AIMS: Benz provides first look at new SLK

Next-gen roadster, upgraded E-Class and new C Coupe are presented to the public in Melbourne

discount new cars  » Get the best price on a new Mercedes-Benz

Mercedes-Benz has gone for broke at the Australian International Motor Show in Melbourne. The prestige importer has rolled out the new SLK roadster along with the C-Class Coupe (including C 63 variant) and an upgrade for the large E-Class range.

More aerodynamic than its predecessor and boasting the innovative Magic Sky Control for its panoramic vario-roof, the new SLK is not even due here until next month, but has been unveiled to the locals weeks in advance.

“The new SLK embodies the role of the trend-setter like no other car”, says Dr Dieter Zetsche, Chairman of the Board of Management of Daimler AG and CEO of Mercedes-Benz Cars.

“I am convinced that with its passionate design, its high quality interior and its modesty at the filling station it will continue to provide an enormous amount of fun on the road in future, too, consolidating its status as a cult roadster.”

The car's "modest" consumption can be attributed in part to lighter weight (the new car featuring aluminium front quarter panels and bonnet), but efficiency gains are also drawn from the new car's drag coefficient — reduced from 0.32 to 0.30Cd — and new engines that run leaner.

As the base model, the SLK 200 BlueEFFICIENCY is one of two four-cylinder variants in the range, the other being the SLK 250 BlueEFFICIENCY. Both engines — displacing 1.8 litres — and the V6 in the SLK 350 BlueEFFICIENCY are direct-injected. Power figures are 135kW for the SLK 200, 150kW for the SLK 250 and 225kW for the SLK 350.

Fuel consumption and CO2 emissions ratings are 6.9L/100km, 161gk/km for the SLK 200; 8.3L/100km, 194g/km for the SLK 350. Benz is yet to reveal the green stats for the 7G-Tronic Plus autobox-equipped SLK 250, which won't arrive here until early next year. The importer is also keeping mum on the price, but has announced that the SLK 200 will sell for $82,900 and the SLK 350 will be priced at $118,900.

The C-Class Coupe range comprises four variants (three petrol, one diesel), not including the range-topping C 63 AMG. Benz says that the C-Class Coupe will arrive here next month. Pricing will kick off at $58,900 for the C 180 BlueEFFICIENCY, which is powered by a 1.8-litre petrol engine developing 115kW and 250Nm for combined-cycle consumption and CO2 ratings of 7.3L/100km and 169g/km, respectively.

The C 250 BlueEFFICIENCY and the C 250 CDI (diesel) are priced the same — $69,900. Respective output and green figures for the petrol 1.8-litre C 250 are 150kW, 310Nm, 7.0L/100km and 163g/km. In contrast, the numbers for the 2.1-litre diesel C 250 are 150kW, 500Nm, 5.1L/100km and 134g/km. $30,000 beyond the C 250 price ($99,900), the C 350 BlueEFFICIENCY features a 3.5-litre V6 that develops 225kW and 370Nm, and is rated at 8.3L/100km and 194g/km for fuel consumption and CO2 emissions.

Other than the C 63, the C-Class Coupe variants are all fitted as standard with the 7G-Tronic Plus automatic transmission. Priced at $154,800m, the flagship model has the Speedshift MCT transmission offered in other AMG models. Similarly the C 63 Coupe has the AMG 6.2-litre V8 sitting in its nose, developing 336kW and 600Nm, for an acceleration time of 4.4 seconds to 100km/h.

Benz claims that the re-worked E-Class is 10 per cent more economical than before, through the adoption of an upgraded 7G-Tronic Plus automatic transmission and Eco-start/stop. Among other gains, the new transmission offers lower levels of NVH and improved dynamic response, courtesy of a new torque converter and a damper clutch that locks up earlier.

According to the company's press material, the two diesel four-cylinder variants (E 220 CDI Bluefficiency and E 250 CDI Bluefficiency), combined-cycle fuel consumption and CO2 emissions are 16 per cent lower than before. Both variants are powered by 2.1-litre turbodiesel engines, but the E 220 produces 125kW and 400Nm, while the 150kW E250 is good for 500Nm of torque. Fuel consumption and CO2 figures are 5.2L/100km and 138g/km (E 220) or 5.1L/100km and 135g/km (E 250). The petrol-engined E 250 Bluefficiency is also more frugal than before — by five per cent. Fuel consumption and CO2 figures are now 7.2L/100km and 166g/km.

Upgraded E-Class models can be identified by 3D-capable TFT display in the centre fascia, Direct-Select shifter on the steering column with shift paddles and — for the Elegance variants — a luxury front head restraint with adjustable side bolsters.

Prices for the revised E-Class are as follows:

E 220 CDI: $84,800
E 250: $97,780
E 250 CDI: $101,005
E 350: $132,635
E 350 CDI: $136,485
E 500: $183,685

All prices are manufacturer's list prices, not including on-road costs and dealer pre-delivery charges.

Read the latest Carsales Network news and reviews on your mobile, iPhone or PDA at carsales' mobile site...