Click on image to view the full photo gallery
Mercedes-Benz SLK R172 AMG SLK 55 V8 (421 Hp) 7G-TRONIC PLUS
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)
R172 Overview:
Mercedes-Benz SLK (R172). With 540 Nm of torque, it offers ample pulling power. It has moderate fuel consumption (~12 l/100km). With a weight of 1535 kg, it falls in the mid‑range. Rear‑wheel drive offers dynamic handling and sporty feedback. Acceleration is excellent (0–100 km/h in 4.6 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 (R172) generation was not directly tested by Euro NCAP. However, Mercedes-Benz vehicles typically incorporate robust safety features and engineering standards for occupant protection.
AMG SLK 55 V8 (421 Hp) 7G-TRONIC PLUS Verdict:
Performance Verdict
Explosive acceleration and a thrilling V8 soundtrack define this high-performance variant, delivering an exhilarating driving experience.
Fuel Economy
As expected for an AMG V8, fuel consumption is high, but acceptable for its performance class and intended use.
Pros and Cons:
Pros:
- • Stylish design with a sophisticated retractable hardtop
- • Wide range of engines, from economical diesels to powerful AMG V8
- • Comfortable and refined ride for a roadster
- • High-quality interior materials and build quality
- • Good handling dynamics for a grand tourer
Cons:
- • Limited practicality with only two seats and reduced boot space with the roof down
- • Some engines can be thirsty, especially the higher-performance petrol variants
- • Ride can be firm on sportier models or with larger wheels
- • Interior technology and design can feel dated compared to newer rivals
- • Visibility can be restricted with the roof up
Specifications:
Specifications are compared to those of the previous generation(R172: 2011 - 2015).
| General: | |
|---|---|
| Brand: | Mercedes-Benz |
| Model: | SLK |
| Generation: | R172 |
| Modification (Engine): | AMG SLK 55 V8 (421 Hp) 7G-TRONIC PLUS |
| Start of production: | 2012 |
| End of production: | 2015 |
| Powertrain Architecture: | Internal Combustion engine |
| Body type: | Roadster |
| Seats: | 2 |
| Doors: | 2 |
| Engine: | |
|---|---|
| Engine systems: | Start & Stop System |
| Power: | 421 Hp @ 6800 rpm. Same horsepower |
| Power per litre: | 77.1 Hp/l [Same length.] |
| Torque: | 540 Nm @ 4500 rpm. |
| Engine Model/Code: | M 152.980 More details about the engine M 152.980 |
| Engine displacement: | 5461 |
| Number of cylinders: | 8 |
| Engine configuration: | V-engine |
| Number of valves per cylinder: | 4 |
| Fuel injection system: | Direct injection |
| Engine aspiration: | Naturally aspirated engine |
| Valvetrain: | DOHC |
| Engine oil capacity: | 9.5 l |
| Engine layout: | Front, Longitudinal |
| Cylinder Bore: | 98 mm mm |
| Piston Stroke: | 90.5 mm mm |
| Compression ratio: | 12.6:1 |
| Performance: | |
|---|---|
| Fuel Type: | Petrol (Gasoline) |
| Fuel consumption (economy) - urban: | 12 l/100 km |
| Fuel consumption (economy) - extra urban: | 6.2 l/100 km |
| Fuel consumption (economy) - combined: | 8.4 l/100 km |
| Emission standard: | Euro 5 |
| Acceleration 0 - 100 km/h: | 4.6 sec |
| Acceleration 0 - 62 mph: | 4.6 sec |
| Maximum speed: | 250 km/h, Electronically limited |
| Weight-to-power ratio: | 3.6 kg/Hp, 274.3 Hp/tonne |
| Weight-to-torque ratio: | 2.8 kg/Nm, 351.8 Nm/tonne |
| Acceleration 0 - 60 mph: | 4.4 sec |
| Space: | |
|---|---|
| Kerb Weight: | 1535 |
| Max. weight: | 1910 |
| Max load: | 375 |
| Trunk (boot) space - maximum: | 335 l |
| Trunk (boot) space - minimum: | 225 l |
| Fuel tank capacity: | 70 l |
| Size: | |
|---|---|
| Length: | 4134 mm mm [Same length.] |
| Width: | 1810 mm mm [Same width.] |
| Height: | 1301 mm mm [Same height.] |
| Wheelbase: | 2430 mm mm [Same wheelbase.] |
| Width including mirrors: | 2006 mm |
| Front track: | 1559 mm |
| Rear (Back) track: | 1565 mm |
| Front overhang: | 870 mm |
| Rear overhang: | 834 mm |
| Minimum turning circle (turning diameter): | 10.53 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 | 7 |
| Transmission type | Automatic |
| Gearbox type | G-TRONIC PLUS |
| Front brakes | Ventilated discs, 360x36 mm [Best for performance and cooling.] |
| Rear brakes | Ventilated discs, 330x22 mm [Best for performance and cooling.] |
| Assisting systems | ABS (Anti-lock braking system) |
| Steering type | Steering rack and pinion |
| Power steering | Hydraulic Steering |
| Tires size | Front wheel tires: 235/40 R18 |
| Wheel rims size | Front wheel rims: 8J x 18 |
| Front suspension | Independent, type McPherson with coil spring and anti-roll bar |
| Rear suspension | Independent multi-link spring suspension with stabilizer |
If you could change one thing about the Mercedes-Benz SLK, what would it be?