Mercedes-Benz SLK Open 350 CGI BlueEff. AMG Sport 2dr Review

For The 350’s V6 engine makes a superb noise and gives the SLK real pace. Comes as standard with the super-slick seven-speed automatic gearbox.

Against The 350’s V6 engine makes a superb noise and gives the SLK real pace. Comes as standard with the super-slick seven-speed automatic gearbox.

What Car? says

2 out of 5 stars

A nice car if you can afford to buy and run it, but you’ll need extremely deep pockets. Plus, you’ll have more fun in a BMW Z4 or Porsche Boxster.

What Car? readers say

3

Key facts

0–60mph: 5.6 secs
Top speed: 155 mph
Average mpg: 39.8
Tank range: miles

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Features

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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