The 2016 Mercedes-Benz SLK Class represents the third generation of this iconic roadster, known internally as the R172. This model year offers a blend of sporty performance, luxurious comfort, and advanced technology, making it a desirable choice for enthusiasts and everyday drivers alike. Available in several trims, including the SLK300, SLK350, and the high-performance AMG SLK55, the 2016 SLK Class caters to a range of driving preferences. Below is a detailed look at the technical specifications across these models.
Vehicle Overview
The 2016 Mercedes-Benz SLK Class is a two-door, two-passenger roadster, built on a robust steel unibody chassis. This construction provides a solid foundation for both safety and handling, ensuring a responsive and secure driving experience whether the retractable hardtop is up or down. The design emphasizes sporty elegance, with flowing lines and a dynamic stance that is instantly recognizable as a Mercedes-Benz.
Engine Specifications
Mercedes-Benz offered a range of engines for the 2016 SLK Class, each designed to deliver a distinct performance profile.
SLK300 Engine
The SLK300 is powered by a 2.0-liter inline 4-cylinder engine. This modern engine features an aluminum block and alloy cylinder head, contributing to weight reduction and efficient thermal management. It incorporates a 4-valve per cylinder arrangement, enhancing breathing and combustion efficiency. With a displacement of 1,991 cc, this turbocharged, direct-injection engine delivers 241 horsepower at 5,500 rpm and a substantial 278 lb-ft of torque, available across a wide rev range from 1,200 to 4,000 rpm. The compression ratio is set at 9.8 : 1, optimized for both performance and fuel economy.
SLK350 Engine
Stepping up to the SLK350, drivers will find a 3.5-liter V6 engine. Like the SLK300, it utilizes an aluminum engine block and alloy cylinder heads, along with a 4-valve per cylinder configuration. The larger displacement of 3,498 cc, combined with direct-injection technology, results in an output of 302 horsepower at 6,500 rpm and 278 lb-ft of torque, available from 3,500 to 5,250 rpm. The higher compression ratio of 12.0 : 1 reflects its performance-oriented design, with a maximum engine speed reaching 7,000 rpm.
AMG SLK55 Engine
For ultimate performance, the AMG SLK55 boasts a hand-built 5.5-liter AMG V8 engine. This powerhouse also features an aluminum engine block and alloy cylinder heads, maintaining the 4-valve per cylinder design. Displacing 5,461 cc, this direct-injection V8 produces a thrilling 415 horsepower at 6,800 rpm and a massive 398 lb-ft of torque at 4,500 rpm. The high compression ratio of 12.6 : 1 and a maximum engine speed of 7,200 rpm underscore its high-revving, naturally aspirated character, delivering an exhilarating driving experience.
| SLK300 | SLK350 | AMGSLK55 | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Type | 2.0-liter inline 4-cylinder | 3.5-liter V6 | 5.5-liter AMG V8 |
| Engine Block Material | Aluminum | Aluminum | Aluminum |
| Cylinder Head Material | Alloy | Alloy | Alloy |
| Valve arrangement | 4 valves/cylinder | 4 valves/cylinder | 4 valves/cylinder |
| Displacement (cc) | 1,991 | 3,498 | 5,461 |
| Bore (in.) | TBA | 3.66 | 3.86 |
| Stroke (in.) | TBA | 3.38 | 3.56 |
| Compression ratio | 9.8 : 1 | 12.0 : 1 | 12.6 : 1 |
| Horsepower @ rpm | 241 @ 5,500 | 302 @ 6,500 | 415 @ 6,800 |
| Torque (lb-ft) @ rpm | 278 @ 1,200-4,000 | 278 @ 3,500-5,250 | 398 @ 4,500 |
| Intake system | Turbocharged, direct injection | direct-injection | Direct-injection |
| Max. engine speed (rpm) | TBA | 7,000 | 7,200 |
Performance Metrics
The 2016 SLK Class delivers impressive performance figures across its model range, reflecting the different engine options.
Acceleration and Top Speed
The SLK300 accelerates from 0 to 60 mph in just 5.8 seconds, offering brisk performance suitable for both city driving and highway cruising. The SLK350 shaves off a few tenths, achieving 0-60 mph in 5.4 seconds, thanks to its more powerful V6 engine. The AMG SLK55, with its potent V8, reaches 60 mph from a standstill in a mere 4.5 seconds, placing it firmly in sports car territory. All models are electronically limited to a top speed of 155 mph, although the AMG SLK55 could reach 174 mph with the optional AMG Development Package, highlighting its track-ready capabilities.
Fuel Economy
Fuel efficiency varies with engine choice. The SLK300, with its smaller turbocharged engine, achieves the best figures, rated at 25 mpg in the city, 32 mpg on the highway, and 28 mpg combined. The SLK350 offers a balance of power and efficiency, with 21 mpg city, 29 mpg highway, and 24 mpg combined. As expected, the high-performance AMG SLK55 is less focused on fuel economy, with ratings of 19 mpg city, 28 mpg highway, and 22 mpg combined.
| SLK300 | SLK350 | AMGSLK55 | |
|---|---|---|---|
| 0-60 (sec.) | 5.8 | 5.4 | 4.5 |
| Top speed (limited) (mph) | 155 | 155 | 155 (174*) |
| Fuel economy: city hwy comb. | 25 32 28 | 21 29 24 | 19 28 22 |
*174mph with AMG Development Package
Transmission Details
Mercedes-Benz equipped the 2016 SLK Class with advanced automatic transmissions designed to enhance both performance and efficiency.
Transmission Types
The SLK300 features the 9G-TRONIC 9-speed automatic transmission, offering a wide gear ratio spread for optimal fuel economy and smooth shifting. The SLK350 utilizes the 7G-TRONIC PLUS 7-speed automatic transmission, known for its responsiveness and refined operation. The AMG SLK55 is fitted with the AMG SPEEDSHIFT 7G-TRONIC PLUS, which is specifically tuned for quicker shift times and a more engaging driving experience, reflecting AMG’s performance focus. All models are rear-wheel drive, contributing to the classic roadster driving dynamics.
| SLK300 | SLK350 | AMGSLK55 | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Type | 9G-TRONIC | 7G-TRONIC PLUS | AMG SPEEDSHIFT 7G- TRONIC PLUS |
| Drive Configuration | |||
| Gear ratios | |||
| 1 | |||
| 2 | |||
| 3 | |||
| 4 | |||
| 5 | |||
| 6 | |||
| 7 | |||
| 8 | – | – | |
| 9 | – | – | |
| 1st Reverse Gear | |||
| 2nd Reverse Gear | |||
| Final drive |
Suspension, Tires, and Brakes
The 2016 SLK Class is engineered for agile handling and confident braking, with specific setups tailored to each model.
Chassis and Handling
All SLK models feature sophisticated suspension systems designed to balance comfort and sporty handling. Precise steering and well-tuned steering ratios contribute to the roadster’s nimble feel. Specific details on suspension types, steering mechanisms, steering ratios, and turning circles were not provided in the original data but are key aspects of the vehicle’s dynamics.
Wheels and Tires
The SLK300 comes standard with high-performance tires, size 225/45 R17 at the front and 245/40 R17 at the rear, mounted on 17-inch wheels (7.5J front, 8.5J rear). The SLK350 and AMG SLK55 upgrade to 18-inch wheels, with the SLK350 using 225/40 R18 front and 245/35 R18 rear tires, and the AMG SLK55 using the same tire sizes but wider rear wheels (9J X 18 rear for AMG). All models are equipped with high-performance tires to ensure optimal grip and handling.
Brakes
While detailed specifications on brake design, disc diameters, and thicknesses are not available in the provided data, Mercedes-Benz roadsters are known for their robust braking systems. The AMG SLK55, in particular, would feature enhanced AMG braking components to match its higher performance capabilities.
| SLK300 | SLK350 | AMGSLK55 | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Suspension type | |||
| Steering | |||
| Steering Ratio | |||
| Turning Circle | |||
| Standard Tire | High-Performance | High-Performance | High-Performance |
| Standard Front Tire Size | 225/45 R17 | 225/40 R18 | 225/40 R18 |
| Standard Rear Tire Size | 245/40 R17 | 245/35 R18 | 245/35 R18 |
| Standard Front Wheel | 7.5J X 17 | 7.5J X 17 | 7.5J X 18 |
| Standard Rear Wheel | 8.5J X 17 | 8.5J X 17 | 9J X 18 |
| Front Wheel Brake design | |||
| Rear Wheel Brake design | |||
| Front Brake Disc Diameter (in.) | |||
| Front Brake Disc Thickness (in.) | |||
| Rear Brake Disc Diameter (in.) | |||
| Rear Brake Disc Thickness (in.) |
Exterior Dimensions
The 2016 Mercedes-Benz SLK Class maintains a compact and sporty footprint, ideal for navigating city streets and enjoying winding roads.
Size and Stature
All models share a wheelbase of 95.7 inches and a height of 51.2 inches. The overall length is 162.8 inches for the SLK300 and SLK350, slightly increasing to 163.2 inches for the AMG SLK55, likely due to subtle aerodynamic enhancements. The width, including mirrors, is consistent across all models at 79.0 inches. Track width varies slightly, with the front track at 61.4 inches for the SLK300 and SLK350, and 61.0 inches for the AMG SLK55. The rear track is 61.6 inches for the SLK300 and SLK350, and 61.7 inches for the AMG SLK55.
| SLK300 | SLK350 | AMGSLK55 | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Wheelbase | 95.7 | 95.7 | 95.7 |
| Length | 162.8 | 162.8 | 163.2 |
| Width including mirrors | 79.0 | 79.0 | 79.0 |
| Height | 51.2 | 51.2 | 51.2 |
| Track width front | 61.4 | 61.4 | 61.0 |
| Track width rear | 61.6 | 61.6 | 61.7 |
Interior Space
Despite its compact exterior, the 2016 SLK Class offers a comfortable and well-appointed interior for two occupants.
Cabin Dimensions
Headroom with the top up is generous at 38.0 inches, and can increase to 39.1 inches with the optional panoramic roof or MAGIC SKY CONTROL, enhancing the open-air feeling even with the roof closed. Legroom is ample at 42.5 inches, and shoulder room measures 52.2 inches, providing a comfortable space for both driver and passenger.
| SLK300 | SLK350 | AMGSLK55 | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Headroom (top up) | 38.0 39.1 w/ Pano or MAGIC SKY | 38.0 39.1 w/ Pano or MAGIC SKY | 38.0 39.1 w/Pano or MAGIC SKY |
| Leg room | 42.5 | 42.5 | 42.5 |
| Shoulder room | 52.2 | 52.2 | 52.2 |
Capacities and Weights
The 2016 SLK Class balances sporty design with practical considerations like trunk space and fuel capacity.
Cargo and Weight
Trunk capacity is a usable 10.1 cubic feet with the roof up, and 6.4 cubic feet with the retractable hardtop stowed. Curb weight is 3,417 lbs for both the SLK300 and SLK350, increasing slightly to 3,583 lbs for the AMG SLK55, reflecting the heavier V8 engine and performance enhancements. The fuel tank capacity is 15.9 gallons for the SLK300 and SLK350, and slightly larger at 18.5 gallons for the AMG SLK55, accommodating its higher fuel consumption during spirited driving.
| SLK300 | SLK350 | AMGSLK55 | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Trunk Capacity (roof up/down) (cu.ft.) | 10.1/6.4 | 10.1/6.4 | 10.1/6.4 |
| Curb weight (lbs.) | 3,417 | 3,417 | 3,583 |
| Fuel tank (gallons) | 15.9 | 15.9 | 18.5 |
For further information about Mercedes-Benz vehicles, please visit www.media.mbusa.com.
