The 2016 Mercedes-Benz SLK Class is a stylish and sporty 2-door, 2-passenger roadster, built on a robust steel unibody chassis. This model year offered a range of engine options and performance levels to cater to different driving preferences. Here we delve into the technical specifications of the 2016 SLK Class, covering the SLK300, SLK350, and the high-performance AMG SLK55 variants.
Engine Options and Specifications
The engine lineup for the 2016 Mercedes-Benz SLK Class included three distinct powertrains, each offering a unique blend of performance and efficiency.
SLK300 Engine
The base model, the SLK300, featured a 2.0-liter inline 4-cylinder engine. This engine utilized an aluminum block and alloy cylinder head, incorporating 4 valves per cylinder. It was turbocharged and featured direct injection for enhanced efficiency and power delivery. The displacement was 1,991 cc, and while bore and stroke figures are TBA, it boasted a compression ratio of 9.8:1. This engine produced 241 horsepower at 5,500 rpm and a substantial 278 lb-ft of torque, available across a wide rev range from 1,200 to 4,000 rpm.
SLK350 Engine
Stepping up to the SLK350, drivers experienced a naturally aspirated 3.5-liter V6 engine. Like the SLK300, it also employed an aluminum block and alloy cylinder heads with 4 valves per cylinder and direct-injection technology. With a displacement of 3,498 cc, a bore of 3.66 inches, and a stroke of 3.38 inches, and a higher compression ratio of 12.0:1, this V6 delivered 302 horsepower at 6,500 rpm. Torque remained at 278 lb-ft, but peaked in a higher range from 3,500 to 5,250 rpm, reflecting its naturally aspirated character. The maximum engine speed for the SLK350 was 7,000 rpm.
AMG SLK55 Engine
For ultimate performance, the AMG SLK55 was equipped with a hand-built 5.5-liter AMG V8 engine. Sharing the aluminum block and alloy cylinder head construction with 4 valves per cylinder and direct injection, this powerhouse had a displacement of 5,461 cc. It featured a bore of 3.86 inches and a stroke of 3.56 inches, with a high compression ratio of 12.6:1. The AMG V8 produced a formidable 415 horsepower at 6,800 rpm and a massive 398 lb-ft of torque at 4,500 rpm. The engine could rev up to a maximum speed of 7,200 rpm, highlighting its high-performance nature.
Performance Metrics
The 2016 Mercedes-Benz SLK Class offered impressive performance figures across the model range.
| SLK300 | SLK350 | AMG SLK55 | |
|---|---|---|---|
| 0-60 mph (sec.) | 5.8 | 5.4 | 4.5 |
| Top Speed (mph) | 155 | 155 | 155 (174*) |
| Fuel Economy (City/Hwy/Comb.) | 25/32/28 | 21/29/24 | 19/28/22 |
*174mph with AMG Development Package
The SLK300 accelerated from 0 to 60 mph in 5.8 seconds, while the SLK350 slightly improved this to 5.4 seconds. The AMG SLK55 delivered blistering acceleration, reaching 60 mph in just 4.5 seconds. All models had a limited top speed of 155 mph, with the AMG SLK55 capable of reaching 174 mph when equipped with the optional AMG Development Package. Fuel economy varied, with the SLK300 offering the best figures at 25 mpg city, 32 mpg highway, and 28 mpg combined.
Transmission and Drivetrain
The 2016 SLK Class utilized sophisticated automatic transmissions to deliver power to the rear wheels.
| SLK300 | SLK350 | AMG SLK55 | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Transmission Type | 9G-TRONIC | 7G-TRONIC PLUS | AMG SPEEDSHIFT 7G- TRONIC PLUS |
| Drive Configuration | Rear-Wheel Drive | Rear-Wheel Drive | Rear-Wheel Drive |
The SLK300 featured the advanced 9G-TRONIC 9-speed automatic transmission, offering smooth and efficient gear changes. The SLK350 and AMG SLK55 were equipped with the 7G-TRONIC PLUS 7-speed automatic transmission, with the AMG variant featuring AMG SPEEDSHIFT enhancements for quicker and more performance-oriented shifts. All models were rear-wheel drive, befitting their sporty roadster character.
Suspension, Tires, and Brakes
The 2016 SLK Class was designed for agile handling and confident braking.
| SLK300 | SLK350 | AMG SLK55 | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Standard Tire | High-Performance | High-Performance | High-Performance |
| Front Tire Size | 225/45 R17 | 225/40 R18 | 225/40 R18 |
| Rear Tire Size | 245/40 R17 | 245/35 R18 | 245/35 R18 |
| Front Wheel Size | 7.5J X 17 | 7.5J X 17 | 7.5J X 18 |
| Rear Wheel Size | 8.5J X 17 | 8.5J X 17 | 9J X 18 |
All 2016 SLK models came standard with high-performance tires. The SLK300 and SLK350 models featured 17-inch front and rear wheels, while the AMG SLK55 upgraded to 18-inch wheels for both front and rear, with wider rear wheels for enhanced traction. Specific details on suspension type, steering, steering ratio, turning circle, and brake design were TBA in the original specifications.
Exterior and Interior Dimensions
The 2016 SLK Class maintained compact and sporty dimensions.
Exterior Dimensions (inches)
| SLK300 | SLK350 | AMG SLK55 | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Wheelbase | 95.7 | 95.7 | 95.7 |
| Length | 162.8 | 162.8 | 163.2 |
| Width (incl. mirrors) | 79.0 | 79.0 | 79.0 |
| Height | 51.2 | 51.2 | 51.2 |
| Track Width Front | 61.4 | 61.4 | 61.0 |
| Track Width Rear | 61.6 | 61.6 | 61.7 |
Interior Dimensions (inches)
| SLK300 | SLK350 | AMG SLK55 | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Headroom (top up) | 38.0 (39.1 w/ Pano or MAGIC SKY) | 38.0 (39.1 w/ Pano or MAGIC SKY) | 38.0 (39.1 w/Pano or MAGIC SKY) |
| Leg room | 42.5 | 42.5 | 42.5 |
| Shoulder room | 52.2 | 52.2 | 52.2 |
The wheelbase remained consistent across all models at 95.7 inches. Length and width were also largely similar, with a slight increase in length for the AMG SLK55. Interior dimensions offered comfortable space for two occupants, with generous legroom and shoulder room. Headroom varied slightly depending on the roof option, with panoramic or MAGIC SKY control offering slightly more headroom when the top is up.
Capacities and Weights
| SLK300 | SLK350 | AMG SLK55 | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Trunk Capacity (Roof Up/Down) (cu.ft.) | 10.1/6.4 | 10.1/6.4 | 10.1/6.4 |
| Curb Weight (lbs.) | 3,417 | 3,417 | 3,583 |
| Fuel Tank (gallons) | 15.9 | 15.9 | 18.5 |
The 2016 Mercedes-Benz SLK Class provided a practical trunk space for a roadster, offering 10.1 cubic feet with the roof up and 6.4 cubic feet with the roof down. Curb weight was similar for the SLK300 and SLK350, while the AMG SLK55 was slightly heavier due to its larger engine and performance enhancements. The fuel tank capacity was 15.9 gallons for the SLK300 and SLK350, and increased to 18.5 gallons for the AMG SLK55, reflecting its higher fuel consumption and performance focus.
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