SLK55 AMG: You (didn't) Know You Want To
If a turbo flicks Vs at MX-5 stereotypes a V8 does the same for the SLK but who knew?
Two vital ingredients that transform the SLK
Seriously, you'd probably forgotten the SLK55 even existed. At first glance you'd probably wish that was still the case, this third-generation model having had a hefty beating with the fugly stick. Disguising it under a layer of winter grime probably isn't a bad idea in fact, especially when you consider it's up against the likes of the Boxster and even the F-Type. Heck, even the Z4 has matured into a half-decent looker.
More on these comparisons in due course but we booked the SLK55 in for a couple of reasons. First, we're belligerent types ready to champion an underdog, especially a V8 powered one. And secondly it's a bit of an oddity in the AMG range and the only recipient of the normally aspirated version of the M157 5.5-litre V8 more usually bearing two turbos and doing exciting things to E-Classes, CLSes and the like. It's an intriguing engine, the more so for the fact this is its only application.
Also available in the sunshine, apparently
Hearing that kind of noise erupting from the supposedly effeminate SLK is always an amusing juxtaposition, the '55 a proper junior muscle car that if not poised is always eager to please and delightfully willing to throw surprisingly uncouth shapes. On greasy winter roads it is, quite simply, highly amusing.
T'was ever thus with the AMG SLKs too. They've never been the sharpest but the '32 was a junior SL55 with a supercharged V6 and the prettier previous-shape '55 maintained the pint-sized hot-rod tradition, this time with the three-valve M113 V8 and an appetite for easy sideways thrills seemingly maintained in this car.
A lot of V8 and not a lot of car - appealing combo
Read past that optimistic bluster and it's actually a standard '55 with a loud exhaust but since when did that sound like a bad idea, especially given it's £10K less than the only other in the classifieds. If there's a bigger V8 in a smaller car for this money we can't think of it. Have faith. As the headline says, you probably didn't know you want to. But you might just.
Mercedes SLK55 AMG
Price: £14,995
Why you should: It's got a big V8 and likes to go sideways - anything else?
Why you shouldn't: Predictable and tedious stereotypes
See the original advert here.
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So not great. But probably not as bad as you'd fear.
Cheers,
Dan
For something expensive also up against some decent rivals it just didn't come across as special. Instead of being a really nice car in it's own right (Boxster, F-Type), it is from an existing SLK range but with a bigger engine and a few more bits bolted on.
It felt more like a muscle grunt type car (lots of push with a rumble of noise) but certainly not a light weight nimble thing. It's sterring wasn't pin sharp (to me) and it just sort of rumbled along - the more you put your foot down the more rumble you get but it never converted into a larger smile for some reason.
I don't know. I just got out the thing thinking "right, what's next?" rather than "wow, i'm actually impressed with that". It's a bit...bland; it should be special and to do that you don't want boring generic german styling (inside and out) for start.
If you're gonna be spending £50k, you want something that leaves a smile on your face as you raise the garage door and after you get out from a ride; the SLK 55 AMG just doesn't do that.
handling over bumpy roads is terrible, and the gearbox is dim witted and nasty.
make sure you drive one for some time before buying one. SLK55's charms are skin deep .. once the novelty wears off, there's nothing to carry it forward.
ks.Meanwhile, here in the grown up world where we don't all believe we're the equal of Schumacher and the ESP stays firmly on, many of us couldn't care less about all of that.
What I want from a car is something I can get in and drive 200 miles to a meeting in total comfort, that is fast and effortless, or that I can leave at a train station overnight without worrying about £8,000 worth of soft top vulnerability, or that I can drive to the airport with a couple of suitcases in the boot.
But I also want to be able to leave that meeting, drop the roof, crank up the stereo and take the scenic route home in a car that is a genuine pleasure to drive normally, not like a failed racing driver.
The SLK does all of that, and it does it better than a Porsche Boxster (and far better than a Jag F Type).
So journos who treat cars like toys to be played with and thrashed to the limit on empty Welsh roads will continue to deride them, and those of us in the real world will keep buying them. Because they're a bloody brilliant car.
It's a discreet car for discreet people that don't need to shout or show off, and so it looks better in a suitably discreet colour.
Appreciate the bottom one isn't an actual AMG, but it has the AMG kit so demonstrates the visuals.
It's just too heavy in the nose.
The autobox is a bit primitive compared to the double clutchers of today but if you leave it in Sport it does a pretty good job and with the amount of torque and close ratios it doesn’t really need stirring like an M3 or similar revvy engine.
Oh and the noise when the secondary cats are removed....
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