The automotive industry is one of the most important business sectors in India, and now, even the most exclusive global automotive players are setting their feet in this lucrative land. India isn’t just for small car segment wars anymore and the constantly inflating luxury car segment is where the action is hotting up. Since they entered India in 1994, Mercedes have been undisputed leaders. But now, Audi and BMW are making things hell for them, and it shows. Mercedes went crazy last year with product launches. We expect continued model launches – and one of them will be the third-gen SLK.



Featuring a classic roadster design, the new SLK offers an upright radiator grille that blends seamlessly with the long well-proportioned hood. The key element that captures one’s focal attention is the chrome-lined three-pointed star which sits prominently at the center of the radiator grille. The new headlamp cluster is evocative of the legendary 190 SL from the 1950s which is regarded by many as being the original ‘SLK.’ The interior barks of sportiness and whispers of style at the same time. The choice of a brushed-aluminium finish or a walnut fake wood trim finish will keep both a boy racer or a young business chap happy.

There’re three types of vario-roof available on the check list, and the most interesting option of the three is the Magic Sky Control which switches between light and dark transparency at the touch of a button. The new SLK 350 would provide a completely redesigned 3.5 litre V6 engine capable of producing 302 bhp. In other words it can accelerate from 0 – 60mph in around 5.4 seconds followed by a top speed of 155mph. The fuel economy is being estimated at 8km/l.

The SLK will be available in two engine options. The 3.5 litre V6 in the SLK350 would be good for 302bhp that will help it accelerate from 0 to 100 km/h in under 6 seconds. A smaller, 1.8 litre engine will find its way in the SLK250 that will develop 200bhp. Shifting via a 6-speed manual transmission, the 250 will be able to do naught to 100 km/h in less than 7 seconds, and it has a top speed of 155mph.