Topic: Test Drive: 2012 Mercedes-Benz SLK 350

[Autos_Editor]

'This Merc feels light, playful and poised,' and 'really flies' says Peter Bleakney.  However, 'no manual transmission is offered.'

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[dirtyjeffer]

my boss has the AMG version of this car (albeit, about a year or two old now) and it is one sweet car...between this, the Z4 and the Boxter, this would be my choice...i hear sketchy things about BMW reliability, i don't find the Boxter to look as nice and this MB seems to strike the best mix between looks, style, features and price...let's be honest, looks are important here (this segment), and this car looks great.

[Snowman]

After driving the S2000 for a few weeks now I would never buy a car with an automatic transmission. Even my wife is amazed on how smooth her shifting has become with a proper gear box.

[dirtyjeffer]

my next car will be a slushbox...i'm sick of sticks.

[Snowman]

my next car will be a slushbox...i'm sick of sticks.

Off with your head.

[dirtyjeffer]

i have own(ed) about 10 vehicles with manual transmissions over the years (including our current ET)...i'm done with them (the ET will be our "2nd car" when i replace the Taurus).

[JSCC]

As of right now, there will not be one single model available with a MT in the entire 2012 MB Canadian and USA line up. 

[Vanstar]

i have own(ed) about 10 vehicles with manual transmissions over the years (including our current ET)...i'm done with them (the ET will be our "2nd car" when i replace the Taurus).

I used to be a cut and dried manual transmission man, but the advent of multi-speed manumatics, insane traffic and old age have all changed me. Automatics are hugely better than they were say 20 years ago.

[tpl]

As of right now, there will not be one single model available with a MT in the entire 2012 MB line up. 

You mean NA   M-B lineup.   Surely the A-class and the C-class still have manual available in the EU domestic market.

[huota]

As of right now, there will not be one single model available with a MT in the entire 2012 MB line up. 

You mean NA   M-B lineup.   Surely the A-class and the C-class still have manual available in the EU domestic market.

A, B, C and E-classes all have a 6 speed manual option, although not on every model. Even the SLK-Klasse has a manual option, even if just the 200 SLK.

[tpl]

In which case I'll have a  4 cyl turbo-diesel 6MT E-class minus all the NA gadgetry but with A/C  if thats OK.
Slow 0-100 km/h but probably will still cruise at 160-180 km/h on an expressway.  A proper car.

[CanuckS2K]

It's a great looking car and certainly not a bad car by any means, but I don't think it's worth the price of admission.  I guess it all comes down to your needs, wants, budget, and probably even status symbol, but I'd take a 370Z Roadster over this any day and save myself a ton of cash.  I doubt very many will cross shop this with the 370Z though.  And yeah, no manual option would be a deal breaker for me.

[dirtyjeffer]

i think the 370 is a decent car, but i don't think it comes close to the SLK in terms of exterior and interior looks...also, i hate soft tops...if it is going to be a convertible, hard top is the way to go for our climate.

[huota]

In which case I'll have a  4 cyl turbo-diesel 6MT E-class minus all the NA gadgetry but with A/C  if thats OK.
Slow 0-100 km/h but probably will still cruise at 160-180 km/h on an expressway.  A proper car.

Of course sir, could I interest you in the 201HP and 500Nm E250 CDI. 0-100 km/h in 7.7 seconds. And 5.0L/100km in the mixed cycle.

[2JDM]

"This is great for mall parking lots, but not so good when booking it on a back road and negotiating low speed tight corners"

I think that the majority of owners of this vehcile spend more time in the mall parking lots and cruising on freeways then on back roads, so I don't think the steering will be an issue to them.

As much as I like the SLK it would be my third choice behind the Boxster and the BMW Z4.

Seems like all new Mercs have this characteristic...which makes them less sporty and agile compared to BMW, IMO.

[Snowman]

It's a great looking car and certainly not a bad car by any means, but I don't think it's worth the price of admission.  I guess it all comes down to your needs, wants, budget, and probably even status symbol, but I'd take a 370Z Roadster over this any day and save myself a ton of cash.  I doubt very many will cross shop this with the 370Z though.  And yeah, no manual option would be a deal breaker for me.

I agree 100%, the 370Z is the best roadster value out there.

[JSCC]

As of right now, there will not be one single model available with a MT in the entire 2012 MB line up. 

You mean NA   M-B lineup.   Surely the A-class and the C-class still have manual available in the EU domestic market.

A, B, C and E-classes all have a 6 speed manual option, although not on every model. Even the SLK-Klasse has a manual option, even if just the 200 SLK.

Yes, updated the original post to clarify.

[tpl]

In which case I'll have a  4 cyl turbo-diesel 6MT E-class minus all the NA gadgetry but with A/C  if thats OK.
Slow 0-100 km/h but probably will still cruise at 160-180 km/h on an expressway.  A proper car.

Of course sir, could I interest you in the 201HP and 500Nm E250 CDI. 0-100 km/h in 7.7 seconds. And 5.0L/100km in the mixed cycle.

That one comes with an MT ?
I suspect that would do nicely.  In a colour please. red, Blue, green. No black/white/silver.

Seriously I wonder if that would sell here...might be that extra weight of an NA spec one would mean that the 4 banger would not be enough.

[safristi]

I read in the car magazines they have a 4cylinder turbo version in the States...way cheaper and  better handling with less frontal weight.....wot gives that it ain't Available in Canada ...PITY..... pretty car and now pretty fast and a handler too..............

[tpl]

That would be gasoline 4...as it happens some BMWs are coming with a turbo gasoline 4 soon.  As you say, makes the car lighter which is always a good thing.