A Manual After 21 Years

In 2012, the Mercedes-Benz "SLK Class," which achieved the number one domestic sales volume for open-top cars, welcomed two new models: the "SLK 200 BlueEFFICIENCY MT" and the "SLK 200 BlueEFFICIENCY Trend," both priced under five million yen.

First, the "SLK 200 BlueEFFICIENCY MT." This marks the official introduction of a Mercedes-Benz manual transmission model to the Japanese market in a remarkable 21 years. Mercedes-Benz Japan explained that the compact, sporty SLK Class, with its retractable hardtop that can instantly transform it into a coupe, is the ideal vehicle for introducing a manual transmission model that offers a high degree of driving enjoyment and a strong sense of personal connection. They aim to encourage a return to the pure joy of driving with this model.

This "SLK 200 BlueEFFICIENCY MT" features a right-hand drive configuration and a short-throw shifter for crisp gear changes. It also includes a hill-start assist function to aid in starting on inclines. An idling stop function, which shuts off the engine when the clutch is disengaged and the gear is in neutral, is also incorporated.



The engine is a 1.8-liter direct-injection turbo. It produces a maximum output of 135kW (184ps) at 5,250rpm and a peak torque of 270Nm (27.5kgm) between 1,800 and 4,600rpm. Despite its quiet operation, the engine is equipped with a sound generator. With the manual transmission allowing the driver to control throttle input and engine speed, this open-top car is also ideal for drives where enjoying the engine's sound is a priority.

Equipment includes the COMAND system with HDD navigation, six airbags, a multifunction steering wheel, cruise control, and 17-inch five-spoke alloy wheels.

The price is 4.93 million yen. Optional packages include the "Leather Package" (280,000 yen), which adds genuine leather seats, seat heating, "AIRSCARF" for warm air directed to the neck, "AIRGUIDE" to block wind turbulence from behind, and aluminum roll bars. Also available is the "AMG Sports Package" (350,000 yen), which can be selected concurrently with the Leather Package and features 18-inch AMG five-spoke wheels, sports suspension, and AMG styling for the interior and exterior.

Meanwhile, the "SLK 200 BlueEFFICIENCY Trend" shares the same engine as the "SLK 200 BlueEFFICIENCY MT" mentioned above, but is equipped with a seven-speed automatic transmission. This model is the production version of the special edition "SLK 200 BlueEFFICIENCY 1st Anniversary Edition" released last April.

It features a dedicated trunk lid spoiler lip and 17-inch ten-spoke wheels. The price is 4.98 million yen. The "Leather Package" (280,000 yen) is available as an optional package.

Mercedes-Benz SLK 200 BlueEFFICIENCY MT｜
Mercedes-Benz SLK 200 BlueEFFICIENCY MT
Mercedes-Benz SLK 200 BlueEFFICIENCY Trend｜
Mercedes-Benz SLK 200 BlueEFFICIENCY Trend

Body Dimensions｜Overall Length 4,145 x Overall Width 1,845 x Overall Height 1,305 mm
Wheelbase｜2,430 mm
Tread Front/Rear｜1,550 / 1,570 mm
Weight｜
(MT) 1,430 kg
(Trend) 1,460 kg
Engine｜1,795cc Inline 4-Cylinder Direct Injection DOHC Turbo
Max Output｜135kW (184ps) / 5,250 rpm
Max Torque｜270Nm (27.5kgm) / 1,800-4,600 rpm
Transmission｜
(MT) 6-Speed Manual
(Trend) 7-Speed Automatic
Drivetrain｜FR
Tires Front/Rear｜225/45R17 / 245/40R17
Fuel Economy (JC08 Mode)｜
(MT) Not Determined
(Trend) 14.0km/ℓ
Price｜
(MT) 4.93 million yen
(Trend) 4.98 million yen