The third generation of Mercedes-Benz SLK-Class (SLC-Class) (series R172) was launched in Stuttgart in January 2011, with a subsequent public launch at the 2011 Geneva Motor Show, with international sales starting spring 2011. It is the successor of R171 series of roadsters which was originally launched in 2004. The SLC (as it was renamed during its mid cycle facelift) was discontinued after the 2020 model year.

Initial release

The design follows the themes of both the first and second generation SLKs, but incorporates a radiator air intake design inspired by the 190 SL roadster from the 1950s, and front end inspired by the

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Coupé and

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. "Edition 1" models includes special paint finish SHAPE in glacier grey, panoramic vario-roof, Dynamic Handling package, AMG bodystyling, two-tone designo nappa leather with contrasting topstitching, AIRSCARF, ambient lighting and more. Orders began in from 17 January 2011, and arrived to dealer showrooms on 26 March 2011. Early models include the SLK 200 BlueEFFICIENCY, SLK 250 BlueEFFICIENCY, SLK 350 BlueEFFICIENCY. US models went on sale in 2011 as 2012 model year vehicles. For the 2014 model year, minor changes were made to standard equipment, and the AMG Sports package was renamed to AMG Line.

Roadster Pure (2011–2020)

The Roadster Pure is a version of the SLK 200 BlueEFFICIENCY with the 7-speed automatic transmission, panoramic vario-roof, and the COMAND Online multimedia system. It also features 18-inch light-alloy wheels in 5-twin-spoke design, lowered sports suspension by , LED daytime running lights, metallic paint and leather heated seats.

SLK 250 CDI (2011–2020)

The SLK 250 CDI is the first version of the SLK-class a with diesel engine. Ordering began on 13 September 2011. Early models include the 7G-TRONIC PLUS automatic transmission, followed by six-speed manual transmission models in the second quarter of 2012. A BlueEFFICIENCY version of the SLK 250 CDI with the 6-speed manual transmission was added to the range in the spring of 2012. The SLK 250 CDI BlueEFFICIENCY with 7-speed automatic transmission is sold in Germany and the UK. The dimensions of the car is : Length: , Width: , Height: , Wheelbase: .

SLK 55 AMG (2012–2015)

The SLK 55 AMG was unveiled at the 2011 Frankfurt Motor Show, and went on sale in January 2012. It is powered by the M152 V8 engine, rated at at 6,800 rpm and at 4,500 rpm, and equipped with AMG cylinder management, start/stop function, sports exhaust system with integrated exhaust flaps, AMG SPEEDSHIFT PLUS 7G-TRONIC automatic transmission, AMG sports suspension with torque vectoring brakes and AMG direct-steer system, 3-stage ESP, and ventilated and perforated brake discs on all wheels with 360 x 36 mm front and 330 x 22 mm rear brake discs.

Equipment

The third generation continues with the two-piece metal folding roof known as a Vario Roof, which includes a choice of a roof painted in the vehicle colour, a panoramic vario-roof with dark-tinted windows, or the panoramic vario-roof with MAGIC SKY CONTROL, which features a glass roof that can be switched from fully transparent to tinted using a type of

smart glass Smart glass, also known as switchable glass, dynamic glass, and smart-tinting glass, is a type of glass that can change its optical properties, becoming opaque or tinted, in response to electrical or thermal signals. This can be used to prevent s ...

technology.

Engines

ECO start/stop is included for all engine models.

Transmissions

Performance

Facelift (SLC-Class)

In December 2015 Mercedes presented to the press the new version named SLC-Class, announcing a March 2016 launch date to coincide with the 20th anniversary of the original SLK. The SLC nameplate is revised from the C107. * SLC 180 4 cylinders, 1.6L turbo, 156 PS, 250 Nm, 5.6 L/100 km, 127 g /km, 0– in 7.9 s, * SLC 200 4 cylinders, 2.0L turbo, 184 PS, 300 Nm, 5.7 L/100 km, 133 g/km, 0– in 7.0s, * SLC 300 4 cylinders, 2.0L turbo, 245 PS, 370 Nm, 5.8 L/100 km, 134 g/km, 0– in 5.8s, * AMG SLC 43 V6, 3.0L biturbo, 367 - 390 PS, 520 Nm, 7.8 L/100 km, 178 g/km, 0– in 4.7s, * SLC 250d 4 cylinders, 2.1L turbodiesel 204 PS, 4.4 L/100 km, 114 g/km, 0– in 6.6s, All versions have as standard the

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automatic gearbox, except for the 180 and 200 in which a manual 6-speed gearbox is standard, although the automatic is available as an option.

References

Notes

Bibliography

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External links

Press kit:
The new Mercedes-Benz SLK: Passion meets efficiency
{{Mercedes-Benz timeline 1990–2019 R172 R172 Cars introduced in 2011 Cars discontinued in 2020