The wait for the third-generation Mercedes-Benz SLK has been a long one, but from initial impressions it appears to have been worth it…
Rather than giving away too much regarding the driving impression of the new SLK, which appears in the May 2011 issue of CAR, it’s probably pertinent to address the question that has been leveled at me on several occasions since I returned from the international launch in Tenerife; how does the latest iteration of the SLK measure up against its sternest rival, the BMW Z4?
Automobile styling is always a subjective matter, with one person’s masterpiece being another’s aesthetic mishap, but while the essential formula that both cars follow (long nose, cab-back silhouette and folding hard-top) is the same, the manner in which they are executed is vastly divergent.
The Z4 is smooth-skinned, graceful and some may say slightly feminine in its execution – it’s certainly easy on the eye, but could hardly be regarded as aggressive. The previous SLKs, although solid and stylish, were often perceived as having a somewhat feminine air about them – the same cannot be said of the new car.
There are strong SLS-inspired cues evident in the exterior design, such as the prominent, rectangular cross section of the nose with its prominent one-piece grille bisected by a chrome louvre upon which the three-pointed star sits, as well as a pair of bonnet vents and a more subtle take on the supercar’s “gill” intakes just behind the front wheels. The cabin also takes a couple of cues from the company’s halo performance model, with such elements as the eyeball ventilation pods and chromed dials housed in a cowled binnacle adding a touch of panache to the otherwise solid and understated ambience. BMW’s cabins, including that of the Z4, have become somewhat samey in their execution, but there’s no denying the quality, which may just marginally eclipse that of the SLK. The mixture of curved and angular exterior elements takes a bit of getting used to, but it should appeal to a wider audience than before.
Both the Z4 and SLK feature folding metal roofs, but while the BMW’s top is a graceful affair that keeps road/wind noise firmly in check, the Stuttgarter offers a wider variety of bonce-protectors. In its most basic form, the Vario roof comes as a body-coloured steel unit. Customers can then opt for a tinted panoramic glass version or, the one of the new car’s (ahem) crowning features, the Magic Sky Control panel. This unit comprises an electrochromatic glass panel that can be rendered tinted or clear in a matter of seconds at the touch of a button. In all cases the roof-down experience is complemented by comfy seats with moderate bolstering and the effective Air Ascarf neck-level ventilation.
In terms of powerplants on offer, the Z4 serves up a trio of straight-six petrol units with power outputs ranging from 150-250 kW. They’re all keen-revving, energetic units (the lattermost imbuing the car with a wicked turn of pace) mated with either a slick six-speed manual ‘box, a six-speed auto, or the swift-shifting MCT dual-clutch transmission.
The SLK will initially be offered in turbocharged 1,8-litre and normally-aspirated 3,5-litre V6 guises. The 4-cylinder unit develops a reasonable 135 kW and 270 N.m of torque – punchy enough, although with a 0-100 km/h time of 7,0 seconds and a 240 km/h top speed, it won’t exactly set the road alight. Although ‘Benz ‘boxes have never been held in high regard, this unit had a pleasant, direct shift that suited the smaller engine. This model can also be mated with a 7-speed automatic transmission, which also features in the V6-engined SLK 350. The newly-developed 3,5-litre powerplant with direct fuel injection is a smooth character, delivering 225 kW and 370 N.m of torque, and punts the car along at a decent lick. So, in terms of average power outputs and choice, the BMW holds some sway over the ‘Benz, but that could change with the introduction of an AMG model featuring the company’s new twin-turbo 5,5-litre V8 engine in 2012.
When it comes to ride and dynamics, the Z4 and SLK major in different areas. The Z4 feels more nimble when tackling twisty roads and its well-weighted steering and responsive nature make it feel sportier than the SLK. But the dynamic difference between the two is no longer the yawning chasm that it was with the previous car.
The new SLK’s steering is more responsive than before, and has a meaty, direct feel that inspires confidence in challenging conditions while the three-link front and multi-link rear suspension set-up absorbs the worst of the road surface imperfections whilst keeping body-roll neatly reined in. Both cars are capable open road cruisers, but the Z4’s overall dynamic feel is sportier than the SLK’s softer, more sports-tourer set-up. This does, however manifest itself in a ride that is noticeably harder than the SLK’s – a set-up that strikes just about the right balance between moderate entertainment and stable, comfy cruising.
It’s really going to boil down to what the buyer wants of their Teutonic tin-top roadster. Taking brand loyalty out of the equation, the choice between the Z4 and previous SLK would have leant heavily in the Bavarian’s favour. But the new SLK has closed the gap dynamically and is thankfully more masculine than before. To get an accurate idea of how these two square up, we would have to pit them against one another in a proper comparative test once the SLK arrives here in August. But, for now, it appears that the BMW might have some tough competition coming its way…