Mercedes-Benz SLK.(Roadsters - Road Test)(Evaluation)

The SLK320 provides a quiet, pleasant driving experience. Outward visibility is very good, access and trunk capacity are the best of the group, and the SLK provides a more solid feel, with less body shake, than typical convertibles. It handles and accelerates well but isn't as sporty feeling as the Corvette or Boxster. More steering feel would help in this area.

THE DRIVING EXPERIENCE

The SLK soaks up road bumps with commendable compliance and isolation. Frequent short body motions make it feel a bit busy. Most noise sources are well suppressed. The car handles capably, but body roll is more pronounced than in the Corvette or Boxster, and steering is a bit vague. At our track the SLK hung on well through fast turns and plowed benignly when it reached its limits. It negotiated our avoidance maneuver quickly and competently, posting a maximum speed equal to that of the Corvette.

The 215-hp, 3.2-liter V6 provides plenty of refined performance. Expect 23 mpg in mixed driving. The base four-cylinder engine is nowhere near as smooth or powerful. The standard six-speed manual shifts competently. A five-speed automatic is a $1,300 option. Braking was excellent overall.

INSIDE THE CABIN

The interior is tasteful, well fitted, and luxurious. Nearly anyone should find a good driving position. Both front seats are comfortable: firm but well shaped and fully powered. Getting in and out is easier than in most sporty cars.

The gauges can be hard to read in bright light. Some controls are confusingly placed or cryptically labeled. The audio controls take some getting used to, and it's hard to reach the seat adjustments. As in other Mercedes-Benz models, the cruise-control lever is too close to the turn-signal lever. Storage nooks are adequate, and quite good for this class. Two flimsy cup holders deploy from the dash.