Mercedes-Benz SLK-Class

{{Short description|Compact executive roadster}} {{Infobox automobile | name = Mercedes-Benz SLK-Class<br>Mercedes-Benz SLC-Class | image = Mercedes-Benz SLK 200 BlueEFFICIENCY (R 172) – Frontansicht, 3. Juli 2011, Essen.jpg | manufacturer = {{ubl |Daimler-Benz (1995–1998) |DaimlerChrysler (1998–2007) |Daimler AG (2007–2020) }} | production = 1996–2020 | class = Sports car (S) <br> Grand tourer (AMG models) | body_style = 2-door roadster | layout = Front-engine, rear-wheel-drive | predecessor = | successor = }}

The '''Mercedes-Benz SLK-Class''' is a compact executive roadster, produced by Mercedes-Benz. It was released in 1996 and was manufactured at the Mercedes plant in Bremen, Germany, until 2020.

The former name "SLK" was derived from ''sportlich'' (sporty), ''leicht'' (lightweight), and ''kurz'' (short).<ref>{{cite magazine | archive-url = https://web.archive.org/web/20080304151435/http://www.time.com/time/magazine/article/0,9171,985621-1,00.html | archive-date = 2008-03-04 | url = http://www.time.com/time/magazine/article/0,9171,985621-1,00.html | title = The roadsters are back | magazine = Time | first = William A. | last = McWhirter | date = 2 December 1996 }}</ref> With the release of the facelift R172 in 2016, the SLK-Class was renamed to '''SLC-Class''' in accordance with the revised nomenclature adopted by Mercedes. Under this scheme, roadsters use the base name "SL", followed by the model's placement in Mercedes-Benz hierarchy, the letter "C", being the roadster equivalent to the C-Class.<ref>{{cite web | last = Ewing | first = Steven | date = 11 November 2014 | url = http://www.autoblog.com/2014/11/11/mercedes-name-changes-gl-maybach/ | title = Mercedes renames utility vehicles, repositions Maybach as sub-brand | publisher = Autoblog.com | access-date = 12 November 2014}}</ref><ref>{{cite web | url = http://media.daimler.com/dcmedia/0-921-1760651-1-1760337-1-0-0-0-0-1-0-0-0-1-0-0-0-0-0.html?TS=1415752768119 | title = Mercedes-Benz expands brand world and introduces new nomenclature: Mercedes-Maybach for the ultimate in exclusivity and individuality | publisher = Daimler AG | date = 11 November 2014 | access-date = 12 November 2014 | archive-url = https://web.archive.org/web/20141112050328/http://media.daimler.com/dcmedia/0-921-1760651-1-1760337-1-0-0-0-0-1-0-0-0-1-0-0-0-0-0.html?TS=1415752768119 | archive-date = 2014-11-12 | url-status = dead }}</ref>

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== First generation (R170; 1995–2004) == {{Main|Mercedes-Benz SLK-Class (R170)}} alt=|thumb|R170 SLK-Class

The R170 Mercedes SLK was the first generation compact roadster manufactured and marketed by Mercedes, from 1995 to 2004.<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://mercedes-benz-publicarchive.com/marsClassic/en/instance/ko/SLK-200--R-170-E-20-1996---2000.xhtml?oid=5014|title=SLK 200 / R 170 E 20, 1996 - 2000|access-date=10 December 2023|website=mercedes-benz-publicarchive.com}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web|url=https://www.parkers.co.uk/mercedes-benz/slk/roadster-1996/review/|title=Mercedes-Benz SLK Roadster Review (1996 - 2004) {{!}} Parkers|website=www.parkers.co.uk|language=en|access-date=2018-05-04}}</ref> It was designed from late 1991 under Bruno Sacco, with a final design being completed in early 1993 and approved by the board, with a German design patent filed on September 30, 1993.<ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.autodesignmagazine.com/articoli/es/098/a2.htm |title=Auto & Design – 98 – Reinterpretation of the roadster |publisher=Autodesignmagazine.com |access-date=2012-05-18 |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20080807013008/http://www.autodesignmagazine.com/articoli/es/098/a2.htm |archive-date=2008-08-07 }}</ref> The production SLK-Class was introduced at the Turin Motor Show on 22 April 1996, appearing as a modern incarnation of the 1950s Mercedes-Benz 190SL, by returning to four cylinders and with an identical {{Convert|94|in|mm|sing=on}} wheelbase.<ref>{{Cite book|url=https://books.google.com/books?id=OYZKBQAAQBAJ&q=wheelbase+length+of+2400mm+%2894.5in%29%2C+the+same+as+that+of+the+old+300SL+and+190SL+models+from+almost+four+decades+before|title=Mercedes-Benz SLK: – R170 series 1996-2004|last=Long|first=Brian|date=2014-11-28|publisher=Veloce Publishing Ltd|isbn=9781845846510|language=en}}</ref> A facelift was introduced to all models in 2000, featuring an updated design and updated engines.<ref>{{Cite web|url=http://www.oocities.org/motorcity/downs/9323/r170fl.htm|title=SLK R170 Face-Lift for Year 2000|date=1999-11-20|website=oocities|access-date=2018-05-03}}</ref>

== Second generation (R171; 2004–2010) == {{Main|Mercedes-Benz SLK-Class (R171)}} alt=|thumb|R171 SLK-Class

The R171 SLK was unveiled at the 2004 Geneva Motor Show. It features increased use of high-strength steel,<ref name="new">{{cite news|url=http://media.daimler.com/dcmedia/0-921-1690014-1-807330-1-0-0-0-0-1-0-1549054-0-1-0-0-0-0-0.html?TS=1436806615524|title=The new Mercedes-Benz SLK-Class|date=15 March 2004|publisher=Mercedes Benz|access-date=14 July 2015|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150713224752/http://media.daimler.com/dcmedia/0-921-1690014-1-807330-1-0-0-0-0-1-0-1549054-0-1-0-0-0-0-0.html?TS=1436806615524|archive-date=13 July 2015|url-status=dead}}</ref> and improvements to the car's torsional strength and aerodynamic efficiency.<ref name="new" /> Models feature a more compact, revised roof mechanism that is operated in 22 seconds (previously 25 seconds), resulting in an increase in boot capacity by {{Convert|63|liters|cuft}}.<ref name="new"/> The R171 also introduced the Airscarf system that integrates neck-level heating system into the headrests of the car.<ref name="new"/> The front-end design of the car was inspired by the noses found in Formula One cars.<ref name="new" /> It was facelifted in 2008 and featured new engines and minor exterior design changes.<ref>{{cite web|author=New Cars on Sale |url=https://www.telegraph.co.uk/motoring/new-cars-on-sale/2751810/In-the-showrooms-Mercedes-SLK-Roadster.html |title=The Telegraph 4 April 2008 |publisher=Telegraph.co.uk |access-date=2012-05-18}}</ref>

== Third generation (R172; 2011–2020) == {{Main|Mercedes-Benz SLK-Class (R172)}}

alt=|thumb|R172 SLK-Class thumb|Mercedes-Benz SLC-Class Front (left)

The R172 SLK was released in 2011.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://cars.aol.co.uk/2011/03/01/geneva-motor-show-mercedes-slk/|title=Geneva motor show: Mercedes SLK|date=1 March 2011|work=AOL|access-date=5 February 2014}}</ref> It was available with a range of inline-four, V6, and V8, diesel and petrol engines, and introduced an electronically operated window tint shade for the sunroof, called Magic Sky Control. A facelift was released for vehicles produced from March 2016, to coincide with the 20th anniversary of the SLK-Class.<ref name="turbo-Dec-16">{{cite web|url=http://www.turbo.fr/actualite-automobile/789640-salon-detroit-2016-mercedes-slc/|title=Salon Detroit 2016 : Mercedes SLC|work=turbo.fr}}</ref> The model range was also renamed to SLC-Class to conform to the new Mercedes nomenclature, and introduced new engines and a revised design. In 2020, Mercedes-Benz released a Final Edition to commemorate the end of the car's production run.<ref>{{cite magazine |url=https://www.motortrend.com/news/mercedes-benz-officially-kills-off-slc-class-roadster/ |title=The Mercedes-Benz SLC Roadster is Officially Done |magazine=Motor Trend |date=20 February 2020 |access-date=5 August 2020}}</ref> {{clear}}

== Sales figures == The following are the sales figures for the SLK-Class since 2001:<ref>{{cite web|url=http://left-lane.com/european-car-sales-data/mercedes-benz/mercedes-benz-slk/|title=Mercedes-Benz SLK monthly and annual sales in Europe|publisher=Left-Lane.com|access-date=2014-03-24}}</ref> {| class="wikitable sortable" style="text-align: center;" !Year !EU sales !US sales |- |2001 |27,734 |11,268<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.thefreelibrary.com/Mercedes-Benz+USA+Records+Highest+Sales+in+Its+History.-a096075297|title=Mercedes-Benz USA Records Highest Sales in Its History. – Free Online Library|date=2003-01-03|publisher=Thefreelibrary.com|access-date=2011-01-12}}</ref> |- |2002 |19,039 |7,784 |- |2003 |14,629 |6,023<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.theautochannel.com/news/2005/01/04/313903.html|title=2004 Highest Year on Record for Mercedes-Benz USA|publisher=Theautochannel.com|access-date=2010-03-21}}</ref> |- |2004 |38,417 |7,360 |- |2005 |36,823 |11,278<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.theautochannel.com/news/2007/01/03/032870.html|title=Mercedes-Benz Rings in the New Year with Record 2006 Sales|publisher=Theautochannel.com|access-date=2010-03-21}}</ref> |- |2006 |27,128 |10,410 |- |2007 |20,834 |7,270<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.emercedesbenz.com/Jan09/05_001548_Mercedes_Benz_USA_Sales_Drop_32_Percent_In_December_2008.html|title=Mercedes-Benz USA's Sales Drop 32.1 Percent In December 2008 | eMercedesBenz – The Unofficial Mercedes-Benz Weblog|date=2009-01-05|publisher=eMercedesBenz|access-date=2010-03-21|archive-url=https://archive.today/20120729125348/http://www.emercedesbenz.com/Jan09/05_001548_Mercedes_Benz_USA_Sales_Drop_32_Percent_In_December_2008.html|archive-date=2012-07-29|url-status=dead}}</ref> |- |2008 |18,529 |4,941 |- |2009 |10,805 |2,566<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.prnewswire.com/news-releases/highest-sales-month-for-the-year-at-21469-brings-mercedes-benz-to-an-18-percent-increase-for-2010-112881769.html|title=Highest Sales Month for the Year at 21,469 Brings Mercedes-Benz to an... – MONTVALE, N.J., Jan. 4, 2011 /PRNewswire/|date=2011-01-04|publisher=Prnewswire.com|location=New Jersey|access-date=2011-01-12}}</ref> |- |2010 |8,779 |1,980 |- |2011 |17,729 |3,220<ref name="Sales2012">{{cite web|url=http://www.prnewswire.com/news-releases/mercedes-benz-usa-hits-its-highest-ever-us-volume-with-sales-of-305072-185567602.html|title=Mercedes-Benz USA Hits Its Highest-Ever U.S. Volume With Sales Of 305,072|date=3 January 2013|work=PR Newswire|access-date=22 March 2013}}</ref> |- |2012 |17,731 |4,595<ref name="Sales2012" /> |- |2013 |12,594 |4,757<ref name="Sales2013/4">{{cite web|url=http://www.prnewswire.com/news-releases/mercedes-benz-delivers-record-breaking-2014-sales-volume-of-330391-up-57-300015788.html|title=Mercedes-Benz Delivers Record-Breaking 2014 Sales Volume Of 330,391, Up 5.7%|date=5 January 2015|work=PR Newswire|access-date=16 January 2015}}</ref> |- |2014 |11,114 |4,737<ref name="Sales2013/4" /> |- |2015 |10,369 |4,182 |- |2016 |8,909 |3,397 |- |2017 |8,421 |2,860 |- |2018 | |1,993 |- |2019 | |1,840 |}

== References == ===Notes=== {{reflist|30em}}

===Bibliography===  {{refbegin}} * {{cite book |last1=Alfieri |first1=Bruno |title=Mercedes-Benz SLK |series=New Great Car Series |date=1997 |publisher=Automobilia |location=Milan |isbn=8879600559 |language=en,de,it}} * {{cite book |last1=Allner |first1=Michael |title=Mercedes-Benz SLK & SLC: alle Generationen, alle Baujahre |trans-title=Mercedes-Benz SLK & SLC: All Generations, All Model Years |date=2021 |publisher=Motorbuch Verlag |location=Stuttgart |isbn=9783613043671 |language=de}} * {{cite book |last1=Bass |first1=Chris |title=Mercedes-Benz SLK: R170 series 1996-2004 |series=The Essential Buyer's Guide series |date=2015 |publisher=Veloce Publishing |location=Dorchester, Dorset, UK |isbn=9781845848088}} * {{Bols: Mercedes-Benz Personenwagen}} * {{cite book |editor-last1=Clarke |editor-first1=R.M. |title=Mercedes CLK & SLK |series='Road Test' Limited Edition series |date=2001 |publisher=Brooklands Books |location=Cobham, Surrey, UK |isbn=1855205564}} * {{cite book |last1=Engelen |first1=Günter |title=Faszination SLK: R 170 |date=2006 |publisher=Heel Verlag |location=Königswinter, Germany |isbn=9783898806848 |language=de,en}} * {{cite book |last1=Koehling |first1=Bernd S. |title=Mercedes-Benz: Everything you want to know about the SLK R170 - From the SLK 200 to the SLK 32 AMG and Tuners |date=2021 |publisher=Independently published |isbn=979-8736788729}} * {{cite book |last1=Koehling |first1=Bernd S. |title=Mercedes-Benz: Everything you want to know about the SLK R171 - From the SLK 200 K to the SLK 55 AMG and Tuners |date=2021 |publisher=Independently published |isbn=9798736812097 |author-mask=8}} * {{cite book |last1=Koehling |first1=Bernd S. |title=Mercedes-Benz: Everything you want to know about the SLK R172 - From the SLK200 to the SLK 55AMG and Tuners |date=2021 |publisher=Independently published |isbn=9798736830558 |author-mask=8}} * {{cite book |last1=Long |first1=Brian |title=Mercedes-Benz SLK: R170 Series, 1996-2004 |date=2014 |publisher=Veloce Publishing |location=Dorcester, Dorset, UK |isbn=9781845846510}} * {{cite book |last1=Long |first1=Brian |title=Mercedes-Benz SLK: R171 Series, 2004-2011 |date=2015 |publisher=Veloce Publishing |location=Dorcester, Dorset, UK |isbn=9781845846534 |author-mask=5}} * {{cite book |last1=Vieweg |first1=Christof |title=Alles über den Mercedes-Benz SLK |trans-title=Everything about the Mercedes-Benz SLK |series=Technik transparent series |date=1996 |publisher=Mercedes-Benz AG |location=Stuttgart |language=de |isbn=3980445712}} * {{cite book |last1=Vieweg |first1=Christof |title=Die neue SLK-Klasse: Menschen, Modelle, Motoren: alles über den Mercedes-Sportwagen |trans-title=The new SLK-Class: Men, Models, Motors: everything about the Mercedes sports car |date=2004 |publisher=Hampp Verlag |location=Stuttgart |isbn=3930723093 |language=de |author-mask=7}} * {{cite book |last1=Zoporowski |first1=Tobias |title=Mercedes-Benz SLK (R 170): Alle Modelle von 1996–2004 |trans-title=Mercedes-Benz SLK (R 170): All Models from 1996–2004 |series=Praxisratgeber Klassikerkauf series |date=2018 |publisher=Heel Verlag |location=Königswinter, Germany |isbn=9783958436961 |language=de}} {{refend}}

== External links == * {{official|https://www.mercedes-benz.com/en/mercedes-benz/vehicles/passenger-cars/slc/}}

{{DEFAULTSORT:Mercedes-Benz Slk-Class}} SLK-Class Category:Hardtop convertibles Category:Roadsters Category:Euro NCAP roadster sports cars Category:Rear-wheel-drive vehicles Category:Cars introduced in 1996 Category:Cars discontinued in 2020 Category:2000s cars Category:2010s cars