Used Mercedes-Benz SLK cars for sale

The Mercedes-Benz SLK is a compact and premium roadster model first launched in 1996. It is sporty, stylish and lightweight with a select choice of powerful engines that make it a highly desirable roadster. Through this combination of power, performance and luxury design, it competes with other models like the Audi TT and the BMW Z4.

Mercedes-Benz SLK updates and facelifts

The Mk1 was released in 1996 and received a facelift in 2000. This added new front and rear bumpers, a new front grille and taillights. Inside, a new steering wheel and transmission were added, while sports seats were also included.

The Mk1 SLK was the first model to ever have a metal folding roof, which could open and close at the touch of a button. Evolving across its different generations and facelifts, it has maintained its roadster body. This makes it an excellent model for sporty driving and those looking for a good-looking compact car.

The Mk2 was unveiled in 2004 and was manufactured with reinforced steel around the body. A new roof retraction system was added which made the roof open and close more quickly. The Mk2 was also 72mm longer and 65mm wider than the Mk1. A facelift in 2008 added a new front bumper with a sharper arrow shape, along with LED indicators, Nappa leather upholstery and a new digital instrument cluster.

The Mk3 was brought to market in 2011 and was on sale until the model was discontinued in 2020. It featured a redesigned radiator air intake and new interior features, such as two-tone Nappa leather upholstery and ambient lighting. A facelift in 2015 coincided with the 20th anniversary of the Mk1 and revealed the new name of the model – the SLC-Class.

The Mercedes-Benz SLK also has a well-earned reputation as a tech-heavy model. Across its different generations, there have been lots of handy and luxury additions that make it an upmarket option, including the Airscarf heating system and Magic Sky Control systems. The former warms your neck and shoulders even with the roof down, while the latter changes the shading of the roof from black to white.

Practicality and style of the car

The SLK offers a good degree of practicality and storage space. With the roof up, it has 335 litres of boot space – more than the Porsche Boxster’s 275 litres, BMW Z4’s 281 litres and Audi TT’s 305 litres. This gives it one of the best storage loads in the roadster class. With the roof down, this drops to 225 litres.

In the cabin, the SLK’s two front seats offer a good degree of legroom thanks to the model’s extended length. There’s also reasonable headroom for tall adults even with the roof up. As well as offering ample space in the cabin, it’s also easy to keep the cockpit tidy. The glovebox is well-sized and has enough space for handheld accessories like sunglasses and maps. There are two cupholders behind the gear knob, two small door pockets and reasonably sized door bins throughout.

Running costs

The insurance group of the Mercedes-Benz SLK runs from 41 to 45, which is typical for the roadster class and is largely the same for the Audi TT. It also qualifies for an annual road tax of up to £675, which is the same for competitors like the Audi TT and BMW Z4.

How a used Mercedes-Benz SLK drives

The model is available with a wide range of four and six-cylinder petrol and diesel engines. There are four petrol options with the Mk3 introducing the first diesel option. All these engines come with start/stop technology which helps maximise fuel economy.

The entry-level petrol engine is the SLK 200 which produces 184bhp. It accelerates from 0-62mph in seven seconds and has a top speed of 147mph. It can be paired to a six-speed manual gearbox or a 7G automatic option. This pushes the engine’s MPG to 47.9mpg.

The SLK 250 option generates 204bhp, goes from 0-62mph in 6.6 seconds and has up to 42.8mpg. It is available with a six-speed manual or a 7G-Tronic Plus automatic.

The SLK 300 produces 241bhp, returns 47.1mpg and accelerates from 0-62mph in just over 5.6 seconds. The six-cylinder, 306bhp, SLK 350 engine has 39.8mpg. It can accelerate from 0-62mph in 5.6 seconds. This engine is only available with the 7G-Tronic Plus gearbox.

The diesel engine is a variant on the SLK 250 engine. The 250 CDI diesel has 201bhp, accelerates to 62mph in just over 6.5 seconds and can return up to 70.6mpg.

Engines and official MPG

Please refer to the table below for a comprehensive list of engines and their official MPG figures.

2011 - 2016

Features you can expect in a Mercedes-Benz SLK

Interior

The cabin of the SLK is one of the highest-grade cabins in its vehicle class and sets the standard for quality. There is soft leather running across the upholstery, centre console and dashboard, with contrast precision stitching adding a welcome detail. There are also silver chrome strips on the multi-functional steering wheel and centre console.

On the centre console, you’ll find a touchscreen display which contains the model’s infotainment system. It includes Bluetooth connectivity, a DAB radio and sat nav. It can also be controlled through the buttons on your steering wheel. There is also a small digital instrument cluster which displays your speed, distance driven and remaining fuel level at a glance.

Technology

The Mercedes-Benz SLK has lots of smart technology, including an Airscarf heating system. While cruising with the roof open, the front seat air conditioning vents warm your neck and shoulders. The Mk3 also comes with a Magic Sky Control switch. The system comprises two panes of glass that enclose a fluid particle field. At the touch of a switch, these particles change behaviour to reveal a clear sky.

Safety

The modelwas last tested by Euro NCAP in 2002 using the older system of crash safety test scores. During this test, it received an adult safety score of four stars. The model offers plenty of safety technology. You’ll find an attention assist system which detects when your driving is deviating from your normal path, as well as an adaptive brake system. The model also has active bonnet, meaning that the bonnet will pop up to protect pedestrians in the event of a collision.

Trims available on the Mercedes-Benz SLK

Mercedes-Benz SLK Standard Trim

The SLK trim is the entry-option version of this model. It comes with a host of standard equipment, including a leather multifunctional steering wheel, air conditioning, Bluetooth phone connectivity and 17-inch alloy wheels that help it stand out on the road. This trim comes with a wind deflector which keeps the cabin hushed when the roof is down and an infotainment screen to handle your in-car entertainment.

Mercedes-Benz AMG Sport

The AMG Sport offers 18-inch wheels, tinted rear privacy glass and rear lights and sports suspension which helps this trim sit lower compared to the entry-level option. There are also inner and outer tinted highlights, signature AMG Sport brakes and shifter paddles on the steering wheel for easier gear changes. There are also signature AMG Sport brake callipers for added style.

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