The Mercedes-Benz SLK-Class compact roadster, introduced in 1997, seats two passengers and includes a power-retractable hardtop for open-air driving. For 2008, the SLK-Class receives an exterior facelift, with an updated grille, new front and rear bumpers, sportier headlights, and revised taillights with a dark, smoky appearance. Mercedes also offers new light-alloy wheels for 2008. In addition, the exterior mirrors now include LED indicators with a pronounced arrow shape. The interior of the SLK-Class also gets a number of upgrades as well, including an updated instrument cluster and a new three-spoke multifunction sports steering wheel.

Although not as powerful nor as well-equipped as the venerable Mercedes-Benz SL-Class roadsters, the SLK-Class still delivers good performance, precise handling, a comfortable cabin, and Mercedes-Benz's fit and finish. The SLK-Class sports a sleek, aggressive exterior design, with an arrow-shaped front end and a diffuser-style rear end with trapezoidal exhaust tailpipes for a bold appearance.

For 2008, the Mercedes-Benz SLK-Class consists of three trims, including the SLK280, the SLK350, and the performance-tuned SLK55 AMG. A 3.0-liter V6 engine, producing 228 hp and 221 lb-ft of torque, powers the SLK280. The engine links to either a six-speed manual transmission or a seven-speed 7G-Tronic automatic with a manual shift feature. The SLK350 comes equipped with a 3.5-liter V6, which generates 268 hp and 258 lb-ft of torque, and links to the automatic transmission only. At the top of the lineup, the SLK55 AMG features an AMG-built 5.4-liter V8 producing 355 hp and 376 lb-ft of torque. Mated to a seven-speed automatic transmission, the big V8 propels the SLK55 AMG from 0 to 60 in 5.1 seconds.

Standard equipment for the SLK280 and SLK350 includes leather upholstery, hand-polished wood trim, stainless-steel rubber-studded pedals, dual-zone climate control, and a Harman Kardon audio system with an in-dash 6-CD changer. Options include power-adjustable heated seats, a hard-drive-based navigation system, and the Airscarf feature, which blows warm air down the necks of the driver and passenger to extend the top-down driving season. The SLK55 AMG comes equipped with a number of features designed by AMG, Mercedes' in-house tuner, including Nappa leather upholstery, an AMG ergonomic sports steering wheel, bolstered sports seats, and an AMG instrument cluster, as well as an AMG-designed exhaust system, high-performance braking system, and rear spoiler.

Vehicle speed-sensitive steering and a multilink suspension come standard, while an electronic stability control system and antilock brakes with brake assist are among the SLK-Class's many safety features.