2008 Mercedes-Benz SLK-Class

NEW FOR 2008:

- New Canada-only Sport Package

- New Entertainment Package (standard on SLK55 AMG)

- Optional SIRIUS Satellite Radio

For 2008, the Mercedes-Benz SLK-Class receives minor upgrades. An all-new Sport Package, exclusive to Canada, offers 17-inch twin-spoke alloy wheels, vented front discs with "Mercedes-Benz" calipers, wheel-mounted shift paddles, AMG lip spoiler, black Lugano leather upholstery with red contrast stitching, red seatbelts, red-edged floor mats, illuminated red instrument cluster needles, carbon optic interior trim, black headliner and smoked headlamp covers. The Entertainment Package, standard on the SLK55 AMG and optional on other models, adds TeleAid emergency calling, cellular phone pre-wiring, COMAND APS with navigation, SIRIUS Satellite Radio and Harman/Kardon LOGIC7 sound system with six-CD changer.

The SLK line-up comes in three models: the SLK280, with 3.0-litre V6 and six-speed manual or optional seven-speed automatic; the SLK350, with 3.5-litre V6 and six-speed manual or optional seven-speed automatic; and the SLK55 AMG, with 5.5-litre V8 and seven-speed automatic.

Features on the SLK280 include 16-inch alloy wheels, automatic climate control, aluminum trim, CD stereo, cruise control, first-aid kit, garage door opener, leather-wrapped multifunction wheel, one-touch up/down windows, sport seats, anti-theft system, auto-dimming mirrors, Direct Control suspension and power steering, two-stage rain-sensing wipers with heated washer system, SmartKey entry system, sport suspension and tinted glass.

The SLK350 adds 17-inch alloy wheels, heated seats, garage door opener, and bi-Xenon headlamps with washers and cornering lights.

The SLK55 AMG adds 18-inch wheels, Airscarf heating vents, fabric windscreen, COMAND APS with navigation, Harman/Kardon LOGIC7 surround sound system with six-CD/MP3 changer and SIRIUS Satellite Radio, power tilt and telescopic wheel with shift paddles, and parameter steering.

Styled similarly to the McLaren roadster, the SLK offers the convenience of a retractable roof with the joy of open-air motoring. The SLK55's fabric windscreen and Airscarf, which directs warm air to the neck and shoulders, makes it even nicer to take this car out on bright but chilly mornings. New option packages make it easier to outfit the car to one's liking, and with the addition of the Entertainment Package as standard equipment, the only available option for the AMG version is a performance kit. The price rises accordingly for the SLK55, but the other two models are unchanged from the MSRP of 2007.