The 2011 SLK350 Roadster goes there.
There is love in the air, especially when I got the chance to test-drive the elegant, but feisty SLK 350; for you of course. The SLK 350 is ready for the highway or the speedway as this stylishly designed automobile is as much fun to drive as it is beautiful. In just 22 seconds, you can transform it into an open –air convertible.
Performance-wise, this darling of a roadster reached 0-60 in just only 5.4 seconds due to the 300-horsepower, 3.5-liter high-revving V-6 engine. It growls, but it’s a sweet growl. The drive is sweet too. Unlike most roadsters, the SLK 350 if free of the rugged sports-car feel, reminding me that is definitely a Mercedes Benz. The car is responsive, and tight. A wide range of closely spaced gears delivers the ideal gear ratio for virtually every driving condition, which means smoother cruising and immediate response for acceleration and passing, and even improved fuel efficiency on the highway.
The assortment of technological attributes that make this vehicle well worth the $ 54,000 price tag is impressive to say the least.
On the outside, the SLK body is designed to sharpen agility through refined air management. The Formula 1-inspired nose and wide front valance help direct air along the sides of the roadster, while the strongly tapered rear end makes a clean break
Aggressively styled AMG-design lower bodywork includes a deep front air dam with mesh intakes, along with sculpted side sills and sporty rear valance punctuated by dual chrome exhaust tips. A subtle lip spoiler accentuates the trunk lid. Black headlamp surrounds add a more aggressive appearance to the piercing multi-element headlamps.
Inside, the cockpit is a clean, high-tech environment that is complimented by leather upholstery and aluminum accents.
Specifically engineered for the SLK, the Harman/Kardon premium digital sound system fills the cabin with 500 watts of beautifully balanced audio through 11 strategically placed Dolby Digital 5.1 surround sound technology speakers.
All in all, I’d place this car high in the luxury roadster department; one that deserves a good look if you want to combine performance, beauty, luxury and style. It’s a head-turning, attention-getting, fun loving little roadster that is a keeper for those who love to drive and look good doing so.
