The Mercedes Slk 2015, a stylish and sporty roadster, offered a range of models to cater to different preferences and performance needs. This model year presented the SLK in three distinct trims: the SLK250, SLK350, and the high-performance SLK55 AMG. Each model of the Mercedes SLK 2015 came with a set of standard features and offered various optional packages and customizations to enhance comfort, performance, and aesthetics. Let’s delve into the standard equipment and available options for the Mercedes SLK 2015 lineup.
Model Overview: SLK250, SLK350, SLK55 AMG
The Mercedes SLK 2015 range started with the SLK250, powered by a responsive 1.8-liter inline four-cylinder turbocharged engine. This model focused on efficiency and accessible performance, making it a great entry point into the SLK roadster experience. Stepping up, the SLK350 featured a more potent 3.5-liter V6 naturally aspirated engine, delivering a significant boost in power and a smoother driving experience. At the top of the range, the SLK55 AMG was the performance flagship, boasting a powerful 5.5-liter V8 naturally aspirated engine, tuned by AMG for exhilarating performance and dynamic handling.
Standard Equipment and Features
Each Mercedes SLK 2015 model came equipped with a generous list of standard features, ensuring a luxurious and enjoyable driving experience. These standard features can be broadly categorized into comfort and convenience, performance and handling, and safety and security.
Comfort and Convenience Features
Across the Mercedes SLK 2015 range, a Panorama Roof came standard, allowing occupants to enjoy open skies even with the top closed. Inside, all models featured a Central Controller with a 5.8-inch high-mounted display for managing vehicle functions and entertainment. Bluetooth connectivity for hands-free phone use was also standard, ensuring seamless communication on the go.
The SLK250 standard comfort features included an audio system with a single-disc CD player, USB port, Bluetooth audio streaming, and HD Radio. It also featured a 3-spoke leather multifunction steering wheel with manual adjustments, aluminum trim on the doors, console, and roll bars, and 8-way power sport seats with 4-way power lumbar support. Single-zone climate control, electronic cruise control, remote central locking with SmartKey, power windows, auto-dimming mirrors, an integrated garage door opener, and rain-sensing wipers were also standard.
Moving up to the SLK350, standard comfort and convenience were enhanced with leather upholstery featuring a sun-reflective coating, heated seats, and an iPod/MP3 media interface. The audio system was upgraded to a harman/kardon LOGIC7 surround sound system with CD/DVD, USB port, Bluetooth audio streaming, and HD Radio, also including SiriusXM radio with a 6-month service trial. The steering wheel also gained power adjustment for height and reach.
The high-performance SLK55 AMG mirrored the SLK350 in terms of comfort and convenience, inheriting the leather upholstery with sun-reflective coating, heated seats, harman/kardon LOGIC7 surround sound system, iPod/MP3 media interface, and SiriusXM radio. It also included the AIRSCARF neck-level heating system as standard, which was optional on the lower trims, further enhancing open-top driving comfort in cooler conditions.
Performance and Handling Features
The performance characteristics naturally varied across the Mercedes SLK 2015 models. The SLK250 featured a 1.8-liter inline four-cylinder forced induction engine, producing 201 horsepower and 229 lb-ft of torque, paired with a 6-speed manual transmission for a direct and engaging driving experience.
The SLK350 upgraded to a 3.5-liter V6 naturally aspirated engine, delivering 302 horsepower and 273 lb-ft of torque. It came standard with a 7-speed automatic transmission with shift paddles and Efficiency, Sport, and Manual modes for versatile driving dynamics. ECO Start/Stop was also included for improved fuel efficiency.
The SLK55 AMG took performance to the extreme with its 5.5-liter V8 naturally aspirated engine, generating 415 horsepower and 398 lb-ft of torque. This model featured the AMG SPEEDSHIFT PLUS 7-speed automatic transmission, specifically tuned for high performance, along with AMG performance enhancements and a higher top speed (optionally increased to 174 mph with the AMG Development Package). All SLK 2015 models were rear-wheel drive and featured rack & pinion steering with Direct Steer and speed-sensitive power assist. They all shared similar front and rear suspension designs, utilizing 3-link front and 5-arm multi-link rear setups for balanced handling. Braking systems were also consistent across the range, with 4-wheel power-assisted disc brakes, although the SLK350 and SLK55 AMG featured larger front brake rotors, and the AMG model further upgraded to fixed four-piston calipers at the front.
Safety and Security Features
Safety and security were paramount in the Mercedes SLK 2015 design. All models included mbrace2 connected services (with a trial period), a comprehensive warranty, 24-hour roadside assistance, and the Mercedes-Benz Maintenance System. Passive safety features included a high-strength steel reinforced cabin with crumple zones, supplemental restraint systems with occupant sensors, dual front airbags, driver and passenger knee airbags, head airbags, and thorax airbags. Active safety systems comprised 4-wheel disc brakes with ABS & BAS, Electronic Stability Program (ESP), ATTENTION ASSIST driver drowsiness monitor, tire pressure monitoring, and an anti-theft alarm with engine immobilizer. NECK-PRO active head restraints and 3-point seatbelts with pretensioners and dual-stage force limiters further enhanced occupant protection.
Paint, Upholstery, and Trim Options
The Mercedes SLK 2015 offered a wide array of customization options to personalize the vehicle. Paint options ranged from standard colors like Polar White, Black, and Mars Red to metallic finishes and exclusive designo paints, including premium options like designo Diamond White and designo Magno Alanite Grey.
Upholstery choices included MB-Tex and leather options in various colors like Black, Sahara Beige, and Ash/Black. Premium leather and exclusive two-tone options further enhanced interior luxury. Trim options ranged from standard Aluminum trim to Burl Walnut Wood, Black Ash Wood, and for the SLK55 AMG, Carbon Fiber and designo Piano Black Lacquer.
Optional Packages and Upgrades
To further tailor the Mercedes SLK 2015, several optional packages were available:
- Premium Package: Added desirable features like the AIRSCARF neck-level heating system, harman/kardon premium sound system, heated seats, SIRIUS Satellite Radio, MP3 media interface, and IR remote roof automation (standard on SLK350 and SLK55 AMG).
- Trim Package: Included wood/leather accents for the shift knob and steering wheel, along with Burl Walnut trim on the center console and doors (not available on SLK55 AMG).
- Lighting Package: Upgraded headlights with Bi-Xenon headlamps with active curve illumination and Adaptive Highbeam Assist (standard on SLK55 AMG).
- Multimedia Package: Introduced the COMAND system with hard drive navigation, a 7.0″ high-resolution LCD screen, enhanced voice control, 10GB music register, DVD changer, Gracenote album information, SD card slot, and SIRIUS XM Traffic and Weather.
- Sport Package: Enhanced the sporty appearance with sport bodystyling, 18″ AMG 5-spoke wheels, and direct ambient lighting in SOLAR Red (partially standard on SLK350).
- Dynamic Handling Package: Improved driving dynamics with continuously controlled electronic suspension, driver-selectable suspension modes, torque vectoring brake, and a sport button (not available on SLK55 AMG).
- Driver Assistance Package: Added advanced safety and driver assistance systems such as DISTRONIC PLUS with PRE-SAFE Brake, Blind Spot Assist, PRE-SAFE, and Lane Keeping Assist (not available on SLK55 AMG).
- AMG Handling Package (SLK55 AMG only): Further enhanced the performance of the SLK55 AMG with AMG performance steering wheel, AMG differential lock, AMG performance suspension, raised speed limiter, and unique AMG wheels.
- AMG Carbon Styling Package (SLK55 AMG only): Offered exclusive visual upgrades with gloss black exterior elements, carbon fiber interior trim, and unique Nappa leather upholstery.
In conclusion, the Mercedes SLK 2015 provided a compelling roadster experience with a variety of models, extensive standard equipment, and numerous customization options, allowing buyers to create a vehicle perfectly suited to their individual tastes and driving needs. Whether opting for the efficient SLK250, the balanced SLK350, or the high-performance SLK55 AMG, the Mercedes SLK 2015 delivered luxury, style, and driving enjoyment.
