The 2016 Mercedes-Benz SLK roadster offered a blend of luxury and performance in a compact, two-door design. Available in several distinct models, each SLK variant catered to different driving preferences and performance expectations. This article provides a detailed look at the technical specifications of the 2016 SLK lineup, encompassing the SLK300, SLK350, and the high-performance AMG SLK55.
Underpinning each model is a robust steel unibody chassis, ensuring structural rigidity and contributing to the vehicle’s handling prowess. All models share the roadster body style, accommodating two passengers in a sporty and refined cabin.
Delving into the powertrain, the engine options are a key differentiator. The SLK300 is equipped with a 2.0-liter inline 4-cylinder engine, constructed with an aluminum block and alloy cylinder head. This turbocharged, direct-injection engine delivers 241 horsepower at 5,500 rpm and 278 lb-ft of torque between 1,200 and 4,000 rpm. Moving up the range, the SLK350 features a naturally aspirated 3.5-liter V6 engine, also with aluminum block and alloy cylinder heads, utilizing direct-injection. The V6 produces 302 horsepower at 6,500 rpm and the same 278 lb-ft of torque, but across a narrower band from 3,500 to 5,250 rpm. For ultimate performance, the AMG SLK55 boasts a hand-built 5.5-liter AMG V8 engine. This direct-injection powerhouse, again featuring aluminum block and alloy heads, generates a substantial 415 horsepower at 6,800 rpm and 398 lb-ft of torque at 4,500 rpm. All engines feature a 4-valve per cylinder arrangement.
Performance figures reflect these engine differences. The SLK300 achieves 0-60 mph in 5.8 seconds, while the SLK350 slightly improves this to 5.4 seconds. The AMG SLK55, with its V8, achieves a significantly faster 0-60 mph time of just 4.5 seconds. The top speed for all models is electronically limited to 155 mph, although the AMG SLK55 could reach 174 mph with the optional AMG Development Package. Fuel economy varies accordingly, with the SLK300 achieving 25 mpg city, 32 mpg highway, and 28 mpg combined. The SLK350 offers 21 mpg city, 29 mpg highway, and 24 mpg combined, while the more powerful AMG SLK55 returns 19 mpg city, 28 mpg highway, and 22 mpg combined.
Transmission systems also differ across the range. The SLK300 utilizes a 9G-TRONIC 9-speed automatic transmission. The SLK350 is equipped with a 7G-TRONIC PLUS 7-speed automatic. The AMG SLK55 features the AMG SPEEDSHIFT 7G-TRONIC PLUS, an AMG-enhanced version of the 7-speed automatic, optimized for performance driving. All models are rear-wheel drive.
In terms of dimensions, the wheelbase is consistent across all models at 95.7 inches. Length and width are also nearly identical, with the SLK300 and SLK350 measuring 162.8 inches long and 79.0 inches wide (including mirrors), while the AMG SLK55 is slightly longer at 163.2 inches. Height is uniform at 51.2 inches. Curb weight varies, with the SLK300 and SLK350 at 3,417 lbs, and the AMG SLK55 heavier at 3,583 lbs due to its larger engine and performance components. Trunk capacity is consistent at 10.1 cubic feet with the roof up and 6.4 cubic feet with the roof down. Fuel tank capacity is 15.9 gallons for the SLK300 and SLK350, and slightly larger at 18.5 gallons for the AMG SLK55.
The 2016 Mercedes-Benz SLK range provided a compelling choice of roadsters, from the efficient and agile SLK300 to the potent and exhilarating AMG SLK55, each sharing Mercedes-Benz’s hallmark of luxury and engineering excellence.
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