With the top up, the 335L trunk can hold a couple of suitcases for a weekend journey but with the multi-panel top folded into the trunk, space is reduced to 225L and it’s only accessible through a narrow gap. To prevent luggage being squashed by a descending hardtop, a trunk panel needs to be lowered into place before the top can be lowered.

The 2016 SLK 300 has a base price of $58,100, but options can soon boost that price to over $70,000, and you could argue that many of the SLK’s options should be standard equipment. Our test car had optional black leather upholstery ($1,990) and the Premium Package ($5,600) that included a 500-watt Harman Kardon audio system, Keyless Go, swivelling bi-xenon headlights, sunroof, AirScarf neck heaters, Navigation with MB apps, and Sirius satellite radio. It also had the optional Sport Package ($1,800) which included AMG bodywork, 18-inch tires and AMG wheels, Sport Brake System, AirGuide and aluminum roll hoop inlays; and Parktronic ($900) with front and rear parking sensors.

Additional options available on the SLK 300 include the Dynamic Handling Package, Adaptive High Beam Assist, and Magic Sky Control.

With Freight and PDI charges, our SLK 300 tester came to over $70,000 before tax. That’s a lot of dough for a compact sports car, even a Mercedes-Benz compact sports car – but it’s not out of line with the price of competitors like the BMW Z4 sDrive 28i and Porsche Boxster.

Warranty:
4 years/80,000 km; 4 years/80,000 km powertrain; 5 years/unlimited distance corrosion perforation; 4 years/unlimited distance roadside assistance

Competitors:
Audi TTS
BMW Z4
Lotus Elise
Nissan 370Z
Porsche Boxster

If it wasn’t for lengthy leasing terms and low interest rates, I wonder how many buyers could afford these pricey sports cars?

The 2016 Mercedes-Benz SLK 300 is built in Bremen, Germany.

Pricing: 2016 Mercedes-Benz SLK 300
Base price: $58,100
Options: $10,290 (black leather upholstery $1,990; Premium Package $5,600; Sport Package $1,800; Parktronic with parking guidance $900)
Freight & PDI: $2,495
A/C tax: $100
Price as tested: $70,985

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