The 2012 Mercedes-Benz SLK 350 marks a significant shift from its predecessors, shedding its reputation as a purely gentle cruiser and emerging as a more assertive and performance-oriented roadster. This model year brought with it a bolder design and enhanced driving dynamics, appealing to enthusiasts seeking both luxury and thrill.
Performance and Handling: Unleashing the Power of the SLK 350
Under the hood, the 2012 SLK 350 boasts a newly developed direct-injection 3.5-liter V-6 engine. This powerplant is a core element in the transformation of the SLK’s character. It delivers a robust 302 horsepower, allowing for brisk acceleration and a genuinely engaging driving experience. The engine’s sound profile is noticeably more aggressive than previous iterations, starting with a confident growl and settling into a powerful idle that hints at the performance capabilities within.
The seven-speed automatic transmission, while generally smooth, can exhibit some abrupt shifts at lower speeds in standard driving mode. However, this characteristic is part of the car’s more assertive nature. For drivers seeking a more dynamic experience, the Sport and Manual modes sharpen the transmission’s behavior, offering quicker gear changes and holding gears longer to keep the engine in its optimal power band. Paddle shifters on the steering wheel provide further control for enthusiasts who prefer a more hands-on approach to gear selection.
While the SLK 350 is equipped with an automatic transmission, it’s designed to minimize the typical drawbacks associated with automatics in sports cars. The inclusion of a lock-up clutch effectively eliminates torque converter slippage, resulting in more direct and responsive gear shifts, contributing to a sportier feel.
The driving modes – Eco, Sport, and Manual – offer distinct driving personalities. The default Eco mode, branded with an ‘E’ for efficiency, is intended for everyday driving. However, in city driving, the engine and transmission tuning in Eco mode can sometimes lead to less smooth transitions and a slightly jerky feel, especially during moderate acceleration. Moving to Sport mode transforms the car, holding gears longer and utilizing the engine’s power more effectively. Manual mode gives the driver complete control, allowing for precise gear selection via paddles or the shifter.
At higher speeds and on open roads, the 2012 Mercedes-Benz SLK 350 truly shines. The short wheelbase and precise steering contribute to nimble handling, making it feel agile and responsive in corners. The suspension is well-tuned, maintaining composure through turns and preventing excessive body roll. Wide rear tires ensure ample grip, allowing drivers to confidently explore the car’s performance limits.
Exterior and Interior Design: Aggression Meets Luxury
The exterior design of the 2012 SLK 350 represents a departure from the softer lines of previous SLK models. The front end is particularly striking, featuring hood vents, a large lower air intake, and a prominent Mercedes-Benz star on the grille. These elements combine to create a more aggressive and purposeful look, signaling the car’s enhanced performance capabilities. However, the rear styling retains a more curved aesthetic, somewhat reminiscent of competitors like the BMW Z4, and may not fully harmonize with the bold front-end design. The panoramic glass roof option adds a futuristic touch, especially when viewed from the rear, giving the car a unique and modern appearance.
Inside, the cabin of the SLK 350 is a blend of luxury and sportiness. The leather seats are comfortable and supportive, suitable for both relaxed cruising and more spirited driving. The steering wheel, with its flattened bottom and sculpted thumb rests, further emphasizes the car’s sporty intentions. Mercedes-Benz has paid considerable attention to creating a comfortable open-top driving environment. Features like the Air Scarf system, which blows warm air around the neck, and heated seats ensure comfort even in cooler weather. A wind deflector screen between the headrests helps to minimize cabin turbulence when the top is down.
Technology and Features: Modern Infotainment and Audio
The 2012 SLK 350 is equipped with a comprehensive suite of technology features, particularly in its infotainment and audio systems. The Harman Kardon audio system, featuring 11 speakers, delivers exceptional sound quality. It provides a high level of detail and clarity, capable of reproducing complex musical passages with impressive fidelity and handling deep bass without distortion. The system’s ability to reveal nuances in audio tracks is a standout feature for audiophiles.
The infotainment system is user-friendly and feature-rich. The Bluetooth streaming audio interface is notably advanced, displaying song information and album art from compatible devices like iPhones – a feature not universally found in car systems of this era. iPod integration is also seamless, and the system includes a hard drive for storing digital music files. A particularly impressive feature is the Gracenote database integration, which allows the system to index music from USB drives, organize tracks by album or artist, and display album art.
Navigation is handled by a hard-drive-based system that includes traffic data and lane guidance. The system provides clear maps with some 3D rendered buildings in urban areas and even topographic details in certain regions. Connected features are also present, including Sirius weather data, offering current conditions, forecasts, and weather maps.
Convertible Top and Practicality
As a roadster, the retractable hardtop is a defining feature of the SLK 350. The power-operated top folds down into the trunk in approximately 20 seconds, transforming the car from a closed coupe to an open-air convertible. Mercedes-Benz also offered an optional electrochromic “Magic Sky Control” roof, which could adjust its opacity depending on sunlight conditions.
While the SLK 350 is primarily a two-seater roadster, it offers reasonable practicality for its class. The trunk space, while reduced when the top is down, is still adequate for weekend getaways or everyday errands. Fuel economy is also respectable for a car with this level of performance, with EPA ratings of 20 mpg city and 29 mpg highway.
Conclusion: A Compelling Roadster with Dual Personalities
The 2012 Mercedes-Benz SLK 350 successfully blends luxury and performance in a compact roadster package. While it may exhibit a slightly less refined character in city driving at lower speeds, its true potential is unleashed on the open road. The powerful V-6 engine, agile handling, and comfortable cabin make it an enjoyable car for spirited drives and weekend cruises alike. The advanced technology features, particularly the infotainment and audio systems, further enhance the overall ownership experience. For those seeking a roadster that offers more than just gentle cruising, the 2012 SLK 350 presents a compelling option, delivering a more aggressive and engaging driving experience than its predecessors while maintaining Mercedes-Benz’s hallmark luxury and refinement.
Tech Specs: 2012 Mercedes-Benz SLK350
| Model | 2012 Mercedes-Benz SLK350 |
|---|---|
| Trim | n/a |
| Power train | Direct-injection 3.5-liter V-6, 7-speed automatic transmission |
| EPA fuel economy | 20 mpg city/29 mpg highway |
| Observed fuel economy | 21.7 mpg |
| Navigation | Optional hard-drive-based with traffic data |
| Bluetooth phone support | Standard, with contact list download |
| Disc player | MP3-compatible 6-DVD changer |
| MP3 player support | iPod integration |
| Other digital audio | Bluetooth streaming audio, internal hard-drive storage, USB drive, SD card |
| Audio system | Harman Kardon 500-watt 11-speaker system |
| Driver aids | Drowsy-driving prevention, parking distance sensors |
| Base price | $54,800 |
| Price as tested | $67,565 |
