2007 Mercedes SLK280/E280 4-Matic
Short review of Mercedes SLK280/E280 4-Matic
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Price as tested: CDN$60500 (SLK280) CDN$67175 (E280)
Beginning in 2007, Mercedes unveiled a new 3.0L V6 for both SLK and E-Class. This powerplant will also be available in the all-new C-Class for 2008.
The highlight of this little review is this new powertrain. With 228hp and 221 lb/ft of torque, this engine serves as a very nice gap between 2.5L and 3.5L V6. This 221 pounds feet of torque available at an useful 2700rpm is simply a delight to drive around town, while 228 horses has plenty of reserves for highway passing. Not to mention Mercedes’s nifty 7-Gronic transmission is a great partner to this powerhouse. Best of all, it got plenty of performance without sacificing Mercedes’s excellent refinement, NVH and smoothness.
While the 4-Matic is an excellent AWD system, we are lamented for the dismiss of RWD E-Class in Canadian market. Only the E320 Bluetec and E63 AMG are available with RWD. If you are not going for efficient Bluetec diesel or supersedan, AWD is the only way to go for buying an E-Class.
As for SLK, we continue to be smitten by its wonderful handling dynamics. It remains the best driving Mercedes in recent memory. Sharp, precise and sporty are what best describe the SLK. With the introduction of this 3.0L V6, it would only make SLK even more popular than ever.
Overall ratings: 4.5/5 (SLK280) 4/5 (E280)