2012 Mercedes-Benz SLK-Class

header-image
$42,500 - $54,800
Starting Price 
Nathan Dyer's image
Nathan Dyer 

Senior Editor,

Updated on November 3, 2023

ProsConsWhat's New

Exceptionally well-crafted interior

Rivals are more fun to drive

All-new model for 2012

Roomy cargo area

Manual transmission isn't offered with the stronger engine

Engaging handling

Cramped cabin

Specs & Features

$54,800

price

302 hp @ 6500 rpm

horsepower

273 lb.-ft. @ 3500 rpm

torque

7-Speed Shiftable Automatic

transmission

3.5L 6cyl RWD 7A

engine

-

basic warranty

Overview

The 2012 Mercedes-Benz SLK-Class Convertible is a compact convertible offered in 2 trims, starting off at a base MSRP of $42,500. For that price, it mainly competes with the Audi TT Roadster, the BMW Z4 Convertible, and the Porsche Boxster Convertible which has the lowest torque output from the base engine among the bunch. Between 2 trims, the Mercedes-Benz SLK-Class offers 2 powertrains. The base engine is a 1.8L turbocharged inline-4 capable of making 201 horsepower and 229 lb-ft of torque. If more power is required, there is also a 302 horsepower-making 3.5L V6 engine. The first engine is mated to a 6-speed manual transmission while the V6 engine is connected to a 7-speed automatic transmission as standard which is optional on the base engine. The SLK-Class reaches 60 mph from zero in 6.5 seconds on its base engine, which gets pumped up to 5.6 seconds with the V6. Depending on the powertrain, the SLK-Class can manage a combined fuel economy between 26 and 24 mpg. While we're on the topic of choices, the 12 striking colors the SLK-Class comes in really pull you towards itself. 

Buying Advice

The 2012 Mercedes-Benz SLK-Class Convertible is a luxurious and fun-to-drive roadster offered in two trims. Among them, we recommend getting the higher-end SLK350 with the stronger V6 engine under the hood along with 18-inch wheels and sun-reflective leather upholstery as standard. 

Trims

    350
    $54,800 onwards
    • Engine: 3.5L 6cyl RWD 7A
    • Horsepower: 302 hp @ 6500 rpm hp
    • Torque: 273 lb.-ft. @ 3500 rpm
    • 0-60 mph: 5.4 sec
    • Top Speed: 133 mph
    • Fuel Economy Combined: 23 mpg
    SLK 250
    $42,500 onwards
    • 17-inch silver aluminum Wheels
    • 1St row LCD monitor
    • A-Spec Sport Seats
    • AM/FM/HD/Satellite-Prep
    • Front air conditioning
    • Heated mirrors
    • Power Convertible top
    • Rain sensing windsheild wiper
    • Rear Fog/driving lights
    • Remote keyless entry

Compare to similar cars

Price

$42,500- $54,800

Engine

Gasoline

Rating

8.04

Horsepower

415 hp @ 6800 rpm

Torque

398 lb.-ft. @ 4500 rpm

Capacity

4

Read Review

$48,650- $64,200

Gasoline

7.89

240 hp @ 5000 rpm

260 lb.-ft. @ 1250 rpm

2

Read Review

$21,300- $35,100

Gasoline

9.31

121 hp @ 6000 rpm

114 lb.-ft. @ 4250 rpm

4

Read Review

$48,100- $65,200

Gasoline

8.07

255 hp @ 6400 rpm

214 lb.-ft. @ 4400 rpm

2

Read Review

2012 Mercedes-Benz SLK-Class vs competitor's 0-60

    Car Name
    0-60 MPH
    Quarter Mile
    Top Speed
    SourceCompare
    6.5 sec14.8 sec170 mph
    5.2 sec--
    2012 BMW Z4

    Ranked #2

    5.5 sec14.0 sec130 mph
    8.9 sec-123 mph

    2012 Mercedes-Benz SLK-Class vs competitor's MPG

      Car Name
      MPG City
      MPG Highway
      MPG Combined
      Fuel Tank Capacity
      Range (C/H)
      SourceCompare
      22 mpg32 mpg26 mpg18.5 gal.407/592 mi.
      27 mpg35 mpg30 mpg13.2 gal.356.4/462 mi.
      2012 BMW Z4

      Ranked #2

      22 mpg34 mpg27 mpg14.5 gal.319/493 mi.
      20 mpg27 mpg22 mpg16.9 gal.321.1/456.3 mi.

      2012 Mercedes-Benz SLK-Class vs competitor's dimensions

        Car Name
        Length
        Width
        Height
        Ground Clearance
        Wheelbase
        SourceCompare
        162.8 in.71.5 in.51.2 in.4 in.95.7 in.
        172.1 in.70.9 in.50.9 in.5 in.95.1 in.
        2012 BMW Z4

        Ranked #2

        167 in.70.5 in.50.8 in.5.1 in.98.3 in.

        2012 Mercedes-Benz AMG SLK 55

        Ranked #3

        162.8 in.71.5 in.51.2 in.4 in.95.7 in.
        146.6 in.66.3 in.55.7 in.5.3 in.97.1 in.

        2012 Mercedes-Benz SLK-Class vs competitor's trunk space

          Car Name
          Trunk Capacity
          Passenger Volume
          Max Trunk Volume
          SourceCompare
          10.1 cu.ft.49 cu.ft.10.1 cu.ft.
          2012 BMW Z4

          Ranked #1

          8 cu.ft.164.4 cu.ft.8 cu.ft.
          6 cu.ft.144.6 cu.ft.23.3 cu.ft.
          5.3 cu.ft.88.5 cu.ft.9.9 cu.ft.

          2012 Mercedes-Benz SLK-Class vs competitor's cargo space

            Car Name
            Cargo Volume
            Cargo Volume w/ Seat Area
            Max Cargo Volume
            SourceCompare
            59.7 cu.ft.10.1 cu.ft.10.1 cu.ft.
            70.8 cu.ft.6 cu.ft.23.3 cu.ft.
            11.6 cu.ft.5.3 cu.ft.9.9 cu.ft.
            2012 BMW Z4

            Ranked #4

            150 cu.ft.8 cu.ft.8 cu.ft.

            2012 Mercedes-Benz SLK-Class vs competitor's towing capacity

              Car Name
              Payload Capacity
              Weight
              SourceCompare
              705 lbs.3308 lbs.
              2012 BMW Z4

              Ranked #1

              562 lbs.3307 lbs.
              816 lbs.2701 lbs.
              661 lbs.2943 lbs.

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