The SLK350 used to be a baby roadster, a lightweight open-top cruiser in Mercedes-Benz's lineup. But the 2012 model features a more aggressive design and engine.

Back to review.
Updated:Caption:Photo:Josh Miller/CNET
1
of 20
Vents in the hood and sides, along with a lower air intake, help give the SLK350 a performance look.

Back to review.
Updated:Caption:Photo:Josh Miller/CNET
2
of 20
The new engine uses direct injection to feed six cylinders, and makes 302 horsepower, plenty for this roadster.

Back to review.
Updated:Caption:Photo:Josh Miller/CNET
3
of 20
The SLK350 is strictly a two-seater, and although the cabin is compact, Mercedes-Benz includes useful ergonomic features such as putting the power seat controls on the doors.

Back to review.
Updated:Caption:Photo:Josh Miller/CNET
4
of 20
The SLK350 comes with a retractable hard top, standard, which folds up or down in just 20 seconds. When up, it creates a nicely curved roofline.

Back to review.
Updated:Caption:Photo:Josh Miller/CNET
5
of 20
Mercedes-Benz put nicely curved back glass in the roof, and CNET's car came with a panoramic roof option, another glass panel on top. The car can also be optioned with an electrochromatic roof that changes opacity at the touch of a button.

Back to review.
Updated:Caption:Photo:Josh Miller/CNET
6
of 20
Mercedes-Benz managed to keep air turbulence down to a minimum in the cabin, but there is still quite a bit of external noise when driving at speed with the top down.

Back to review.
Updated:Caption:Photo:Josh Miller/CNET
7
of 20
The roof folds up into the trunk, taking up some space. However, this trunk space is still very deep, and would easily fit a couple of roller bags.

Back to review.
Updated:Caption:Photo:Josh Miller/CNET
8
of 20
The SLK350's cabin is nicely appointed, as you would expect in a car that starts at $55K.

Back to review.
Updated:Caption:Photo:Josh Miller/CNET
9
of 20
Mercedes-Benz gave the SLK350 a sport steering wheel, with a flattened bottom and sculpted thumbholds over the spokes.

Back to review.
Updated:Caption:Photo:Josh Miller/CNET
10
of 20
The steering wheel holds buttons for voice command, stereo, and phone control.

Back to review.
Updated:Caption:Photo:Josh Miller/CNET
11
of 20
These white-faced gauges give a performance look to the instrument cluster. The center monochromatic screen shows trip information, plus a coffee cup icon representing the drowsy-driver detection feature.

Back to review.
Updated:Caption:Photo:Josh Miller/CNET
12
of 20
The SLK350's seven-speed automatic uses a lock-up clutch for tight gear shifts, which transmits power more directly than a torque converter to the rear wheels.

Back to review.
Updated:Caption:Photo:Josh Miller/CNET
13
of 20
The dial for the COMAND system, set in the console, controls all onscreen functions.

Back to review.
Updated:Caption:Photo:Josh Miller/CNET
14
of 20
The navigation system uses a hard drive for map storage, and can render buildings in 3D.

Back to review.
Updated:Caption:Photo:Josh Miller/CNET
15
of 20
The navigation system includes traffic data, which it uses to route around trouble spots.

Back to review.
Updated:Caption:Photo:Josh Miller/CNET
16
of 20
The Bluetooth phone system includes a full address book, automatically downloaded from a paired phone.

Back to review.
Updated:Caption:Photo:Josh Miller/CNET
17
of 20
The car recognizes a good number of audio sources. Music Register refers to the onboard hard drive, which has room for music storage.

Back to review.
Updated:Caption:Photo:Josh Miller/CNET
18
of 20
With both iPods and USB drives, the system organizes music by album, artist, and genre. It also displays album art.

Back to review.
Updated:Caption:Photo:Josh Miller/CNET
19
of 20
The Harman Kardon audio system uses 11 speakers and a 500-watt amp to produce excellent sound.

Back to review.
Updated:Caption:Photo:Josh Miller/CNET
20
of 20
Now Reading

2012 Mercedes-Benz SLK350 (photos)

Up Next

5 best-handling SUVs (photos)

Latest Stories

Uber's co-founders sell millions of their stock in the company

Uber's co-founders sell millions of their stock in the company

by
2021 Ford Mustang Mach-E electric SUV officially revealed

2021 Ford Mustang Mach-E electric SUV officially revealed

by
2021 Ford Mustang Mach-E vs. Audi E-Tron, Jaguar I-Pace and Tesla Model 3

2021 Ford Mustang Mach-E vs. Audi E-Tron, Jaguar I-Pace and Tesla Model 3

by
2019 LA Auto Show preview: Debuts from BMW, Ford, VW and more

2019 LA Auto Show preview: Debuts from BMW, Ford, VW and more

by
2020 Ford Escape and Lincoln Corsair land Top Safety Pick awards

2020 Ford Escape and Lincoln Corsair land Top Safety Pick awards

by