Previous model
Make: Mercedes-Benz
Model: SLK
August 2004 Release date:
August 2011End date:
Go to the SLK-class family tree
THE R171 SLK arrived locally in August 2004 to supersede the original SLK, first seen here in November 1997.
Neither of these quite hit the spot.
The 1997 car was beautiful but did not deliver a rewarding driving experience, while the R171 lost the visual charisma but was a superior car with much improved dynamics and performance.
It was also much more refined.
Nevertheless, by 2008 when the SLK was freshened, the model’s age was showing.
Tough competition from the Porsche Boxster and BMW Z4 had greeted the second series SLK from its debut and perhaps encouraged the product planners to make significant changes for the third, which is more focused, looks more masculine and offers superior value.