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2013 Mercedes-Benz SLK Reviews, Pricing & Specs
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SLK: Sportlich (sporty), Leicht (light) and Kurz (short). When it debuted, people were a little concerned about the Sportlich aspect of that name, and Mercedes has made every effort to rectify the perceived shortcoming. In the meantime, they’ve also paid increased attention to the Leicht aspect of the game as well if not the Kurz, adding aluminum components throughout to keep weight down. True, the modern SLK is about 100 pounds heftier than when it debuted, but it’s still around the same amount lighter than the previous generation.
The SLK-Class rolls into 2013 fresh off a redesign, yet still receiving some added utility and luxury such as the standard mbrace2 infotainment system and optional adaptive highbeam assist, which automatically dims those lights in the face of oncoming traffic. Those go to all SLK trims, but the SLK350 gets some extra love with an iPod interface and satellite radio for its Harman Kardon stereo, a remote hardtop, heated seats and the Airscarf neck-heating system. Eco Start/Stop cylinder deactivation is also new for the 350’s 3.5-liter V6 as well as the 5.5-liter V8 in the SLK55 AMG.
But before we get into the mythical monster that is the SLK55 AMG, let’s start with a more humble offering, the SLK250. There was a time when 201 hp and 229 lb-ft of torque was a respectable offering from a V8 Mustang. Of course, Reagan was President, and some sports cars were still carbureted. Today those numbers are delivered via a turbocharged 1.8-liter inline 4-cylinder, here benefiting from more appropriate delivery systems like direct injection. Sadly, this is the sole SLK (and the sole Mercedes) to actually offer a manual transmission—a 6-speed in this case. You can still have the 7-speed automatic if that’s your perverted preference, however.
And there is where it ends. Anything else requires an automatic, although the SLK is used to being in a class of one. It was the first roadster with a retractable hardtop and is currently the only vehicle in the world that comes with an electrochromic roof—a giant piece of glass fitted with adaptive opacity that Mercedes calls Magic Sky Control. Press a button and the glass is crystal clear. Press another and it darkens to block the sun’s rays and keep your leather cool.
Those are features you wouldn’t have found back in the Reagan years, luxury car or not. But it’s no longer the Reagan years, and 200 hp no longer impress. Thankfully, we can look to the SLK350, with its 302-hp, 3.5-liter V6. It’s also direct-injected and benefits from a paddle-shifted, 7-speed automatic transmission. This means it can offer you a healthy return at the pump as well: 20 mpg city/29 highway. Not a substantial penalty over the SLK250’s 23/33, especially when considering the power jump.
And while Mercedes took special care to emphasize the light ’n’ low aspects of the SLK, they also want people to see just how wide it is. Currently standing with a 71.3- and 71.5-inch front and rear track respectively, Mercedes designed the interior with an abundance of horizontal lines and shapes to highlight the SLK’s prodigious breadth. Perhaps that’s to heighten the feeling of stability in a car that in its top-tier form is really little more than an engine, 4 wheels and a seat. The SLK55 AMG is truly scary: 422 hp and 398 lb-ft of torque from a hand-built 5.5-liter V8 shoved into a car weighing just over 3,100 pounds. No wonder Mercedes is so obsessed with safety, offering standard electronic stability and traction control, 8 airbags shoehorned into a convertible roadster, attention and adaptive high-beam assist and optional Distronic Plus with the Pre-Brake safety system. If you’d like a little more, go for the AMG Handling Package with its stiffer suspension setup, locking rear differential and upgraded braking system. That’s extra performance you can claim is for safety. A win/win!
The naysayers have little to say nay about these days, as the SLK is truly all about performance. Sure it sneaks some luxury in there as well with its leather upholstery, aluminum and wood trim, and more electronic creature comforts than Stephen Hawking’s wheelchair, but its true purpose shines through. Turbo 4 or screaming V8, the SLK will get you there in a hurry.
Published May 31, 2022 by Michael Perkins
User reviews for 2013 Mercedes-Benz SLK
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by Steven M
Jul 12, 2022
Features are fantastic. The 2013 SLK55 AMGs design is such that it looks like the new Mercedes. In other words, the appearance and style is contemporary even after being 10 years old. The performance is beyond words. Car and Driver Magazine tests reviewed states 0-60 MPH in just 4.1 seconds and a top speed of 175 MPH. Love it!! Jul 12, 2022
by Phillip B
Oct 19, 2020
If you’re looking for a roadster that handles the road well and the feels like a luxury car - this is a great choice.Oct 19, 2020
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Have you driven a 2013 Mercedes-Benz SLK?Compare this car
2013 Mercedes-Benz SLK Pricing
Original MSRP
$42,900 to $67,990Price range
$15,697 to $17,415Average price on CG
$15,720YoY price change
$17,014 to $15,720Trims & specs
Air Conditioning
Active charcoal air filtration · Automatic climate control front air conditioning · Dual front air conditioning zones
Airbags
Dual front airbags · Dual front knee airbags · Passenger airbag deactivation: occupant sensing deactivation · Front side airbags · Front side curtain airbags
Audio System
Antenna Type: diversity · Auxiliary audio input: iPod/iPhone integration · Single disc in-Dash CD · AM/FM radio · Total Number of Speakers: 8
Brakes
ABS: 4-wheel · Front brake diameter: 12.7 · Front brakes: ventilated disc · Rear brake diameter: 11.8 · Rear brakes: disc
Comfort Features
Dash trim: leather · Door sill trim: stainless steel · Door trim: alloy · Floor Mat Material: carpet · Floor Material: carpet · Floor Mats: front · Foot pedal trim: stainless steel · Shift knob trim: leather · Steering wheel trim: leather
Convenience Features
Center console: front console with storage · Cupholders: front · Memorized settings: side mirrors · Multi-function remote: trunk release · One-touch windows: 2 · Power outlet(s): 12V front · Power steering: speed-proportional · Power windows: lockout button · Reading lights: front · Steering wheel: tilt and telescopic · Steering wheel mounted controls: audio · Storage: door pockets · Vanity mirrors: dual illuminating
Driver Seat
Adjustable lumbar support: 4-way power · Power adjustments: 8
Exterior Features
Door handle color: body-color · Exhaust: dual exhaust tips · Exhaust tip color: stainless-steel · Front bumper color: body-color · Mirror color: body-color · Rear bumper color: body-color · Rear spoiler: lip · Rear spoiler color: body-color
Headrests
Front headrests: adjustable · Number of front headrests: 2
In Car Entertainment
Infotainment screen size: 5.8 in.
Instrumentation
Fuel economy display: MPG · Warnings and reminders: maintenance reminder
Lights
Daytime running lights: LED · Exterior entry lights: puddle lamps · Headlights: auto delay off · Tail and brake lights: LED
Mirrors
Exterior mirrors: heated
Passenger Seat
Adjustable lumbar support: power · Power adjustments: 8
Roof
Convertible rear window: glass · Convertible roof: power
Safety
Active head restraints: driver · Crumple zones: front · Impact sensor: fuel cut-off
Seatbelts
Front seatbelts: 3-point · Seatbelt force limiters: front · Seatbelt pretensioners: front · Seatbelt warning sensor: driver and passenger
Seats
Driver seat power adjustments: height · Front seat type: sport bucket · Passenger seat power adjustments: height · Upholstery: leatherette
Suspension
Front Shock Type: gas shock absorbers · Front Spring Type: coil springs · Front Suspension Classification: independent · Front Suspension Type: multi-link · Rear Shock Type: gas shock absorbers · Rear Spring Type: coil springs · Rear Suspension Classification: independent · Rear Suspension Type: multi-link · Stabilizer bar(s): front
Telematics
Driver assistance app: roadside assistance · Phone: hands free · Phone wireless data link: Bluetooth · Satellite communications: mbrace · Smart device app function: lock operation
Tires
Type: performance
Tires and Rims
Wheel type: aluminum alloy
Windows
Front wipers: intermittent · Power windows: remote operation
Air Conditioning
Active charcoal air filtration · Automatic climate control front air conditioning · Dual front air conditioning zones
Airbags
Dual front airbags · Dual front knee airbags · Passenger airbag deactivation: occupant sensing deactivation · Front side airbags · Front side curtain airbags
Audio System
Antenna Type: diversity · Auxiliary audio input: iPod/iPhone integration · Single disc in-Dash CD · Premium Brand: Harman-Kardon · HD radio · Satellite Radio: SiriusXM · Total Number of Speakers: 11
Brakes
ABS: 4-wheel · Front brake diameter: 13.5 · Front brakes: ventilated disc · Rear brake diameter: 11.8 · Rear brakes: disc
Comfort Features
Dash trim: alloy · Door sill trim: stainless steel · Door trim: wood · Floor Mat Material: carpet · Floor Material: carpet · Floor Mats: front · Foot pedal trim: stainless steel · Shift knob trim: leather · Steering wheel trim: leather
Convenience Features
Center console: front console with storage · Cupholders: front · Dimming rearview mirror: auto-dimming · Memorized settings: steering wheel · Multi-function remote: trunk release · One-touch windows: 2 · Power outlet(s): 12V front · Power steering: speed-proportional · Power windows: lockout button · Reading lights: front · Steering wheel: tilt and telescopic · Steering wheel mounted controls: cruise controls · Storage: front seatback · Vanity mirrors: dual illuminating
Driver Seat
Adjustable lumbar support: 4-way power · Power adjustments: 8
Exterior Features
Door handle color: body-color · Exhaust: dual exhaust tips · Exhaust tip color: stainless-steel · Front bumper color: body-color · Mirror color: body-color · Rear bumper color: body-color · Rear spoiler: lip · Rear spoiler color: body-color
Headrests
Front headrests: adjustable · Number of front headrests: 2
In Car Entertainment
Infotainment screen size: 5.8 in.
Instrumentation
Fuel economy display: MPG · Warnings and reminders: low fuel level
Lights
Daytime running lights: LED · Exterior entry lights: puddle lamps · Headlights: auto delay off · Tail and brake lights: LED
Mirrors
Exterior mirrors: heated
Passenger Seat
Adjustable lumbar support: power · Power adjustments: 8
Roof
Convertible rear window: glass · Convertible roof: power
Safety
Active head restraints: driver · Crumple zones: front · Impact sensor: fuel cut-off
Seatbelts
Front seatbelts: 3-point · Seatbelt force limiters: front · Seatbelt pretensioners: front · Seatbelt warning sensor: driver and passenger
Seats
Driver seat power adjustments: height · Front seat type: sport bucket · Passenger seat power adjustments: height · Upholstery: leather
Suspension
Front Shock Type: gas shock absorbers · Front Spring Type: coil springs · Front Suspension Classification: independent · Front Suspension Type: multi-link · Rear Shock Type: gas shock absorbers · Rear Spring Type: coil springs · Rear Suspension Classification: independent · Rear Suspension Type: multi-link · Stabilizer bar(s): rear
Telematics
Driver assistance app: roadside assistance · Phone: voice activated · Phone wireless data link: Bluetooth · Satellite communications: mbrace · Smart device app function: horn/light operation
Tires
Type: performance
Tires and Rims
Wheel type: aluminum alloy
Windows
Front wipers: intermittent · Power windows: remote operation
Air Conditioning
Active charcoal air filtration · Automatic climate control front air conditioning · Dual front air conditioning zones
Airbags
Dual front airbags · Dual front knee airbags · Passenger airbag deactivation: occupant sensing deactivation · Front side airbags · Front side curtain airbags
Audio System
Antenna Type: diversity · Auxiliary audio input: iPod/iPhone integration · Single disc in-Dash CD · Premium Brand: Harman-Kardon · AM/FM radio · Satellite Radio: SiriusXM · Total Number of Speakers: 11
Brakes
ABS: 4-wheel · Front brake diameter: 14.2 · Front brakes: ventilated disc · Rear brake diameter: 13.0 · Rear brakes: disc
Comfort Features
Dash trim: wood · Door sill trim: stainless steel · Door trim: alloy · Floor Mat Material: carpet · Floor Material: carpet · Floor Mats: front · Foot pedal trim: stainless steel · Shift knob trim: leather · Steering wheel trim: leather
Convenience Features
Center console: front console with storage · Cupholders: front · Dimming rearview mirror: auto-dimming · Memorized settings: passenger seat · Multi-function remote: keyless entry · One-touch windows: 2 · Power outlet(s): 12V front · Power steering: speed-proportional · Power windows: lockout button · Reading lights: front · Steering wheel: tilt and telescopic · Steering wheel mounted controls: paddle shifter · Storage: door pockets · Vanity mirrors: dual illuminating
Driver Seat
Adjustable lumbar support: 4-way power · Power adjustments: 8
Exterior Features
Door handle color: body-color · Exhaust: dual exhaust tips · Exhaust tip color: stainless-steel · Front bumper color: body-color · Mirror color: body-color · Rear bumper color: body-color · Rear spoiler: lip · Rear spoiler color: body-color
Headrests
Front headrests: adjustable · Number of front headrests: 2
In Car Entertainment
Infotainment screen size: 5.8 in.
Instrumentation
Fuel economy display: MPG · Warnings and reminders: low fuel level
Lights
Daytime running lights: LED · Exterior entry lights: puddle lamps · Headlights: auto delay off · Tail and brake lights: LED
Mirrors
Exterior mirrors: auto-dimming
Passenger Seat
Adjustable lumbar support: power · Power adjustments: 8
Roof
Convertible rear window: glass · Convertible roof: remote operation
Safety
Active head restraints: driver · Crumple zones: rear · Impact sensor: post-collision safety system
Seatbelts
Front seatbelts: 3-point · Seatbelt force limiters: front · Seatbelt pretensioners: front · Seatbelt warning sensor: driver and passenger
Seats
Driver seat power adjustments: height · Front seat type: sport bucket · Passenger seat power adjustments: height · Upholstery: leather
Suspension
Front Shock Type: gas shock absorbers · Front Spring Type: coil springs · Front Suspension Classification: independent · Front Suspension Type: multi-link · Rear Shock Type: gas shock absorbers · Rear Spring Type: coil springs · Rear Suspension Classification: independent · Rear Suspension Type: multi-link · Stabilizer bar(s): front
Telematics
Driver assistance app: roadside assistance · Phone: voice activated · Phone wireless data link: Bluetooth · Satellite communications: mbrace · Smart device app function: maintenance status
Tires
Type: performance
Tires and Rims
Wheel type: aluminum alloy
Windows
Front wipers: rain sensing · Power windows: remote operation