Mercedes-Benz SLK Open 250 CDI BlueEfficiency 2dr Review

For Performance is strong from the twin-turbo diesel engine and the standard suspension brings a comfortable low-speed ride. It’s a quiet cruiser and the cabin is attractive.

Against The engine is coarse and noisy, and feels out of place in such a glamorous roadster. The SLK is nowhere near as fun to drive as its main rivals, either.

What Car? says

2 out of 5 stars

The SLK feels upmarket and is a nice thing to cruise along in, but the engine simply doesn’t suit it, despite the impressive performance it offers. If you must have a diesel convertible, you’d be far better off with an Audi TT Roadster.

What Car? readers say

3

Key facts

0–60mph: 6.7 secs
Top speed: 151 mph
Average mpg: 56.5
Tank range: miles

See all running costs

Features

See all equipment

Size

View the whole Mercedes-Benz SLK Open range

The full Mercedes-Benz SLK review

Performance
3 out of 5 stars
Entry-level engine can run out of puff
Ride & Handling
2 out of 5 stars
Behind rivals on both counts
Refinement
2 out of 5 stars
Four-cylinder engines are noisy
Buying & Owning
3 out of 5 stars
Low running costs and good residuals
Quality & Reliability
3 out of 5 stars
Good, but not as good as key rivals
Safety & Security
5 out of 5 stars
Lots of clever kit
Behind The Wheel
2 out of 5 stars
Confusing dash and high driving position
Space & Practicality
3 out of 5 stars
Good cabin and roof-up boot space
Equipment
4 out of 5 stars
Packed to the rafters

Buyer's notes

Target Price team says:

The Mercedes SLK range is reasonably simple. Petrol engines comprise two turbocharged 1.8s (badged 200 and 250) a 3.5-litre V6 (350) and a 5.5 V8 (55 AMG). There’s also a 2.1-litre diesel (250 CDI). The two 1.8 petrols are available with a six-speed manual gearbox or an optional seven-speed auto; the others get the auto ’box as standard.

Trim levels are standard or AMG Sport (the V8 is a stand-alone AMG model with its own look and equipment). The entry-level grade comes with alloys, Bluetooth, DAB radio and engine stop-start. AMG Sport versions add leather upholstery, a sporty bodykit, larger wheels and lower suspension, but they’re significantly more expensive than the standard models.

Despite the generous amount of comfort and safety equipment you get for the money, the options list is long and tempting. Pre-paid servicing plans are also available, as is a factory collection option where you fly to Germany to pick up your new car, then drive it home.

Reader test team says:

Mercedes-Benz SLK Open 250 CGI (Euro) 2dr

Hmm... The difficult "third album". I was intrigued by the promise of the SLK250; a turbo-charged 1.8 with 200ish bhp, 0-62 in 6.6sec and fuel economy…

Neil Oxley

2 out of 5 stars