EXPERIENCE THE SLK
Discover the story of the roadster that combined open-air motoring with everyday usability and one unforgettable folding roof.
A ROADSTER REIMAGINED.
Before there was an SLK, there was an idea: create a compact Mercedes-Benz roadster for a new generation.
In 1994 Mercedes-Benz presented an SLK study at the Turin Motor Show. A further study shown later that year in Paris demonstrated the concept with a folding hardtop.
THE SLK ARRIVES.
In April 1996, the production SLK made its debut at the Turin Motor Show.
Its defining feature was the electrohydraulic Vario-roof: a folding steel hardtop that allowed the SLK to transform from enclosed coupé to open roadster.
Watch the roof automatically fold away as this chapter plays.
SHARPER. FASTER. BOLDER.
In 2004 the R171 introduced a more assertive interpretation of the SLK.
New technology included AIRSCARF, designed to direct warm air around the neck area and make roof-down driving more comfortable in cooler conditions.
The SLK 55 AMG served as the official Formula 1 Safety Car during the 2004 and 2005 seasons.
TECHNOLOGY MEETS THE SKY.
The third-generation R172 arrived in 2011, bringing another step forward in comfort, design and technology.
Available technology included MAGIC SKY CONTROL, which allowed the panoramic roof glazing to switch between transparent and darkened states.
SLK BECOMES SLC.
In 2016 the R172 evolved and adopted a new name as part of Mercedes-Benz's revised model naming structure.
The badge changed. The idea didn't. The compact two-seat Mercedes roadster continued as the SLC.
approximately 670,000 SLKs had already been sold worldwide.
THE STORY COMES FULL CIRCLE.
In 2019 Mercedes-Benz announced the SLC Final Edition.
Sun Yellow deliberately recalled the yellow associated with the original SLK, providing a fitting visual link back to the beginning.
PRODUCTION ENDED. THE EXPERIENCE DIDN'T.
The SLK story is now written by the people who preserve them, drive them, modify them, tour in them and bring them together.
THE NEXT CHAPTER IS YOURS.
OWNERS | ENTHUSIASTS | FRIENDS