Mercedes SLK Facelift: In Depth

2008 Mercedes-Benz SLK Facelift

Get to know the new car better

By Gustavo Henrique Ruffo
February 4, 2008 6:42 PM
Filed Under: German, Mercedes-Benz

WCF readers have already seen the facelifted Mercedes-Benz SLK-Class in many pictures and articles we have published, but since such a car deserves to be known in depth, here is another chance for you people to do so, with the complete press release and more images of this beautiful new roadster.

Mercedes-Benz has lately treated any change in its cars as if they were “new generations” and the facelifted Mercedes-Benz SL-Class is a proof of that, just like the E-Class, back in 2006. Fact is a new generation car only comes with significant platform changes, and none of these cars has gone through any modification of this sort. Fortunately, the 2008 SLK has been treated by Mercedes-Benz as what it really is, a facelifted model.

This is no shame for the car, since it managed to get even better than the previous SLK. Among its improvements is the direct-steer system, an equipment Mercedes-Benz is really betting on, since all recent presentations, from the CLC-Class to the SL-Class, are offering it. Clearly trying to beat BMW in dynamics, the Sttutgart automaker gave its vehicles a variable steering ratio, what improves turning speed in corners and makes city parking maneuvers easier.

But there’s plenty more, such as a new high-revving 3.5-litre V6 (it reaches up to 7,200 rpm) delivering 305 hp, for the SLK 350, improved output for the SLK 200 Kompressor (184 hp) and general reduction in fuel consumption.

More than telling you about all the improvements the car has received (besides the visible ones), we invite you to read Mercedes-Benz information on this fantastic car. And to check out all the pictures, as it will take a while for the car to be seen on the streets.

Source: Mercedes-Benz

Press Release (Click to expand)

Rediscovering roadster driving pleasure

The key facelift measures at a glance

Technology

SLK 350 with a high-revving V6 sports engine with a displacement of 3498 cc and an output of 224 kW/305 hp at 6500 rpm (+24 kW/33 hp). Fuel consumption 9.5 litres per 100 km (-1.1 litres), CO2 emissions 219 g/km (-23 g/km). Sporty, emotion-charged soundtrack.

SLK 200 KOMPRESSOR with a four-cylinder inline engine with a displacement of 1796 cc and an output of 135 kW/184 hp at 5500 rpm (+15 kW/21 hp) . Fuel consumption 7.7 litres per 100 km (-1.0 litre), CO2 emissions 182 g/km ( 27 g/km).

SLK 280 with a reduction in fuel consumption of 0.4 l/100 km, CO2 emissions 11 g/km.
Optional direct-steering system combines agility and manoeuvrability with steering comfort when parking and assured steering characteristics when travelling at high speeds.

Design

Front bumper with new design and more pronounced V-shape.

Area around the Mercedes star stands out more boldly, the all-round chamfered edge is more striking.

Front fog lights with chrome surrounds.

New-look rear bumper to give the tail a more powerful aspect, diffuser-look styling.

Exhaust tailpipe in new, angular design (trapezoidal).

Darkened tail lights (like SLK 55 AMG).

Exterior mirrors with larger mirror surface and arrow-shaped LED indicators.

New short aerial, suitable for automatic car washes.

New 3-spoke sports steering wheel with multifunction buttons.

New instrument cluster with red needles, dial bezels in 3D look, plus chrome surrounds for the tubes and the clock/fuel gauge.

Upgraded trim elements/switches/pushbuttons in new colours.

Chrome insert below headunit.

New appointments colours: "gullwing red" and "natural beige".

New wood colours: "pale burr walnut" and "black ash grain".

Shift and selector levers with new leather-and-chrome trim.

Sporty looking trim strip on passenger side.

Modified power window switches.

New "palladium silver metallic" paint finish, plus the exclusive SLK finish "prehnite green metallic".

Equipment

New telematics generation (NTG 2.5) with additional functions and improved user friendliness.

Available with a choice of Audio 20 CD, Audio 50 APS with DVD navigation system or COMAND
APS with high-resolution 6.5" colour display, hard-drive navigation, 4GB MUSIC REGISTER for storing compressed audio files, plus SD memory card slot.

Option of new and enhanced Harman Kardon® Logic7® sound system with Dolby 5.1/DTS and an output of 500W (previously 380W).

All headunits feature Bluetooth hands-free facility as standard.

Media interface as an option - universal interface in glove compartment for portable audio devices (e.g. iPod).

Optimised LINGUATRONIC voice-operated control system (available for the SLK for the first time).