2015 Mercedes-Benz SLK 55 AMG

Highlights

• One owner from new

• Just 24,834 miles on the clock

• Comprehensive service history

• Muscular V8 delivering 416bhp / 398lb-ft

• Unmodified, factory specification

Overview

Considering they’re the great-grandparent of the motorcar, and decidedly German, Mercedes-Benz sometimes give us the distinct impression that what they really, really want to build is dirty great muscle cars. Preferably with thumping naturally-aspirated V8s that deliver the kind of noise that sends wildlife running three counties away.

Nowhere is this quite as exemplified as in the SLK 55 AMG. To all intents and purposes, the SLK is Mercedes’ small sports car, and small sports cars usually have small, revvy engines, a modest amount of power and little in the way of creature comforts. Clearly, someone forgot to tell the design team, as they appear to have decided that what the SLK really needed was heaps of power. As in, HEAPS. 416bhp, to be precise. Which is many heaps.

They also decided that this power should be delivered through the medium of a naturally-aspirated V8 that would usually be found in a giant sports saloon. And just for good measure, they wrapped it up with all manner of toys and luxuries. It’s.. bewildering, to be honest. We can’t believe they made any money on it.

Of course, this wild over-specification and “let’s just add a few more cylinders” approach to engine design does mean that the SLK 55 AMG is something of an unsung secondhand performance hero. Can you think of another small sports car that offers you north of 400bhp, the drama and visceral pleasure of an atmospheric V8 and delivers all the capabilities of both a coupe and a roadster? No, neither can we.

The styling is worthy of note too. Many hardtop convertibles feature rather, er… prominent rear ends. There is, after all, quite a lot going on back there. This can make them look a bit rear-heavy and oddly proportioned. However, from the very first model, Mercedes nailed the look and proportions of the SLK. Their patented roof mechanism keeps the packaging tight and neat, resulting in great looks, whether the roof is up or down.

This example is quite lovely too. Having had just one owner from new, it’s been carefully looked after, has a solid service record and benefits from having covered less than 25,000 miles. We love the subtle black-over-black aesthetic, and the specification is spot-on too, giving you everything you need and a bit more for good measure. And it’s in factory spec too, so it’s not been fettled about with and ruined, as so many AMGs have been.

Presenting well inside and out, it’s the perfect car for enjoying what looks likely to be a magnificent summer. Gliding down country lanes, roof down and V8 warbling has never been quite so attractive…

History and documentation

• Registered 23 September 2015

• Present owner from new

• Current mileage 24,834 miles (39,967Km), verified by the service and MOT records

• Current MOT expires 10 September 2026

• Stamped service book with services as follows: Sep 2016 @ 4,531 miles, Sep 2018 @ 11,371 miles, Aug 2019 @ 13,654 miles, Oct 2020 @ 16,718 miles, Oct 2021 @ 18,389 miles, Sep 2022 @ 19,787 miles, Sep 2023 @ 21,072 miles, Sep 2025 @ 23,930 miles 

• V5 present in owner’s name

• Two keys are included with the car

• HPI clear

• Currently on a private registration, which is not included in the sale

• London ULEZ compliant

Interior

• Black leather upholstery with white contrast stitching, presented in good condition, with no notable damage or wear

• The seats appear to be firm and well padded, with no sagging or tearing we could see

• Electrically adjustable, heated seats with 3-memory function to both sides

• Air Scarf system, so you can comfortably have the roof down in when the weather is a little cooler

• Dual zone air conditioning

• Black carpets and branded over-mats, which all look to be in good order

• Electrically operated side windows and power-folding door mirrors

• Multifunction steering wheel

• CD/radio sound system

• Integrated satellite navigation

• Bluetooth hands-free phone connectivity

• The cabin trim and switchgear shows well, with some light blemishes and scratches consistent with the car’s age and mileage

• We’re informed that everything in the cabin works just as it should, with no faults or issues to note

• Handy sized boot space, even with the roof stowed

• The boot is trimmed with black carpet and under the floor panel there is an inflation kit and a first aid kit

Exterior

• Black metallic paintwork suits the car well and looks to be in fine, original condition

• There are a few minor blemishes and scratches, but nothing significant that we could discern

• The bodywork is in excellent condition, with no corrosion to see, clean lines and even panel gaps all round

• All of the glass elements and light lenses look to be clean and clear, with no obvious cracks, misting or large chips

• The external badging and trim all appears to be complete and in fine fettle, free from notable wear or fading

• Electrically operated folding hardtop

• Quad tailpipes offer a hint of the insanity lurking under the long bonnet

• Underneath, everything looks straight and tidy, with no damage or apparent corrosion

• Original 5-spoke, 18-inch AMG alloy wheels which feature a gunmetal finish, they show some minor kerb rash and lacquer damage in a couple of places

• Continental Sport Contact 3 tyres all round, 255/35 to the rear (fitted in 2025) and 235/40 to the front (fitted in 2022) – the fronts show some minor age-related cracking to the shoulders 

Mechanical

• 5.5-litre (5,461cc) naturally-aspirated V8

• 7-speed automatic transmission with paddle-shifters for manual override

• Rear-wheel drive

• ABS and ESP

• Cylinder deactivation technology, for more efficient urban driving

• Unmodified and in factory spec

• Factory performance figures: 416bhp, 398lb-ft, 0-62mph in 4.6 seconds, electronically limited to 155mph

• The engine bay and rest of the mechanicals look clean and tidy, with no obvious leaks or issues

• You’ll be unsurprised to hear that the V8 powertrain sounds fabulous and provides vast quantities of shove all across the rev range

• We’re assured by the vendor that the car drives beautifully, with no known mechanical faults

Summary

We don’t think the SLK gets the plaudits it deserves. It’s a hugely capable, handsome, well specified small sports car, that benefits from the best folding hardtop design in existence. And when it comes in 55 AMG spec, such as this, you’re adding a wonderfully indulgent dollop of power, performance and prestige to an already very competent and desirable package.

We like everything about this pretty little car. But, of course, the engine is the star of the show. It’s an all-consuming, life-affirming experience.

With one owner from new, low mileage, a great spec and a solid history, we think this is a perfect weekend weapon, one you can easily use every day.

Unless you hate V8s.

And we’re fairly sure there’s some kind of law against that…

To arrange a viewing, click the 'Book Viewing' button located under the 'Place Bid' button. Viewings can be booked up until the day before the auction ends, after which the option will change to 'Contact Seller' for further enquiries. This seller is located in Glasgow