Since 1996, Mercedes-Benz has sold over a half million SLKs, making it best-selling luxury roadster in the world, bar none. To keep the competition at bay, Mercedes has tweaked all three grades of its retractable-hardtop hottie.
But first, let's look at the lineup: For 2009, all models get new shoes and a nose job -- trimmed back a bit, with the wings fleshed out for a more Formula 1 look. Larger mesh in the grille and redesigned foglamps round out the front-end revisions. The back has been cleaned up, too; taillamps are now tinted, exhaust tips are squared off, and the accent lines have been rubbed out. The lower valence has been styled to look like a diffuser.
Interior changes are even harder to spot: Redesigners freshened up the instrument cluster and head unit, which has also been updated with Mercedes's next-generation NTG 2.5 electronics system. There's also a new three-spoke steering wheel, which now controls Benz's new Direct Steer system, but we'll get to that in a moment.
For individual models, there are few additional changes. The 2009 SLK280 nameplate goes away, replaced by SLK300, even though Mercedes made no change to the 3.0-liter, 228-horsepower V-6. At least its naming convention for its mildest roadster is now consistent. Pricing hasn't been released, but Mercedes informs us it'll stay near 2007 levels.
At the extra-spicy-crispy end of the spectrum, the SLK55 AMG remains essentially unchanged, aside from the aforementioned tweaks. Affalterbach's hot-rodster still packs 5.4 liters of V-8 heat, detuned to 355 horsepower and paired with the same paddle-shiftable seven-speed automatic transmission. Additional AMG treatments include sexier aero parts, 18-inch alloys, beefier 325mm brake discs, a sportier flat-bottom steering wheel, and a 200-mph speedometer.
The middle-child SLK350 gains the biggest improvements in the form of a significantly modified 3.5-liter engine. Changes include lighter pistons, stronger valves, and conical valve springs, as well as a redesigned intake manifold and higher compression ratio (11.7:1 versus 10.7:1). Camshaft position has also been advanced five degrees on both the intake and exhaust sides. All told, these changes have resulted in gains of 32 horsepower and 7 lb-ft, torque, to 300 and 265 respectively.
So with all these changes, is it possible to feel the difference from the driver's seat?
No, not really.