The 2016 Mercedes-Benz SLK lineup offered a blend of luxury and performance in a compact roadster format. Within this range, the SLK 300 stood out as a compelling option, balancing power and efficiency. This article delves into the technical specifications of the 2016 Mercedes-Benz SLK 300, providing a detailed look at what made this model a notable contender in its class. We will also touch upon the specifications of the SLK 350 and the high-performance AMG SLK 55 for a comprehensive overview of the 2016 SLK range.
Overview of the 2016 Mercedes-Benz SLK Models
The 2016 SLK models, including the SLK 300, SLK 350, and AMG SLK 55, all share the foundation of a 2-door, 2-passenger roadster with a robust steel unibody chassis. However, they diverge significantly in their powertrain and performance characteristics, catering to different driving preferences and performance expectations.
Engine Specifications of the 2016 SLK Lineup
The heart of any vehicle lies in its engine, and the 2016 SLK range offered a trio of distinct powerplants.
SLK 300 Engine
The 2016 Mercedes-Benz SLK 300 is equipped with a 2.0-liter inline 4-cylinder engine. This modern engine features an aluminum block and alloy cylinder head, contributing to weight reduction and efficient thermal management. It incorporates a 4-valves-per-cylinder arrangement, enhancing breathing and combustion efficiency. With a displacement of 1,991 cc, this turbocharged, direct-injection engine delivers a potent 241 horsepower at 5,500 rpm and a substantial 278 lb-ft of torque, readily available from 1,200 to 4,000 rpm. The compression ratio is set at 9.8 : 1.
SLK 350 Engine
Stepping up, the SLK 350 boasts a larger 3.5-liter V6 engine. Like the SLK 300, it utilizes an aluminum engine block and alloy cylinder head, along with a 4-valves-per-cylinder configuration. Its displacement is 3,498 cc, with a bore of 3.66 inches and a stroke of 3.38 inches. This direct-injection V6 produces 302 horsepower at 6,500 rpm and 278 lb-ft of torque between 3,500 and 5,250 rpm. The SLK 350 features a higher compression ratio of 12.0 : 1, contributing to its enhanced power output. The maximum engine speed is rated at 7,000 rpm.
AMG SLK 55 Engine
For ultimate performance, the AMG SLK 55 houses a formidable 5.5-liter AMG V8 engine. Mirroring the other models in construction, it features an aluminum engine block and alloy cylinder head, with 4 valves per cylinder. Its significantly larger displacement of 5,461 cc, bore of 3.86 inches, and stroke of 3.56 inches, coupled with a high 12.6 : 1 compression ratio, allows it to unleash 415 horsepower at 6,800 rpm and a massive 398 lb-ft of torque at 4,500 rpm. The AMG V8 also uses direct-injection and can reach a maximum engine speed of 7,200 rpm.
Performance Metrics
The engine choices directly translate to varying performance levels across the 2016 SLK range.
Acceleration, Top Speed, and Fuel Economy
The 2016 Mercedes-Benz SLK 300 achieves a 0-60 mph sprint in a brisk 5.8 seconds. All models in the range have a limited top speed of 155 mph, with the exception of the AMG SLK 55, which can reach 174 mph when equipped with the optional AMG Development Package.
Fuel economy figures for the SLK 300 are estimated at 25 mpg in the city, 32 mpg on the highway, and 28 mpg combined. The SLK 350 offers 21 mpg city, 29 mpg highway, and 24 mpg combined. The higher-performance AMG SLK 55 naturally has lower fuel economy, rated at 19 mpg city, 28 mpg highway, and 22 mpg combined.
Transmission Details
The transmissions also differ across the 2016 SLK models, tailored to match the engine characteristics and performance demands.
SLK 300, SLK 350, and AMG SLK 55 Transmissions
The 2016 Mercedes-Benz SLK 300 benefits from the advanced 9G-TRONIC 9-speed automatic transmission. The SLK 350 utilizes the 7G-TRONIC PLUS 7-speed automatic transmission. The AMG SLK 55 is equipped with the AMG SPEEDSHIFT 7G-TRONIC PLUS, a performance-oriented version of the 7-speed automatic transmission, optimized for quicker shifts and greater driver engagement. All models are rear-wheel drive.
Suspension, Tires & Brakes
The provided data lacks specific details on suspension, steering, and brake designs for each model. However, it notes that all models in the 2016 SLK range are equipped with high-performance tires as standard.
Tire and Wheel Specifications
The 2016 Mercedes-Benz SLK 300 comes standard with front tires sized 225/45 R17 and rear tires sized 245/40 R17, mounted on 7.5J X 17 front wheels and 8.5J X 17 rear wheels. The SLK 350 and AMG SLK 55 share the same tire sizes: 225/40 R18 front and 245/35 R18 rear. However, the AMG SLK 55 features wider rear wheels at 9J X 18, compared to the 8.5J X 18 wheels on the SLK 350 and the 7.5J X 18 front wheels on the AMG SLK 55. The SLK 350 uses 7.5J X 17 front and 8.5J X 17 rear wheels.
Dimensions and Capacities
The 2016 SLK models share similar dimensions, emphasizing their compact roadster nature.
Exterior and Interior Dimensions
All 2016 SLK models have a wheelbase of 95.7 inches. The SLK 300 and SLK 350 are 162.8 inches in length, while the AMG SLK 55 is slightly longer at 163.2 inches. Width including mirrors is consistent across the range at 79.0 inches, and height is also uniform at 51.2 inches. Track width varies slightly, with the AMG SLK 55 having a narrower front track (61.0 inches) and a wider rear track (61.7 inches) compared to the SLK 300 and SLK 350 (front: 61.4 inches, rear: 61.6 inches).
Interior dimensions are also consistent across the models, offering 38.0 inches of headroom with the top up (39.1 inches with panoramic roof or MAGIC SKY Control), 42.5 inches of legroom, and 52.2 inches of shoulder room.
Capacities
Trunk capacity for all models is 10.1 cu.ft. with the roof up and 6.4 cu.ft. with the roof down. Curb weight varies, with the SLK 300 and SLK 350 weighing 3,417 lbs., and the AMG SLK 55 slightly heavier at 3,583 lbs. Fuel tank capacity is 15.9 gallons for the SLK 300 and SLK 350, and 18.5 gallons for the AMG SLK 55.
Conclusion
The 2016 Mercedes-Benz SLK range, particularly the 2016 Mercedes-Benz SLK 300, offered a compelling blend of performance, luxury, and efficiency. Whether you prioritized balanced performance with the SLK 300, enhanced power with the SLK 350, or exhilarating thrills with the AMG SLK 55, the 2016 SLK lineup provided a roadster for diverse preferences, all underpinned by Mercedes-Benz’s renowned engineering and craftsmanship. For further details, you can visit www.media.mbusa.com.
