2009 Mercedes-Benz SLK-Class SLK55 AMG Roadster

According to reviewers, the Mercedes-Benz SLK line, launched in 1996, has sold over a half million of these luxury class coupe-roadsters. For 2009, rather than mess with a good thing, Mercedes has only slightly refreshed its SLK class. The SLK55 AMG remains at the pinnacle of SLK performance.

A 5.4 liter AMG massaged V8 that produces 355 hp and 376 lb-ft of torque couples to a seven-speed automatic gearbox and rockets this roadster across the 0-60 gap in 4.9 seconds. The transmission features steering-wheel-mounted paddle shifters and offers three different modes: comfort, sport, and manual. New electronics speed shift times by 10% - though reviewers were annoyed by delayed downshifts as there are no engine-rev-matched downshifts as in other AMG transmissions. Yet, they found the SLK55 AMG to be a serious high-performance machine, despite its conventional front engine-rear wheel drive layout. The chassis is well designed allowing for vigorous driving with predictable oversteer through tight corners on narrow roads.

Additional equipment at the pinnacle includes further upgraded brakes, 18-inch wheels clad with high-performance tires, a sport tuned suspension, upgraded leather, power heated sports seats with driver-side memory, unique interior and exterior AMG trim, and a power tilt/telescoping steering wheel.

Externally, biggest minor changes are to the nose which now takes on a slightly more aggressive with a split lower front air dam/bumper for a more Formula 1 racecar sportiness and a larger Mercedes star on the grille. In addition, larger side mirrors which incorporate arrow-like directional signals help with the lack of rear view vision when the power hardtop deploys. In the rear, larger tail pipes are divided by a faux diffuser box.

Inside, the changes are subtler with the most obvious being the three-spoke steering wheel brought over from the C-class sedan. The steering wheel is connected to Mercedes new "direct steer" variable-ratio steering rack, which produces a 25% quicker steering ratio providing a more direct, sports-car feel. Reviewers found the steering feel to be closer to, but still not the equal of a Porsche Boxster, a direct competitor to the SLK class.

Across the line, various options are available like bi-xenon headlamps, satellite radio, a navigation system, an iPod integration kit, upgraded surround-sound audio system, and Mercedes' Airscarf system that directs heated air onto the passengers’ necks to extend the top-down driving season - this is, after all, a luxury sports car!

The usual Mercedes care for safety is evident in the SLK line with ABS disc brakes with brake assist, traction control, stability control, driver knee airbag, side and front airbags, and the TeleAid emergency call system all being standard equipment.

With a metal, foldable hardtop that takes only 22 seconds to provide the "wind in your hair" driving experience, the SLK55 AMG is an all-weather, luxury high-performance sports car.