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Mercedes-Benz SLK R171 SLK 280 V6 (231 Hp)
Overall Rating
Mercedes-Benz SLK:
The Mercedes-Benz SLK-Class is a compact executive roadster, produced by Mercedes-Benz. It was released in 1996 and was manufactured at the Mercedes plant in Bremen, Germany, until 2020.
The former name "SLK" was derived from sportlich , leicht , and kurz. With the release of the facelift R172 in 2016, the SLK-Class was renamed to SLC-Class in accordance with the revised nomenclature adopted by Mercedes. Under this scheme, roadsters use the base name "SL", followed by the model's placement in Mercedes-Benz hierarchy, the letter "C", being the roadster equivalent to the C-Class....(Read more on Wikipedia)
R171 Overview:
Mercedes-Benz SLK (R171). With 300 Nm of torque, it offers ample pulling power. With a weight of 1365 kg, it falls in the mid‑range. Rear‑wheel drive offers dynamic handling and sporty feedback. Acceleration is good (0–100 km/h in 6.3 s). The top speed reaches 250 km/h. A two-seater convertible designed for open-top driving pleasure. Seating for 2 makes it ideal for daily use.
The Mercedes-Benz SLK R171 generation was not officially tested by Euro NCAP. However, Mercedes-Benz vehicles of this era generally featured robust safety structures and standard safety features like ABS and multiple airbags.
SLK 280 V6 (231 Hp) Verdict:
Performance Verdict
A smooth and capable V6, offering a significant step up in power and refinement from the Kompressor models, with satisfying acceleration.
Fuel Economy
Reasonable fuel consumption for a V6, striking a good balance between power and everyday usability.
Pros and Cons:
Pros:
- • Iconic retractable hardtop design offers coupe security and roadster freedom
- • Wide range of powerful and efficient engines, from Kompressor to AMG V8
- • Engaging driving dynamics, especially with V6 and AMG models
- • High-quality interior materials and build for its class
- • Good used market value for a luxury roadster
- • Distinctive Mercedes-Benz styling and brand prestige
Cons:
- • Limited interior and trunk space, especially with the roof down
- • Potential for costly repairs on the complex retractable roof mechanism
- • Early M272 V6 engines (pre-2006) can suffer from balance shaft issues
- • Fuel economy can be high on larger V6 and V8 models
- • No Euro NCAP safety rating available for this generation
- • Ride can be firm on sportier trims and larger wheels
Specifications:
Specifications are compared to those of the previous generation(R172: 2012 - 2015).
| General: | |
|---|---|
| Brand: | Mercedes-Benz |
| Model: | SLK |
| Generation: | R171 |
| Modification (Engine): | SLK 280 V6 (231 Hp) |
| Start of production: | April, 2005 |
| End of production: | December, 2007 |
| Powertrain Architecture: | Internal Combustion engine |
| Body type: | Roadster |
| Seats: | 2 |
| Doors: | 2 |
| Engine: | |
|---|---|
| Power: | 231 Hp @ 6000 rpm. Same horsepower |
| Power per litre: | 77.1 Hp/l [45mm less] |
| Torque: | 300 Nm @ 2400-5000 rpm. |
| Engine Model/Code: | M 272.942 More details about the engine M 272.942 |
| Engine displacement: | 2996 |
| Number of cylinders: | 6 |
| Engine configuration: | V-engine |
| Number of valves per cylinder: | 4 |
| Fuel injection system: | Multi-port manifold injection |
| Engine aspiration: | Naturally aspirated engine |
| Valvetrain: | DOHC |
| Engine oil capacity: | 8 l |
| Coolant: | 7.1 l |
| Engine layout: | Front, Longitudinal |
| Cylinder Bore: | 88 mm |
| Piston Stroke: | 82.1 mm |
| Compression ratio: | 11.1:1 |
| Performance: | |
|---|---|
| Fuel Type: | Petrol (Gasoline) |
| Fuel consumption (economy) - urban: | 13.8-14.0 l/100 km |
| Fuel consumption (economy) - extra urban: | 7.2-7.4 l/100 km |
| Fuel consumption (economy) - combined (NEDC): | 9.7-9.9 l/100 km |
| Fuel consumption (economy) - urban (NEDC): | 13.8-14.0 l/100 km |
| Fuel consumption (economy) - extra urban (NEDC): | 7.2-7.4 l/100 km |
| Fuel consumption (economy) - combined: | 9.7-9.9 l/100 km |
| Emission standard: | Euro 4 |
| Acceleration 0 - 100 km/h: | 6.3 sec |
| Acceleration 0 - 62 mph: | 6.3 sec |
| Maximum speed: | 250 km/h, Electronically limited |
| Weight-to-power ratio: | 5.9 kg/Hp, 169.2 Hp/tonne |
| Weight-to-torque ratio: | 4.6 kg/Nm, 219.8 Nm/tonne |
| Acceleration 0 - 60 mph: | 6 sec |
| Space: | |
|---|---|
| Kerb Weight: | 1365 |
| Max. weight: | 1755 |
| Max. roof load: | 50 kg |
| Max load: | 390 |
| Trunk (boot) space - minimum: | 208 l |
| Fuel tank capacity: | 70 l |
| Size: | |
|---|---|
| Length: | 4089 mm [45mm less] |
| Width: | 1788 mm [22mm less] |
| Height: | 1298 mm [3mm less] |
| Wheelbase: | 2430 mm [Same wheelbase.] |
| Width including mirrors: | 1970 mm |
| Front track: | 1526 mm |
| Rear (Back) track: | 1549 mm |
| Minimum turning circle (turning diameter): | 10.51 m [above average] |
| Powertrain: | |
|---|---|
| Drivetrain Architecture | The Internal combustion engine (ICE) drives the rear wheels of the vehicle. |
| Drive wheel | Rear wheel drive |
| Number of gears | 6 |
| Transmission type | Manual |
| Front brakes | Ventilated discs [Best for performance and cooling.] |
| Rear brakes | Disc [above average] |
| Assisting systems | ABS (Anti-lock braking system) |
| Steering type | Steering rack and pinion |
| Power steering | Hydraulic Steering |
| Tires size | Front wheel tires: 205/55 R 16 91 W |
| Wheel rims size | Front wheel rims: 7 J x 16 H 2 |
| Front suspension | Independent type McPherson, Transverse stabilizer |
| Rear suspension | Independent multi-link suspension, Transverse stabilizer |
Behind the wheel of the Mercedes-Benz SLK. How does it handle on the road?