2012 Mercedes-Benz SLK350

The new SLK also sets new standards among the compact roadsters where fuel economy and environmental compatibility are concerned. A wealth of outstanding attributes and technical innovations will once again make it the benchmark in its class - and undoubtedly also a success for our brand. The SLK is a roadster with character, and everyone will want it."

Striking, athletic and stylish
The designers have tailor-made a body for the new SLK that emphasizes its classic roadster proportions. Behind the long hood is a compact passenger compartment and a short rear overhang - key attributes that characterize all the classic roadsters from Mercedes-Benz.

Professor Gorden Wagener, Head of Design at Mercedes-Benz Cars: "The SLK continues the illustrious roadster tradition of Mercedes-Benz, and excitingly takes it into the future. The design idiom accentuates its lively, athletic presence, and is also sculptural. It expresses personality and sensuality. The same applies to the interior. High-grade materials, lovingly crafted details and a very exclusive finish characterize the essentially very sporty atmosphere."

The first eye-catching feature is an upright radiator grille that bears the new Mercedes-Benz brand look. The grille emphasizes the long and well-proportioned hood, and with its light-catching contours it already hints at the roadster's dramatic qualities. The wide radiator grille bears the Mercedes-Benz star in a prominent central position and displays a powerfully contoured chromed fin at the front. The clearly defined headlamps

complete the look of the new SLK's face and resemble that of the legendary 190SL from the 1950s, which is regarded by many as being the original "SLK". However, the designers did not just focus on the past; with the new SLK's front end they also intentionally created a close visual link with the new Mercedes-Benz  SLS AMG"gullwing" and the new CLA-class.