1. The Mercedes SLK

2. From concept to reality

3. Powertrain and performance

4. The 2000 facelift and performance upgrades

5. A clever roof for real roads

6. A legacy that evolved

The Mercedes SLK

When Mercedes-Benz introduced the SLK, it wasn’t just launching another small roadster — it was reviving a formula that had once made the 190SL the elegant younger sibling of the legendary 300SL. Just as the 190SL shared little with its big brother beyond the “Sport Leicht” name, the SLK echoed the spirit of the larger R129 SL, while bringing something fresh and thoroughly modern to the table. The “K” in its name stood for Kurz — German for “short” — highlighting its more compact proportions.

From concept to reality

The story of the SLK began at the Turin Motor Show in April 1994, where the first concept car made its debut. Built on a C-Class platform under the direction of Dieter Futschik, the SLK was shaped by the masterful hand of Bruno Sacco and his design team. Because it was only a concept at that stage, the car didn’t even have a roof — allowing for bold design choices unencumbered by production constraints.

A second concept followed at the Paris Salon later that same year, and this time it featured what would become its most famous party trick: the power-operated “Vario-Roof”, a folding steel hardtop that could open or close in just 25 seconds. Behind the seats, the signature roll-over hoops hinted at the car’s sporty character.

By the 1996 Turin Show, Mercedes unveiled the production version of the SLK. Remarkably, much of the concept’s charm had survived the transition to the showroom. Only the lighting units were slightly toned down. Thanks to advanced safety engineering, the cabin was surprisingly roomy for such a compact roadster.

Powertrain and performance

At launch, the SLK was available with two engine options:

• A 2.0-litre naturally aspirated four-cylinder producing 136 bhp

• A 2.3-litre supercharged (Kompressor) engine delivering 193 bhp

Certain markets, like Italy, received a supercharged 2.0-litre variant to work around tax regulations. Buyers could choose between a five-speed manual or five-speed automatic transmission.

The starting price in Germany was €27,000, making the SLK an accessible entry point into the Mercedes-Benz roadster world. In January 1997, the SLK 2.3 Kompressor reached the U.S. market. A sportier trim level, complete with AMG body styling and wheels, arrived by the 1999 model year.

The 2000 facelift and performance upgrades

For the 2000 model year, the SLK received a subtle facelift inspired by updates to the larger SL. Unveiled at the Detroit Auto Show, the refreshed model entered production in February. The lineup now featured:

• SLK200 Kompressor

• SLK230 Kompressor

• SLK320, powered by a smooth 218 bhp V6

Transmission choices included a six-speed manual and a five-speed automatic.

Then came the SLK32 AMG, revealed at the 2001 Detroit Show. This range-topping version packed a supercharged V6 with 354 bhp, capable of sprinting from 0–100 km/h in just 5.2 seconds. It featured an AMG-tuned SpeedShift automatic gearbox, aggressive body styling, and upgraded suspension components, turning the SLK into a genuine performance machine.

A clever roof for real roads

One of the SLK’s greatest strengths was its folding steel roof. European convertible enthusiasts often deal with unpredictable weather, and the SLK offered the perfect solution: the security and insulation of a coupe with the open-air joy of a roadster. This innovation would inspire many competitors in the years to follow.

A legacy that evolved

The original R170 SLK bowed out in 2004, replaced by the R171 series, which debuted at the Geneva Motor Show. Drawing design inspiration from the SLR supercar, the new SLK moved further upmarket, cementing its position as a stylish, compact luxury roadster with serious performance credentials.

But it’s the first-generation SLK that truly changed the game. It proved that a compact Mercedes roadster could be both fun and practical, combining German engineering with clever design. Even today, the R170 remains a beloved modern classic — a reminder that sometimes, less really is more.

Are you already a proud owner of a Mercedes R170? If so, check out our selection of parts for this car at the following link:

https://octoclassic.com/product-category/mercedes-benz/r170

 

 

Photo sources: ultimatespecs.com, autoevolution.com