“Oh, man!” said one of the coworkers at my summer job when I pulled up in the new Mercedes SLK350.  “So be honest with me–is this the most expensive car you’ve ever tested?”

I had to tell him that no, not exactly.  The SLK350 is actually the freshly redesigned junior member of Mercedes’ roadster family, and stickers for less than $50,000.  In terms of curb appeal, though, it’s clear that the SLK’s new face, more powerful engine and upgraded interior are easily worth six figures.
Introduced in 1996 with the first wave of drop-top roadsters coming from Germany, the SLK has always been the plushest member of the fraternity, which currently includes the BMW Z4, Audi TT and Porsche Boxster.   It was the first of the bunch to let the sun shine in with the use of a retractable hardtop instead of a canvas convertible roof.  Though it’s got some sporty moves, the SLK is distinguished by being the most comfortable in its class, a sporty boulevard cruiser that’s comfortable enough to drive cross-country.
Redesigned for 2008, the SLK gets major revisions to its V6 engine to up the performance ante.  The 3.5 liter V6 engine provides decent performance, though even with 300 horsepower on tap the SLK doesn’t feel as hard-edged as its competitors.  Displacement has not been increased, but a new intake manifold and valvetrain modifications are responsible for the power increase.  The high-revving V6 is happy at just about any speed, and returns mid-twenties fuel economy on the freeway as well, giving the SLK a five hundred-mile range if it’s driven gently.  The new seven-speed automatic transmission does its part as well; with more ratios to choose from, the V6 is more efficient.  The SLK350 is the middle child of the lineup; it’s bracketed by the 228-horse SLK300 and the 355-horse SLK55 AMG.
The SLK350’s performance is entertaining, but serious sports-car fans will find it only mildly amusing.  Then again, those folks rarely slow down to enjoy the scenery, and the SLK makes it comfortable to go fast or slow.  The suspension is fully independent, with two-piece control arms and coil springs up front and a five-link rear.  Anti-squat and -dive geometry keeps the SLK350 level under hard acceleration or braking.  Standard stability control means that the rear-drive SLK350 keeps its composure in the wet, and this is a solid-feeling little roadster that never quailed when asked to deal with Detroit’s less-than-friendly road surfaces.  A new direct-steer system makes the SLK more engaging than previous versions, taking much of Mercedes’ trademark numbness out of the drive.  On average roads, at legal speeds and without a stopwatch counting the fractions of seconds, the little Mercedes is great fun to drive.  You can push it harder than that, and it’ll do as it’s told, but it’s clear all the time that F1-grade corner carving is not the SLK350’s forte.  It’s almost too soft-hearted to be considered a sports roadster, though the lack of a back seat and the ultra-compact dimensions put it in that class.
Track numbers aren’t everything, of course, and the SLK is just as happy being an automobile of leisure.  The SLK remains the most elegant of the various compact two-seat roadsters on sale.  The SLK’s redesign gives it show-stopping looks.  This may be one of the junior members of the Mercedes family, but you wouldn’t know that from the curb, and more than one onlooker was surprised to learn that the SLK didn’t come with a six-figure price tag.  The sleek, raked-back looks of the full-size SL roadster have been combined with Formula One cues like the strongly V-shaped front splitter and large Mercedes badge to create a sporty, upscale look that’s unique.  The rear of the car has also been restyled, with smoked taillights, quad exhaust outlets and tough-looking ground effects.  The SLK looks restrained and powerful at the same time.
The SLK’s interior has been revised for a sportier, driver-oriented feeling.  Even with snug seats, an aggressive, racing-style instrument panel and a laid-back driving position, however, the SLK still exudes an air of elegance that puts it above the league of the Miatas and Solstices of the world.  A choice of burr walnut or black ash woodgrain trim decorates the dash.  Driving free of distractions is aided by the Bluetooth-compatible phone and voice-command system.  These, and the available iPod controller, are all linked through the instrument panel for ease of use.  There’s also an SD memory card slot in the dash, and the navigation system’s screen is larger for easier reading.  The available harman/kardon Logic 7 sound system provides powerful tunes with the roof open or closed.  And speaking of the roof, it doesn’t seem to matter that even Pontiac’s doing a retractable hardtop these days; popping the SLK’s top conveys celebrity status in just twenty-two seconds, as people crowd to watch the roof raise up, fold itself, and slide neatly into the trunk.  I was able to enjoy top-down driving in Michigan’s balmy fall weather thanks to the unique AIRSCARF system of air vents that blow warm air across the driver and passenger’s shoulders when the top’s down.
It’s almost impossible to go wrong when you’re talking about two-seat, top-down motoring, so it boils down to a matter of style.  If you’re looking for sports roadster thrills combined with long-distance capability, wrapped up in a packaged that will make the valet parkers smile with respect when they see you coming, the SLK350 might just be your ticket.  It’s a Mercedes, of course, so you’re going to pay for that status.  Pricing for the SLK350 starts at just under $50,000, but the options add up quickly.  My test car featured satellite radio, the AIRSCARF and heated seats, a navigation system and the harman/kardon  sound system, and stickered for $60,225.

Specifications:  All specs are for the 2009 Mercedes SLK350.
Length:  161.5 in.
Width:  70.4 in.
Height:      51.1 in.
Wheelbase:  95.7 in.
Curb weight:   3318 lb.
Cargo space:   9.8 cu.ft. (top up); 6.5 cu.ft. (top down)
Base price:  $49,950
Price as tested:      $60,225
Engine:   3.5 liter DOHC V6
Drivetrain:  seven-speed automatic transmission, rear-wheel drive
Horsepower:  300 @ 6500
Torque:  265 @ 4900
Fuel capacity:  18.5 gal.
Est. mileage:   18/26