2005 Mercedes-Benz SLK350

Amenities galore, sparkling dynamics, and exhilarating quickness make the new SLK a great first step for those who have the soul but not yet the heel to bootstrap themselves into an SL. This premium coupe/roadster is hardly cheap, but at barely half the price of an SL500, even the SLK350 will equal or better its more sophisticated sibling in every major performance category, save for the index of pure prestige. Backing that street cred, the SLK350 also earns excellent marks in IC's ownership value ratings.

The harder-core sport set may contend, and with merit, that the mid-engined Porsche Boxster and Boxster S or a Nissan 350Z would still deliver more smiles per mile. A slightly less compelling case could be made for the Chrysler Crossfire SRT-6 Coupe and Roadster--which use mechanicals from the previous-generation SLK--an Audi TT V6 Quattro, or a BMW Z4 3.0. But if you regularly spend hours seeking out deserted twisty two-lanes just for the fun of it, the SLK deserves prime consideration as an eager and capable traveling companion.

A poseur no more, the new SLK boasts serious sports car credentials to match its aggressive looks. AMG spec raises that already stellar performance to an even higher level.

What's HOT:

+ AIRSCARF option

+ Real sports car performance

+ Real sports car performance

What's NOT:

- Somewhat pricey

- Worthless cup holders

- Limited interior storage space

Completely redesigned and vastly improved, the Gen II SLK is a clean-sheet effort that shares little but a common class name with its predecessor.

Prime SLK packages range from Premium (digital climate control, auto-dimming mirrors, Homelink, SmartKey top activation, and lots more) and Entertainment--with or without DVD-based navigation (harman/kardon surround sound, six-disc CD changer, and COMAND) to Lighting (Bi-Xenon headlamps, corner-sensing fog lamps), Heating (AIRSCARF, heated seats) and Comfort (eight-way power seats with memory and power steering column, standard on SLK55). Run-flat tires, an AMG Sport Package (both SLK350 only), and unique designo variants are also available.