Mercedes: VA dealer, Mercedes-Benz of Chantilly, excited for 2012 SLK350
Completely refined and capable to take on the competition, the 2012 Mercedes-Benz SLK350 is impressing test-drivers and making waves on automotive websites everywhere. To hear some of the buzz for yourself, look no further than your local Mercedes dealer, Reston, VA Mercedes dealers cannot wait for the SLK350 to make an appearance on their new car lots.
Edmunds recently released an inside look into the latest convertible offering from Mercedes-Benz, offering all of the juicy details that car lovers thrive on. Offering details on the SLK350’s looks, performance, and additional features, Edmunds has sold this car buff on the new sleek and powerful two-door convertible offered by Mercedes.
Looks:
A welcome addition to Mercedes’ SLK-Class, the SLS-inspired snub nose gives the car a nice compact sporty look missing from previous models. Eighteen inch wheels will also come standard while sporting impressive Continental ContiSportContact 5 tires. Adding to the athletic appearance, all U.S.-bound 2012 Mercedes-Benz SLKs will have a sport-tuned suspension calibration. In layman’s terms, this bad-boy will sit low to the ground while cruising along the pavement. Compared to the previous model, the SLK350 added about 80 pounds; some of the weight due to a slightly more substantial rear stabilizer bar to help reduce the dreaded body roll.
Performance:
Steering and break performance are crucial in any car, but take an even higher priority in cars designed for day-trips in the hills of Virginia. The 2012 SLK’s passive variable-ratio steering boasts a 14.5:1 ratio and quickens by a notable total of 30 percent by the time you reach full lock. The brake rotors are larger in the 2012 model than in 2011 coming in at 13.5 inches up front and 11.8 inches in the rear. This increase in size is combined with an all new cornering break control system only offered by Mercedes. VA customers driving in the sharp-turning hills rejoice!
While the same seven-speed automatic transmission will drive the rear wheels of the new SLK, Edmunds urges customers to consider what is new: “With direct injection added, the 3.5-liter V6 is finally good enough to justify the SLK’s price tag.” Not only does this add to the car’s power, it will undoubtedly consume less fuel than in 2011 (20 city/29 highway mpg compared to 2011’s 18/26).
Additional Features:
Some of the most exciting new characteristics of the new Mercedes SLK350 come in the “additional features” category. Firstly, customers are given the choice between three different roofs covering this convertible. The standard, all-metal retractable roof is one option, while the sun-reflecting, panoramic glass roof is considerably more exciting. The Magic Sky Control roof, however, wins the award for the most exciting new option. The glass panels in this roof can “magically” change with the push of a button from a clear glass top to a darker option giving you shade on a blisteringly sunny day. All three options, when raised, offer an extremely quiet ride in even the noisiest of driving environments.
Edmunds’ Inside Line says it best with their comprehensive first impression of the SLK350: “As soon as you stop asking the new SLK350 to be a Boxster, you can get down to the business of enjoying one of the only truly comfortable two-seat convertibles.” Mercedes’ latest offering is capable and exciting in its own way and will most definitely not disappoint Mercedes VA customers this June. For more information on its expected release date or a detailed look at the specs, visit your local Mercedes dealer. Reston customers should be sure to visit Mercedes-Benz of Chantilly for superior customer service and an expansive list of vehicles to test-drive.
About the Author: Guy Segraves is a freelance writer and automotive connoisseur. His article features information on your Mercedes dealer, Reston focused, for those searching for a new or used Mercedes. VA has been his home for ten years where he lives with his family of four.