Skip advert
Advertisement
In-depth reviews

Mercedes SLK cabriolet (2011-2015) - Engines, drive & performance

All the engines in the Mercedes SLK range are powerful and responsive

Carbuyer Rating

3.2 out of 5

Owners Rating

4.0 out of 5

Read owner reviews
Engines, drive & performance Rating

3.2 out of 5

While the Mercedes SLK is in many ways a direct competitor to the Porsche 718 Boxster, the way in which it drives couldn’t be more different from that mid-engined machine.

While the Boxster is direct, responsive and thrilling for the driver, the Mercedes SLK is smooth, comfortable and satisfying. If you’re looking for a car to drive just for fun at the weekend – or even take to the occasional track day – the Boxster will win every time. But, if you want a sports convertible to drive long distances in and perhaps to be your only car, the SLK is a more attractive proposition.

For a small sports car with large wheels, the SLK offers superb ride comfort, filtering out most of the road's imperfections and preventing them from entering the cabin. Even larger potholes are kept from jarring occupants too much, although they’re still best avoided if possible.

Mercedes SLK diesel engines

The 2.2-litre CDI diesel automatic feels surprisingly well suited to the SLK, offering a huge surge of overtaking power at motorway speeds. It makes 201bhp and goes from 0-62mph in as little as 6.4 seconds – making it faster than the diesel Audi TT Roadster.

Petrol engines

The SLK 200 and 250 petrol engines feel like they need to be worked harder than the diesel, but automatic versions complete the 0-62mph sprint in 7.0 and 6.6 seconds respectively.

Advertisement - Article continues below

The 302bhp SLK 350 offers a big step up in power, with 0-62mph coming up in just 5.6 seconds. But it’s no match for the SLK 55 AMG with its huge 5.4-litre V8 engine, 415bhp and 4.6-second 0-62mph time. This car is something of a convertible hot rod and even equals the Porsche 718 Boxster S for acceleration.

Skip advert
Advertisement

Richard is a former editor of Carbuyer, as well as sister site DrivingElectric.com, and he's now Deputy Editor at Auto Express. Having spent a decade working in the automotive industry, he understands exactly what makes new car buyers tick.

Skip advert
Advertisement

Most Popular

All-new Toyota Urban Cruiser revealed
Toyota Urban Cruiser
News
12 Dec 2024

All-new Toyota Urban Cruiser revealed

Best new car deals 2024: this week’s top car offers
Carbuyer best new car deals hero
Deals
13 Dec 2024

Best new car deals 2024: this week’s top car offers

New BYD Sealion 7 EV undercuts Tesla Model Y at £44,990
BYD Sealion 7 dynamic
News
12 Dec 2024

New BYD Sealion 7 EV undercuts Tesla Model Y at £44,990

Tips & advice

View All
Car dashboard warning lights: what does each symbol mean?
Car dashboard symbols and meanings
Tips and advice
21 Oct 2024

Car dashboard warning lights: what does each symbol mean?

Electric car charging stations: public networks, charger types, apps and maps
Charging station
Tips and advice
23 Jul 2024

Electric car charging stations: public networks, charger types, apps and maps

PCP vs HP – which type of car finance is right for you?
PCP vs HP
Tips and advice
17 May 2022

PCP vs HP – which type of car finance is right for you?

Average speed cameras: how do they work?
Average speed cameras: how do they work?
Tips and advice
21 Mar 2024

Average speed cameras: how do they work?

Best cars

View All
Top 10 best car interiors
Peugeot 208 hatchback
Best cars
25 Jun 2021

Top 10 best car interiors

Top 10 best electric cars 2024
Best electric cars
Best cars
16 May 2024

Top 10 best electric cars 2024

Top 10 best cheap-to-run cars 2024
The best cheap-to-run cars 2023
Best cars
2 Jan 2024

Top 10 best cheap-to-run cars 2024

The UK's top 10 fastest hot hatchbacks 2024
Fastest hot hatchbacks hero
Best cars
2 Jan 2024

The UK's top 10 fastest hot hatchbacks 2024