes and flare a coffee-cup sign when it senses a serious drop-off in alertness levels. Historically, Mercedes-Benz was announced the winner of the 2010 prize for best safety innovation by “What Car?” for their Attention Assist System, which is designed to counteract drowsiness in drivers. The main competition for the SLK350 is the BMW Z4 and Porsche Boxster.
– Ankit Sethi
Special Correspondent
