Mercedes Benz SLK

The 2010 Mercedes Benz SLK ranks 5 out of 8 Luxury Sports Cars. This ranking is based on our analysis of 57 published reviews and test drives of the Mercedes Benz SLK, and our analysis of reliability and safety data.

The 2010 Mercedes-Benz SLK hardtop roadster is a comfortable, sporty handler that’s easy on the eyes and plenty of fun to drive. Consumer Reports names the 2010 Mercedes-Benz SLK a "Top Recommendation."

The Mercedes-Benz SLK is well liked for its sleek design and sporty, yet easy-to-live-with, handling dynamics. According to Consumer guide, "It may not be the first nameplate mentioned when talk turns to sports cars, but the SLK has enough accessible everyday performance to hold its own in pretty fast company." In fact, some critics claim that the 2010 Mercedes-Benz SLK's refinement and exciting nature approach Porsche territory.

The 2010 Mercedes-Benz SLK is available in two trims: 300 and 350. While the Mercedes-Benz SLK350 holds reviewers' hearts for its powerful 300-horsepower engine, test drivers find that both models handle exceptionally well. What's more, the Mercedes-Benz SLK's recently-refreshed exterior design calls to mind such sporty rides as Formula 1 racers and the exotic SLR McLaren. The 2010 Mercedes-Benz SLK's interior suffers a bit in terms of comfort and fit and finish, but most find that the roadster's positives outweigh its negatives.

Other Sports Cars to Consider

If you’re in the market for a more-capable luxury sports convertible, check out the 2010 Porche Boxter. It costs roughly the same as the 2010 Mercedes-Benz SLK, but features better all-around sports performance, a larger amount of cargo room, and a more comfortable and luxurious cabin.

Shoppers on a slimmer budget should consider the 2010 Mazda MX-5 Miata. It’s not as powerful or quick off the line, but provides spectacular sports handling. But, you’d need to give up a lot of the luxury that both the 2010 Mercedes-Benz SLK and Porsche Boxster provide.

Details: 2010 Mercedes-Benz SLK

The 2010 Mercedes-Benz SLK carries into the 2010 model year unchanged. In addition to the SLK300 and SLK350, a performance-tuned 2010 Mercedes-Benz SLK55 AMG is also available.

• "Since being introduced in the 1990s, the Mercedes-Benz SLK-Class has been best known for one thing: its retractable hardtop convertible roof. A revolutionary piece of automotive engineering at the time, it has since spread to other convertibles. Yet the 2010 Mercedes SLK-Class remains an appealing luxury roadster, especially given how much emotion plays on this sort of vehicle purchase."
• "A diminutive roadster with a power retractable hardtop, the SLK offers Mercedes levels of refinement and a sporty and fun-to-drive nature that can approach that of the sports cars from Porsche."
• "If you're a performance enthusiast and a roadster fan, it's hard not to enjoy the zippy Mercedes-Benz SLK, especially the much-improved SLK350. For those familiar with sporty two-seater convertibles, the SLK's faults shouldn't come as any surprise: limited luggage space (especially when the top is down), a smallish cockpit, and the lingering question of whether or not you should have perhaps bought something a touch more practical."
• "Beyond the SLK's gorgeous exterior, stunning interior and enthusiast-inspired performance and handling capabilities, the car's most attractive feature is its price. With a sticker starting around $45,000, the SLK is well within reach of luxury car buyers seeking a fun second vehicle for weekend getaways or romantic moonlight drives."

SLK Performance - 8.4 (Very Good)

Test drivers report that the 2010 Mercedes-Benz SLK is an outstanding performer, but prefer the SLK350's powerful 300-horsepower engine over the SLK300's 228-horsepower powerplant. Both, however, handle remarkably well. "Hats off to Mercedes for turning the SLK into a real sports car," writes Automobile Magazine. "If it were available with a manual transmission, it would even give the Porche Boxster a run for its money, and that's high praise indeed."

SLK Exterior - 8.9 (Very Good)

The 2010 Mercedes-Benz SLK receives high praise for its recently freshened exterior design. "The SLK350 makes an interesting visual statement," writes Cars.com. "The car has a bulge running down the middle of the hood that recalls the SLR McLaren, Mercedes' supercar, and the large three-pointed star draws your attention to the grille." A favorite feature of reviewers is its retractable hardtop.

SLK Interior - 7.7 (Good)

Having received a light refresh in 2009, the Mercedes-Benz SLK’s interior remains pretty much the same for 2010. All in all, reviewers are split over the cabin's fit and finish, but find its modest cargo space and generally comfortable front seats a plus. The 2010 Mercedes-Benz SLK features a host of impressive interior gadgets, but critics like its sound system the most.

SLK Safety - NA

The 2010 Mercedes-Benz SLK has not been crash tested by the federal government or insurance industry. It does, however, come equipped with an impressive array of safety features. Still, critics note significant blind spots that potential drivers should be aware of.

SLK Reliability - 8.0 (Very Good)

The 2010 Mercedes Benz SLK reliability score shown is the Predicted Reliability rating provided by J.D. Power and Associates. This score is based on trending the past three years of historical initial quality and dependability data from J.D. Power's automotive studies, specifically the Vehicle Dependability Study (VDS) and the Initial Quality Study (IQS). The 2010 Mercedes-Benz SLK features a four-year/50,000-mile basic warranty. An extended limited warranty is also available.