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Mercedes-BenzSLK (2011-2016)

Sports
Petrol/Diesel/Mild hybrid
Used only

£8,668Typical price

Test score

where to buy or sell

The version of this car that we've reviewed might not be available to buy through all listed retailer links. For more options, see our guides on where to buy a car and how to sell a car.

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The Mercedes SLK roadster pioneered the use of a folding metal hard-top roof when it was launched in 1996. Can the latest version, launched in 2011, stay ahead of the sports car pack? Find out in our full review.

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What's included?

What is it?
What's it great at?
What's it like to drive?
How reliable are Mercedes-Benz's cars?
How comfortable and spacious is it?
How economical is it to run?
How safe is it?
Is there anything I should look out for?
Should I buy it?

KEY TEST RESULTS
Comfort and practicality
Brand reliability 0-4 years

Jan 2023Last checked by Which?
Jun 2011First reviewed by Which?
Jun 2011Released

The overall Which? test score is made up of the following star ratings, all determined by our rigorous lab tests.

How we test cars

20 May 2025

Ease of driving

Overall
Visibility
Smoothness of power delivery
Driving stability
Cabin layout

How we test ease of driving

To find out how easy a car is to drive, we assess cars across a number of areas from visibility and handling to the layout of the cabin and how smoothly the engine delivers its power.

Performance

Overall
In-gear acceleration
Brakes

How we test performance

We test braking distances and whether the effectivess of the brakes fade with repeat use. Performanc is based on in-gear acceleration.

Comfort and practicality

Overall
Entry and exit
Seat comfort
Ride quality
Quietness
Seat space
Boot space (small and sports cars)

How we test comfort and practicality

Comfort and practicality includes how easy it is, or not, to get in and out of the car and the maximum height of occupants. We also measure road, wind and engine noise and assess how well the car deals with bumps from large potholes to jittery surfaces like cobble stones.

Safety kit

How we test safety kit

We factor in the safety equipment that’s factory-fitted or optional, along with how well the car protects its occupants and pedestrians in the event of an accident. We also test how easy it is to fit a variety of child car seats.

Brand reliability 0-4 years

Overall
Electric car reliability
Plug-in hybrid reliability
Petrol reliability
Diesel reliability

How we test brand reliability 0-4 years

Our reliability ratings are based on the feedback from tens of thousands of UK motorists, as collected in our annual Which? car survey. We divide all reliability feedback into three age groups: cars aged up to four years, five to nine years, and 10 to 15 years.

Brand reliability 5-9 years

Overall
Diesel reliability

Brand reliability 10-15 years

Overall
Petrol reliability
Diesel reliability

General
Class	Sports
Luxury	Yes
Convertible	Yes
Availability	Used only
Used price	£8,668 - £13,169
Fuel type	Petrol/Diesel/Mild hybrid
Tested fuel efficiency	29.7 to 39.7mpg
Length	4,134mm
Width (excluding wing mirrors)	1,810mm
Width (including wing mirrors)	2,010 to 2,015mm
Height	1,301mm
Driver max height
Boot space with seats up
Boot space with seats down
Number of seats	2
Folding rear seats	No
Isofix attachments	No
Turning circle	10.9 m
On sale date	01 June 2011
Lowest pence-per-mile cost	£15.35

Latest tested engine
Engine and trim name	SLK 55 AMG
Fuel type	Petrol
Capacity and power	5.5-litre (422hp)
Transmission	7-speed automatic
Driven wheels	Rear-wheel-drive (RWD)
Fuel tank capacity	70 litres
Tested fuel economy: City / Out of town / Motorway (mpg)
Tested fuel economy: Combined (mpg)
Cost per mile	20.52p per mile
Cost of filling tank	£94
Monthly fuel cost
Annual fuel cost
NOx level	Very low
CO level	Low
CO2 at tailpipe/tank-to-wheel (TTW) (g/km)	222
Official Euro emission level	Euro 5
Engine test date	23 August 2012
Test programme	2012-2016

Engine two
Engine and trim name	200 BlueEfficiency
Fuel	Petrol
Capacity and power	1.8-litre (184hp)
Transmission	6-speed manual
Driven wheels	Rear-wheel-drive (RWD)
Fuel tank capacity	60 litres
Tested fuel economy: combined mpg
Cost per mile	15.35p per mile
Cost of filling tank	£80
Monthly fuel cost
Annual fuel cost
Engine test date	24 May 2011
Car test programme	2001-2012

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Mercedes-BenzSLK (2011-2016)

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What's included?

How we test cars

Ease of driving

Performance

Comfort and practicality

Safety kit

Brand reliability 0-4 years

Brand reliability 5-9 years

Brand reliability 10-15 years

How this product's score compares with other new and used cars we've tested

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BMW

BMW

Audi

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Mercedes-BenzSLK (2011-2016)

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