Chapter 1: Discover Mercedes-Benz SLK & GLK
CAR / FEATURES
April 3, 2015

Chapter 1: Discover Mercedes-Benz SLK & GLK


Chapter 1
Discover Mercedes-Benz SLK & GLK


SLK and GLK: Choosing Your Partner Car (1)


When one thinks of Mercedes-Benz, keywords like technological prowess, reliability, and safety immediately come to mind. Adding enjoyment to this is the compact, everyday-practical "SLK" open-top two-seater and the SUV "GLK," both of which enhance the joy of driving. These two vehicles can be described as "dependable partners" that elegantly accompany you on leisurely adult holidays.


Text by Fumio Ogawa




Enjoying the Charms of Both Open and Coupe──SLK


Positioned as a two-seater compact roadster, the SLK features a power-retractable metal hardtop called the vario-roof. When closed, it offers weather resistance comparable to a coupe, while when open, it provides the comfort of a full convertible. This car uniquely combines the best of both worlds. Its compact length of 4.1 meters makes it easy to handle, serving as a personal car for active owners.

The SLK is a compact sports car that pursues not only comfort but also driving performance. Therefore, following Mercedes-Benz's traditional car-making philosophy of "the chassis must be faster than the engine," they developed a chassis that is lightweight yet robust with high torsional rigidity. The materials used for the chassis and body are diverse, including high-tensile steel, aluminum, and magnesium. By achieving ideal weight distribution, they have pursued the utmost in driving performance.

The SLK lineup available from Mercedes-Benz Japan is as follows.
・SLK200 KOMPRESSOR (1.8-liter inline 4-cylinder engine with supercharger / 184ps / ¥5.7 million)
・SLK350 (3.5-liter V6 engine / 305ps / ¥7.54 million)
・SLK55 AMG (5.5-liter V8 engine / 360ps / ¥10.56 million)








Limited Edition of 20 Units


Additionally, the special edition "SLK 200 KOMPRESSOR Grand Edition" was released on April 19, 2010. Based on the SLK 200 KOMPRESSOR, this limited edition features special interior and exterior finishes and enhanced equipment. The body color is a special designo graphite, and it comes equipped with an AMG styling package and 18-inch 5-spoke alloy wheels. The interior is a two-tone designo basalt pearl gray and basalt gray with red stitching. It also includes sports suspension and paddle shifters, offering approximately ¥1.2 million worth of equipment for a price of ¥6.2 million, just ¥500,000 more than the base model, making it an attractive proposition.

The beauty of the SLK class lies in its compact and lightweight design, which endows it with the elements expected of a sports car: acceleration, handling, and braking performance. Furthermore, as a rear-wheel-drive sports roadster, its inherent elegance is a rare and captivating charm. It looks at home in the city, but it beckons you to escape the stresses of daily life in a verdant setting.──It's a journey that invites you to do just that.



Chapter 1
Discover Mercedes-Benz SLK & GLK


SLK and GLK: Choosing Your Partner Car (2)



Enjoying an Active Lifestyle, On and Off Road──GLK


The Mercedes-Benz GLK is positioned as a premium compact SUV. It features Mercedes-Benz's traditional expertise in four-wheel-drive technology, making it versatile for a wide range of driving situations, from city streets to off-road excursions.

While Mercedes-Benz offers a diverse lineup of SUVs (Sport Utility Vehicles) including the M-Class, GL-Class, and R-Class, the GLK-Class stands out with its compact body dimensions, measuring 4,530mm in length. The model sold in Japan is the "GLK 300 4MATIC" (¥6.75 million), which combines a 3-liter V6 engine with a full-time four-wheel-drive system.

The Japanese specification recently received an update, including the addition of LED daytime running lamps integrated into the front bumper. Furthermore, in terms of passive safety, the adoption of SRS pelvic airbags, designed to reduce stress on the occupant's lower back and pelvis in the event of a collision, is a notable feature. It has been available since March 3, 2010.

A key advantage of the GLK is its spacious interior despite its relatively compact exterior dimensions. The design provides a sense of spaciousness, particularly in the headroom, rear legroom, and the space between occupants and the car's body. The dashboard is both functional and user-friendly, while also contributing to the feeling of ample interior space.

Functionality is another strong point of the GLK. The cargo area boasts high storage capacity with a completely flat floor and generous dimensions in both width and depth. The split-folding rear seats also allow for the transport of long items. It offers a sense of status while being exceptionally practical for those with hobbies, from golf to shopping, making it an ideal partner.








Features Automatic Suspension Adjustment


The engine is a 3-liter V6, producing a maximum output of 231 horsepower and a peak torque of 30.6 kgm from 2,500 rpm, offering powerful performance from low speeds. This is paired with Mercedes' proprietary 4MATIC full-time four-wheel-drive system. Another noteworthy technology is Agility Control, a system that adjusts suspension damping based on driving conditions, enhancing the driving pleasure on paved roads.

For owners who enjoy driving to the countryside for activities like golf or outdoor adventures, the GLK, with its high reliability, spacious interior, and fatigue-reducing comfort on long drives, is an excellent choice. Moreover, it offers an enjoyable driving experience, making the driver's seat the best seat in the house. It transforms the very act of traveling to distant places into a pleasure. It is truly a wonderful partner.





080507_eac_spec
MERCEDES-BENZ SLK 200 KOMPRESSOR |
Mercedes-Benz SLK 200 KOMPRESSOR

Body | Length 4,110 x Width 1,810 x Height 1,300mm
Wheelbase | 2,430mm
Vehicle Weight | 1,430kg
Engine | 1,795cc DOHC Inline 4-cylinder with Supercharger
Max Output | 135kW (184ps) / 5,500rpm
Max Torque | 250Nm (25.5kgm) / 2,800-5,000rpm
Transmission | Electronically Controlled 5-speed AT
Price | ¥5.7 million

MERCEDES-BENZ SLK 350 |
Mercedes-Benz SLK 350

Body | Length 4,110 x Width 1,810 x Height 1,300mm
Wheelbase | 2,430mm
Vehicle Weight | 1,500kg
Engine | 3,497cc DOHC V6
Max Output | 224kW (305ps) / 6,500rpm
Max Torque | 360Nm (36.7kgm) / 4,900rpm
Transmission | Electronically Controlled 7-speed AT
Price | ¥7.54 million

MERCEDES-BENZ SLK 55 AMG |
Mercedes-Benz SLK 55 AMG

Body | Length 4,105 x Width 1,810 x Height 1,290mm
Wheelbase | 2,430mm
Vehicle Weight | 1,550kg
Engine | 5,438cc SOHC V8
Max Output | 265kW (360ps) / 5,750rpm
Max Torque | 510Nm (52.0kgm) / 4,000rpm
Transmission | Electronically Controlled 7-speed AT
Price | ¥10.56 million

MERCEDES-BENZ GLK 300 4MATIC |
Mercedes-Benz GLK 300 4MATIC

Body | Length 4,530 x Width 1,840 x Height 1,685mm
Wheelbase | 2,755mm
Vehicle Weight | 1,860kg
Engine | 2,996cc DOHC V6
Max Output | 170kW (231ps) / 6,000rpm
Max Torque | 300Nm (30.6kgm) / 2,500-5,000rpm
Transmission | Electronically Controlled 7-speed AT
Price | ¥6.75 million