Mercedes SLK350

Chris Jackson, www.car-data.com

‘Oh, man!’ said one of the coworkers at my summer job when I pulled up in the new MercedesSLK350. ‘So be honest with me–is this the most expensive car you’ve ever tested?’

I had to tell him that no, not exactly. The SLK350 is actually the freshly redesigned junior member of Mercedes’ roadster family, and stickers for less than $50,000. In terms of curb appeal,though, it’s clear that the SLK’s new face, more powerful engine and upgraded interior are easily worth six figures.

Introduced in 1996 with the first wave of drop-top roadsters coming from Germany, the SLK has always been the plushest member of the fraternity, which currently includes the BMW Z4, Audi TT and Porsche Boxster. It was the first of the bunch to let the sun shine in with the use of a retractable hardtop instead of a canvas convertible roof. Though it’s got some sporty moves, the SLK is distinguished by being the most comfortable in its class, a sporty boulevard cruiser that’s comfortable enough to drive cross-country.

Redesigned for 2008, the SLK gets major revisions to its V6 engine to up the performance ante.The 3.5 liter V6 engine provides decent performance, though even with 300 horsepower on tap the SLK doesn’t feel as hard-edged as its competitors. Displacement has not been increased, but a new intake manifold and valvetrain modifications are responsible for the power increase. The high-revving V6 is happy at just about any speed, and returns mid-twenties fuel economy on the freeway as well, giving the SLK a five hundred-mile range if it’s driven gently. The new seven-speed automatic transmission does its part as well; with more ratios to choose from, the V6is more efficient. The SLK350 is the middle child of the lineup; it’s bracketed by the 228-horseSLK300 and the 355-horse SLK55 AMG.

The SLK350′s performance is entertaining, but serious sports-car fans will find it only mildlyamusing. Then again, those folks rarely slow down to enjoy the scenery, and the SLK makes itcomfortable to go fast or slow. The suspension is fully independent, with two-piece control armsand coil springs up front and a five-link rear. Anti-squat and -dive geometry keeps the SLK350level under hard acceleration or braking. Standard stability control means that the rear-driveSLK350 keeps its composure in the wet, and this is a solid-feeling little roadster that neverquailed when asked to deal with Detroit’s less-than-friendly road surfaces. A new direct-steersystem makes the SLK more engaging than previous versions, taking much of Mercedes’ trademarknumbness out of the drive. On average roads, at legal speeds and without a stopwatch counting thefractions of seconds, the little Mercedes is great fun to drive. You can push it harder than that,and it’ll do as it’s told, but it’s clear all the time that F1-grade corner carving is not theSLK350′s forte. It’s almost too soft-hearted to be considered a sports roadster, though the lack ofa back seat and the ultra-compact dimensions put it in that class.

Track numbers aren’t everything, of course, and the SLK is just as happy being an automobile ofleisure. The SLK remains the most elegant of the various compact two-seat roadsters on sale. TheSLK’s redesign gives it show-stopping looks. This may be one of the junior members of the Mercedesfamily, but you wouldn’t know that from the curb, and more than one onlooker was surprised to learnthat the SLK didn’t come with a six-figure price tag. The sleek, raked-back looks of the full-sizeSL roadster have been combined with Formula One cues like the strongly V-shaped front splitter andlarge Mercedes badge to create a sporty, upscale look that’s unique. The rear of the car has alsobeen restyled, with smoked taillights, quad exhaust outlets and tough-looking ground effects. TheSLK looks restrained and powerful at the same time.

The SLK’s interior has been revised for a sportier, driver-oriented feeling. Even with snugseats, an aggressive, racing-style instrument panel and a laid-back driving position, however, theSLK still exudes an air of elegance that puts it above the league of the Miatas and Solstices ofthe world. A choice of burr walnut or black ash woodgrain trim decorates the dash. Driving free ofdistractions is aided by the Bluetooth-compatible phone and voice-command system. These, and theavailable iPod controller, are all linked through the instrument panel for ease of use. There’salso an SD memory card slot in the dash, and the navigation system’s screen is larger for easierreading. The available harman/kardon Logic 7 sound system provides powerful tunes with the roofopen or closed. And speaking of the roof, it doesn’t seem to matter that even Pontiac’s doing aretractable hardtop these days; popping the SLK’s top conveys celebrity status in just twenty-twoseconds, as people crowd to watch the roof raise up, fold itself, and slide neatly into the trunk.I was able to enjoy top-down driving in Michigan’s balmy fall weather thanks to the unique AIRSCARFsystem of air vents that blow warm air across the driver and passenger’s shoulders when the top’sdown.

It’s almost impossible to go wrong when you’re talking about two-seat, top-down motoring, so itboils down to a matter of style. If you’re looking for sports roadster thrills combined withlong-distance capability, wrapped up in a packaged that will make the valet parkers smile withrespect when they see you coming, the SLK350 might just be your ticket. It’s a Mercedes, of course,so you’re going to pay for that status. Pricing for the SLK350 starts at just under $50,000, butthe options add up quickly. My test car featured satellite radio, the AIRSCARF and heated seats, anavigation system and the harman/kardon sound system, and stickered for $60,225.

Mercedes C Class

Kelly Foss, www.car-data.com

Mercedes is never a company that is merely ‘satisfied’ with the status quo. It has a heritage ofenhancing and improving their vehicles with each new model introduction. Such is the case with thetotally new C Class sedan, their entry level model. The C Class can be described as a premiumcompact model that provide the full ‘Mercedes’ experience in a small package with a $32,000 entryprice point.

For 2008 the C Class has grown 3.9 inches in length, 1.7 inches in width and cabin is noticeablyroomier. Though a compact, the vehicle’s solid build puts it in the weight class of a midsize. Thetrunk now offers 16.8 cubic feet of space, also an improvement from the previous model.

The model lineup now parallels the current Mercedes strategy with prepackaged ‘Luxury’ and’Sport’ models offered. For reference, the Luxury model is most similar to the Mercedes models inthe past with a more compliant suspension and wood trim. The Sport models have more of an athleticdemeanor which includes twin-spoke 17-inch wheels of staggered width, sport shocks, springs andstabilizer bars that provide a crisper ride and more than a half-inch lower ride height. Metallicsurfaces on the interior characterize the Sport models.

Power is provided by two V6 engines this year, a 3.0 liter with 226 horsepower and a 3.5 literwith 268 horsepower. The available C Class model choices are C300 Luxury, C300 Sport and C350 Sport.

In the past, only automatic transmissions were offered, but for the 2008 model, in addition tothe wonderful 7 speed automatic, you can now specify as 6 speed manual in the C300 Sport. The C300Luxury accelerated to 60 miles an hour in 7.2 seconds, the manual Sport is only .1 seconds fasterand the C350 arrives in just 6.3 seconds. Highway fuel economy is 28 mpg for the 300 and 29 for the350 meaning there is no penalty for the larger engine thanks to better rear axle gearing. Top speedon all models is electronically limited to 130 miles an hour though they are capable of much morethan that.

The 2008 model is also available with Mercedes’ 4MATIC full time 4 wheel drive systems. Thisfull-time system is available on both the C300 Luxury and the C300 Sport models. It aims to offerimproved clear and inclement weather vehicle stability and traction. With upgrades to the systemthis year, it now is more seamlessly integrated into the vehicle.

The new C Class is a more refined and complete vehicle than before. In addition to its manyupgrades and enhancements, it offers the complete suite of safety systems that Mercedes owners havecome to expect. The previous C Class, though a fine vehicle, was just a bit too small for manyAmerican drivers’ tastes. The new C is a more substantial and appealing offering. For an attractivestarting price of about $32,000 you can obtain a totally modernized high quality Mercedes Benz.