Luxury roadsters, once a symbol of automotive indulgence, experienced a market contraction following the economic downturn of the late 2000s. Despite this shift, discerning drivers still recognize the unique appeal of these niche vehicles. The 2012 Mercedes Slk Convertible emerges as a compelling option in this segment, offering exclusivity and refined driving pleasure. While sales figures for models like the SLK and BMW Z4 saw declines compared to their peak in 2006, this presents an opportunity for buyers to acquire a distinguished Mercedes roadster. The 2012 SLK marks a significant evolution, boasting a striking new design, improved fuel efficiency, and a competitive base price.
The third-generation Mercedes SLK, introduced in 2012, finally achieves a design language that perfectly complements its sporty character. The original SLK from 1997, while innovative, was often perceived as too “cute,” a descriptor that hardly resonates with the intended image of a performance roadster. The subsequent 2005 model year iteration appeared somewhat awkward and lacked the visual appeal expected of a Mercedes-Benz. However, the 2012 SLK breaks free from these past criticisms with a design that is undeniably attractive. Its assertive hood and neatly sculpted trunk create a visual harmony reminiscent of a captivating blend between the high-performance SLS AMG and the sophisticated 2013 SL550. This new SLK embodies Mercedes-Benz’s contemporary design philosophy, characterized by sharp angles and dynamic lines, presenting a more aggressive stance than its rival, the Porsche Boxster.
Luxury vehicles are synonymous with customization and a wealth of features, and the 2012 Mercedes SLK convertible is no exception. The test model featured the optional “AMG” 5-spoke wheels, part of the $2,500 Sport Package. While these wheels aren’t standard on full-fledged AMG models, they contribute significantly to the car’s aesthetic appeal. A separate wheel upgrade option, priced at $500, also offers attractive 5-spoke rims and identical tire specifications. The Sport package further enhances the SLK’s sporty demeanor with more aggressively styled front and rear bumpers, faux-carbon fiber trim for the gauges, and distinctive side sill extensions, echoing design cues from the SL-Class. The review car also included a $720 premium metallic paint finish and the $1,090 lighting package, which added bi-xenon headlamps with cornering illumination and practical headlamp washers. The bi-xenon lamps are a worthwhile upgrade for enhanced nighttime visibility, and considering the SLK’s price point, this option should be viewed as a valuable safety and convenience feature.
Mercedes-Benz states that “SLK” is an abbreviation for “sportlich, leicht, kurz,” German words meaning sporty, light, and short. With over 300 horsepower, the “sporty” designation is certainly accurate. However, at 3400 lbs, the “light” aspect is relative, particularly in the context of modern sports cars. In terms of dimensions, the SLK is notably compact, being shorter than a Toyota Corolla, Porsche Boxster, and even a Volkswagen Golf. The “short” descriptor becomes particularly relevant for taller occupants, especially when entering the car with the roof closed. Getting into the SLK can feel more like “putting it on” due to its low ride height and compact dimensions. Despite the snug entry, once inside, the SLK offers comparable headroom and legroom to the Porsche Boxster and even the Volvo C70, a larger four-seat convertible. A six-foot tall driver will find ample comfort in the SLK’s cockpit, although significantly taller individuals might find the cabin slightly more confining with the top raised.
The interior of the 2012 SLK convertible exudes luxury, with the exception of the exposed folding hard-top mechanism when the roof is closed. This unusual design choice leaves some of the mechanical components visible, an element rarely seen even in more budget-oriented convertibles. Aside from this minor detail, the cabin is impeccably crafted with premium materials. Soft, cross-stitched leather seats and a thick-rimmed, flat-bottomed sport steering wheel contribute to the upscale ambiance. The test vehicle featured standard aluminum trim, a popular choice among reviewers. However, the optional burl walnut trim, priced at $990, adds a touch of classic elegance with lacquered wood accents on the doors, center console, a wood and leather steering wheel, and a wood shift knob. Interestingly, advanced driver-assistance systems like Mercedes-Benz’s radar cruise control and collision warning system, “Distronic Plus,” were not available as options on this model year.
The “Sport Package” equipped in the test car included red ambient lighting, illuminating the door panels and a stripe along the center console, adding a sporty and modern flair to the interior. The $2,590 “Premium Package” included features that arguably should be standard on a luxury car in this price range, such as an iPod/MP3 player interface and heated seats. However, this package also added desirable upgrades like a Harman/Kardon Logic 7 sound system with 11 speakers and 500 watts of power, and the signature “Airscarf” system. The Logic 7 sound system delivers crisp and clear audio, consistent with other high-end Mercedes models, but it lacks deep bass response, likely due to the absence of a subwoofer. For audiophiles seeking powerful bass, the SLK’s sound system might be slightly underwhelming. The “Airscarf,” a seemingly gimmicky feature, proved surprisingly effective, providing warm air around the neck and shoulders, allowing for comfortable top-down driving even in cooler temperatures.
Further enhancing the technology features, the $2,150 “Multimedia Package,” also known as Mercedes COMAND, added XM radio, XM weather (with a trial subscription), voice-controlled navigation, voice-controlled Bluetooth, 10GB of music storage, an SD card reader, and a 6-disc DVD/CD changer. While COMAND offers a comprehensive infotainment system, it is not as intuitive or user-friendly as systems like BMW’s iDrive. Although functional, the COMAND system’s price may be a point of contention for some buyers. Additional options on the test vehicle included $760 dual-zone climate control, $650 keyless-go, and $970 ultrasonic parking sensors. While parking sensors might seem unnecessary on a relatively compact car, rear visibility is limited with the top up, making them a worthwhile consideration to prevent accidental bumps and scrapes.
The 2012 Mercedes SLK convertible offers choices for the hardtop roof beyond the standard all-metal version. Buyers could opt for a “panorama sunroof,” a fixed, tinted polycarbonate panel for $500, or the innovative $2,500 “Magic Sky Control” sunroof, which allows variable tinting. The test car featured the panorama sunroof, which, while adding light to the cabin, could also introduce unwanted heat and glare on sunny days. The Magic Sky Control, despite its higher price, might be a more desirable option for enhanced comfort and light control. Regardless of the roof option, the SLK’s retractable hardtop operates quickly, transforming the car from a coupe to a roadster in just 21 seconds.
With the top down, the trunk space of the 2012 SLK convertible reduces from 10.1 cubic feet to 6.4 cubic feet. While this reduction might seem significant, it is comparable to other convertibles in its class and considerably more generous than some competitors, like the Infiniti G37 convertible. The trunk provides sufficient space for weekend luggage, accommodating a computer bag, camera backpack, and carry-on roller bag. Unlike some convertibles, the SLK’s roof mechanism does not offer a feature to lift the roof segments for easier cargo access when the top is down. Therefore, for loading larger items, the top needs to be temporarily raised. The Porsche Boxster, in comparison, offers a consistent 9.9 cubic feet of cargo space distributed between front and rear trunks. Safety features for open-top driving in the SLK include head airbags integrated into the seats, active headrests, and roll-over bars behind the seats.
The 2012 Mercedes SLK350 convertible is powered by a potent 3.5-liter V6 engine, producing 302 horsepower at 6,500 RPM and 273 lb-ft of torque at 3,500 RPM. This updated engine delivers a noticeable performance improvement over the previous SLK350, reducing the 0-60 mph sprint time by over half a second to approximately 5.06 seconds. This enhanced performance is attributed to a broader torque curve and a refined transmission. The new V6 engine features a 60-degree bank angle, resulting in smoother operation compared to the previous 90-degree V6. Paired with the engine is a revised Mercedes 7-speed automatic transmission with three driving modes: Eco, Sport, and Manual. Eco mode prioritizes fuel efficiency by encouraging upshifts and delaying downshifts, reportedly improving fuel economy by 7% in mixed driving conditions. Sport mode holds lower gears for longer and enables direct downshifts from 7th to 3rd gear for quicker acceleration. Manual mode attempts to emulate the responsiveness of paddle-shift transmissions found in competitors like Infiniti and Jaguar, with rev-matched downshifts. However, the Mercedes transmission in manual mode lacks the immediate response desired for spirited driving, treating paddle inputs more as suggestions than commands. For optimal driving enjoyment, Sport mode is recommended for engaging performance, while Eco mode is suitable for maximizing fuel efficiency. The 2012 SLK350 achieves improved EPA fuel economy ratings of 20 mpg city and 29 mpg highway, up from 18/25 mpg in the previous model year. Real-world testing yielded an average of 24 mpg over 578 miles, demonstrating respectable fuel efficiency for its class.
While the primary appeal of the 2012 SLK is as a stylish and luxurious roadster, positioned as a more accessible alternative to the flagship SL, the SLK350 also presents a compelling challenge to competitors like the Porsche Boxster S. The optional dynamic handling package, priced at $990, includes an adaptive suspension system and torque-vectoring rear axle, making it a highly recommended upgrade for drivers seeking engaging handling and cornering prowess. The well-weighted steering, balanced chassis, and engine note that becomes increasingly exhilarating at higher RPMs contribute to an enjoyable and surprisingly capable driving experience. While the SLK might not match the outright track-focused handling of the Boxster S due to its more compliant suspension, narrower tires, and slightly higher curb weight, it offers a more comfortable and refined grand touring character. For those seeking even greater performance, the SLK55 AMG, with its powerful 412HP 5.5L V8 engine, is available, albeit at a higher price point.
The base price of the 2012 Mercedes SLK350 convertible started at $54,800, with the test vehicle reaching a total of $67,565 with options. These options included Diamond White Metallic paint, Bengal Red Premium Leather, Premium package, lighting package, Multimedia Package, Panorama Roof, Sport Package, dual-zone climate control, and parking sensors. Despite the price, luxury roadsters like the SLK occupy a niche market, often overlooked by consumers who might spend similar amounts on other Mercedes models like the E350, ML350, or GL350. However, the 2012 SLK350 represents one of the most appealing models in the Mercedes-Benz lineup, offering a blend of style, performance, and open-top driving pleasure. Beyond weekend enjoyment, the SLK350 can also serve as a practical and stylish commuter car, particularly for those who can take advantage of HOV lanes. The 2012 Mercedes SLK convertible stands as a testament to the enduring appeal of the luxury roadster, offering a unique and rewarding driving experience.
Performance Statistics (as tested)
0-30 mph: 2.08 Seconds
0-60 mph: 5.06 Seconds
1/4 Mile: 13.46 seconds @ 105.5 mph
