Test drive: 2009 Mercedes-Benz SLK Roadster
It's sort of funny how new car launches are shaping up this year. There are 2008 models that we're still waiting to drive, and yet the 2009s are already pouring in. The latest 2009 review comes from Basem Wasef, one of the first to drive the improved version of Mercedes two-seat SLK roadster. So what's changed, and has it changed for the better? I'll let Basem tell the story.
And what of those new-for-2008s we're waiting on? Well, my Pontiac G8 GT review will be posted shortly, and in the next few weeks I'll be spending some quality time with the MINI Cooper Clubman, the BMW M3, and the Subaru Impreza STI -- along with old standbys like the Honda Accord coupe and Civic sedan, Toyota Yaris 3-door, and Mercedes-Benz E320 BLUETEC diesel. Stay tuned! -- Aaron Gold
Photo © Basem Wasef
Comments
Can’t wait for some of the upcoming reviews Aaron mentioned, the MB offerings have never really done anything for me except the Gelandewagon… On a different note, Mercedes and some of the other upper crust manufacturers better look out, can you see the Tata Nano Land Rover and Jaguartata XJ Nano on the horizon? Bwaaahaaahaaa!!!!
Or is it Jatataguar and Latatand Rover?
How about: Tataguar and NanoRover
back to the original topic..
I want to see an SLK63AMG. haha. That would probably just be silly. I just like excess.
$5000 for 72HP…Ouch! That’s a whole lotta money for just a little bit of extra go. I realise the 350CLK has a few other features but at 50k there’s a lot of REALLY good cars out there and the Tri-Star doesn’t have the respect with potential buyers in this segment that it used to.
Hi Hawaiian Don,
72 horsepower is a pretty significant leap, in my opinion– it’s an increase of 32%.
Comparing the SLK to the Porsche Boxster: the difference between the Boxster and Boxster S is almost $10k ($45.8 vs $55.7k), with a gain of 50 horsepower (for a total of 295, which is less than the SLK350.)
The BMW Z4 M Roadster starts at $52.1k, making it just about $2k more than the SLK350. And while there are plenty of high performance roadsters for a lot less money (the Honda S2000 comes to mind), I think it’s only fair to compare apples to apples– premium car to premium car.
How would you spend $50k in this segment?
Basem
I understand Basem. Considering that I don’t care for convertibles and that this car to me is basically a sport coupe(on my last convertible I dropped the top once in 2 yrs…the day I bought it), I would take that 50k buy a G37 Infinity and put 10k in my pocket for a 1 month road trip around North America. But if you MUST buy a convertible, then your reasoning is sound.
I hear ya… I know lots of people that buy convertibles and rarely put the top down.
That G37 is sweet, and would make a helluva cross-country tourer! Gotta at least get it with a moonroof, though
Basem
Basem, you won’t believe it, but I haven’t opened my sun/moon roof since the day I bought it. If I had hair on my head for the wind to blow around, maybe…
OK, I’m going to go ahead and say this: shame on you! Where do you live? If you say Hawaii, I’ll be REALLY PISSED.
:-P
Believe it or not, Bakersfield. If you open your windows, much less your sun roof, you’ll be covered in particultes in minutes!!!