Mercedes-Benz SLK R171 AMG SLK 55 V8 (360 Hp) 7G-TRONIC


Overall Rating

8.1 / 10
Safety N/A / 5
Not Rated
Engine 4.8 / 5
Value 4.0 / 5
Performance 4.2 / 5
Comfort 3.8 / 5
People\'s Opinion N/A / 5
Not Rated

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 510 Nm of torque, it offers ample pulling power. With a weight of 1465 kg, it falls in the mid‑range. Rear‑wheel drive offers dynamic handling and sporty feedback. Acceleration is excellent (0–100 km/h in 4.9 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.

Safety Rating
Not rated
Euro NCAP Year N/A
Adult Occupant N/A
Stars N/A
Expert Note:
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.

AMG SLK 55 V8 (360 Hp) 7G-TRONIC Verdict:

Rating 5 stars

Performance Verdict

The pinnacle of R171 performance, offering blistering acceleration and a thrilling V8 soundtrack that transforms the roadster into a true sports car.

Fuel Economy

As expected for a naturally aspirated V8 AMG, fuel consumption is high, particularly in urban driving conditions.

Best Use Case: Weekend warrior, track days, spirited highway cruising, collector's item.

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(R171: May, 2004 - December, 2007).

General:
Brand:Mercedes-Benz
Model:SLK
Generation:R171
Modification (Engine):AMG SLK 55 V8 (360 Hp) 7G-TRONIC
Start of production:September, 2004
End of production:December, 2007
Powertrain Architecture:Internal Combustion engine
Body type:Roadster
Seats:2
Doors:2
Engine:
Power:360 Hp @ 5750 rpm. Same horsepower
Power per litre:66.2 Hp/l [2mm less]
Torque:510 Nm @ 4000 rpm.
Engine Model/Code:M 113.989 More details about the engine M 113.989
Engine displacement:5439
Number of cylinders:8
Engine configuration:V-engine
Number of valves per cylinder:3
Fuel injection system:Multi-port manifold injection
Engine aspiration:Naturally aspirated engine
Valvetrain:SOHC
Engine oil capacity:8 l
Coolant:11.1 l
Engine layout:Front, Longitudinal
Cylinder Bore:97 mm
Piston Stroke:92 mm
Compression ratio:11:1
Performance:
Fuel Type:Petrol (Gasoline)
Fuel consumption (economy) - urban:17.7 l/100 km
Fuel consumption (economy) - extra urban:8.8 l/100 km
Fuel consumption (economy) - combined (NEDC):12 l/100 km
Fuel consumption (economy) - urban (NEDC):17.7 l/100 km
Fuel consumption (economy) - extra urban (NEDC):8.8 l/100 km
Fuel consumption (economy) - combined:12 l/100 km
Emission standard:Euro 4
Acceleration 0 - 100 km/h:4.9 sec
Acceleration 0 - 62 mph:4.9 sec
Maximum speed:250 km/h, Electronically limited
Weight-to-power ratio:4.1 kg/Hp, 245.7 Hp/tonne
Weight-to-torque ratio:2.9 kg/Nm, 348.1 Nm/tonne
Acceleration 0 - 60 mph:4.7 sec
Space:
Kerb Weight:1465
Max. weight:1850
Max. roof load:50 kg
Max load:385
Trunk (boot) space - minimum:208 l
Fuel tank capacity:70 l
Size:
Length:4087 mm [2mm less]
Width:1794 mm [6mm more]
Height:1271 mm [27mm less]
Wheelbase:2430 mm [Same wheelbase.]
Width including mirrors:1970 mm
Front track:1524 mm
Rear (Back) track:1549 mm
Minimum turning circle (turning diameter):10.51 m [above average]
Powertrain:
Drivetrain ArchitectureThe Internal combustion engine (ICE) drives the rear wheels of the vehicle.
Drive wheelRear wheel drive
Number of gears7
Transmission typeAutomatic
Front brakesVentilated discs [Best for performance and cooling.]
Rear brakesVentilated discs [Best for performance and cooling.]
Assisting systemsABS (Anti-lock braking system)
Steering typeSteering rack and pinion
Power steeringHydraulic Steering
Tires sizeFront wheel tires: 225/40 ZR 18 92 Y XL
Wheel rims sizeFront wheel rims: 7.5 J x 18 H 2
Front suspensionIndependent type McPherson, Transverse stabilizer
Rear suspensionIndependent multi-link suspension, Transverse stabilizer

Every driver has a story. What’s yours with the Mercedes-Benz SLK?