Mercedes-Benz, a marque long associated with luxury and prestige, decided it was time to capture a younger audience. This ambition led to the creation of the C-Class and E-Class, successfully broadening the brand’s appeal. However, to truly resonate with young professionals seeking excitement, something more was needed. The answer arrived in the form of the SLK-Class, a roadster designed to inject pure fun into the Mercedes-Benz lineup. The 1999 Mercedes-Benz SLK made a bold statement, directly challenging the established sporty marques.
A Playful Design with a Sophisticated Edge
The 1999 Mercedes-Benz SLK immediately distinguished itself with a playful yet sophisticated design. It was a clear departure from the more traditional Mercedes-Benz aesthetics, embracing a youthful and dynamic spirit. As a roadster, the SLK offered the classic two-seat configuration and the allure of open-top driving. What set it apart from rivals like BMW, Porsche, and Mazda was its innovative retractable steel roof. This feature transformed the SLK from an open-air roadster to a coupe-like vehicle at the touch of a button, offering the security and refinement of a hardtop when desired. Raising or lowering the roof was a simple operation controlled by a button on the center console, seamlessly blending open-top thrills with closed-cabin comfort.
Performance and Driving Dynamics
For the 1999 model year, Mercedes-Benz made a significant shift by equipping the SLK-Class with a manual transmission as standard. While an automatic transmission remained available as an option, the inclusion of a manual gearbox underscored the SLK’s sporty intentions. This move catered to driving enthusiasts who preferred a more engaging and traditional driving experience. Although Mercedes-Benz anticipated that automatics would still dominate sales, the manual option signaled a commitment to driver involvement.
The core driving experience of the 1999 Mercedes-Benz SLK was praised for its well-rounded nature. The steering was noted for its precision, providing confident control and feedback. The engine was described as eager and responsive, delivering ample power for spirited driving. Complementing these attributes was a smoothly tuned suspension system, striking a balance between sporty handling and comfortable ride quality. The SLK was genuinely enjoyable to drive, offering 200 pound-feet of torque across a broad rpm range. This characteristic made it exceptionally versatile, whether navigating city traffic or tackling winding mountain roads. The 1999 SLK could accelerate to 60 mph in just over seven seconds, providing brisk performance. Acknowledging feedback for a more assertive exhaust note, Mercedes-Benz aimed to enhance the auditory experience of the SLK, adding a touch more “roar” to the starting sound.
The Sport Package: Elevating the SLK’s Presence
The 1999 SLK-Class also received a visual and performance upgrade with the introduction of the Sport Package. This package, certified by AMG, added a more muscular and aerodynamic aesthetic to the roadster. The Sport Package included enhancements to the lower body, giving the SLK a more aggressive stance. Significantly, it also featured larger 17-inch wheels and tires, with 225/45ZR-17 tires at the front and wider 245/40ZR-17 tires at the rear. These upgrades aimed to give the somewhat demure SLK a stronger presence, allowing it to stand confidently alongside more overtly aggressive competitors like the BMW Z3 2.8 or Porsche Boxster. Beyond the visual enhancements, the Sport Package replaced the “Kompressor” badge on the side with a “Sport” badge, relocating the “Kompressor” designation to the decklid.
Safety First: Innovation in Roadster Safety
Roadsters are often perceived as less safe than other vehicle types, but Mercedes-Benz challenged this notion with the SLK-Class. The 1999 Mercedes-Benz SLK incorporated a comprehensive suite of safety technologies, unusual for a car in its class. Standard safety features included dual airbags and side-impact airbags. Furthermore, the SLK was equipped with antilock brakes and Automatic Slip Control (ASR), enhancing stability and control in challenging driving conditions.
Recognizing the increased risk of rollover accidents in roadsters, the SLK-Class was engineered with a reinforced A-pillar and integrated roll bars positioned behind each seat. A particularly noteworthy safety innovation was the BabySmart system. This system, when used with a Mercedes-Benz BabySmart car seat, intelligently deactivated the passenger airbag. This allowed for the safe installation of a child seat in the passenger seat, enabling parents to share the open-air driving experience with their young children.
Options and Personalization
Mercedes-Benz highlighted the 1999 SLK-Class as having “only four factory options,” which seemed understated considering the automatic transmission was also an option. The officially listed options included heated seats, metallic paint, a cell phone/CD changer combination, and the AMG appearance/17-inch wheels and tires Sport Package. These options allowed buyers to personalize their SLK to some degree, adding comfort, style, and sporty enhancements. The pricing for these options ranged from a few hundred dollars for heated seats and metallic paint to several thousand for the Sport Package, offering varying levels of customization to suit individual preferences.
In conclusion, the 1999 Mercedes-Benz SLK successfully captured the essence of a fun and sporty roadster while retaining Mercedes-Benz’s commitment to safety and innovation. With its retractable hardtop, engaging driving dynamics, and available Sport Package, the SLK offered a compelling alternative in the roadster market, attracting a new generation of drivers to the brand.
