Mercedes Benz

After a dozen spy shots and a promotional video, we finally get to see the new SLK roadster "full monty". It looks Mercedes-Benz designers decided to play a safe game with the exterior design of the new open-top model and not embark on a tricky affair which could have ruined the overall result by making it appear heavy, controversial and over-designed. They opted for a careful approach, sort of a logical evolution of the lines and shapes seen on the current R 171 generation. However, we accept the fact that for some of us it could take time to adapt and live with it, as the new car is far from being a revolution. Moreover, as previously anticipated, the new SLK embraces some of the iconic lines that premiered on the SLS AMG: a clean front end, with simple, but elegantly-styled headlights and a mean, impressive one-louvre radiator grille with the big three-pointed star "shining" in the middle. The side profile of the R 172 is beautifully flowing, no matter the angle from where you watch it. The rear end is powerful demonstration of class, with a precious attention given to the big, LED tail lamps and the surfaces of the trunk and bumper. Inside, the SLS-esque ambience is simply luxurious: the abundance of fine leather upholstery and aluminium or pure essence wood trims deliver a very cosy atmosphere. Moving to the technical side of things, the new SLK-Klasse comes packed full of Merc's latest assistance, safety and infotainment technology: ATTENTION ASSIST, PRE-SAFE, Active Lane Keeping Assist, MAGIC SKY CONTROL, COMAND Online with internet access and many other intelligent solutions are on the list. To power the new roadster, engineers have prepared and extensive lineup of powerful and efficient engines: among the most eagerly-awaited powerplants are the SLK 250 CDI BlueEFFICIENCY with 204 hp (the first diesel powerplant in the history of this model) and the SLK 350 BlueEFFICIENCY with 306 hp out of the 3.5 liters direct-injection modular V6 unit. Until more details and hi-res photos are available, we invite you to check out more images of the new Mercedes-Benz SLK-Klasse after the jump!