Iconic German car manufacturer, Mercedes-Benz has launched yet another model in India in order to boost its plans of overtaking rival Audi. As expected, Mercedes-Benz SLK 55 AMG has made its entry in the Indian market and carries an ex-showroom price of Rs. 1.259 crore in New Delhi. Present at the launch of SLK 55 AMG was Eberhard Kern, Managing Director and Chief Executive Officer for Mercedes-Benz India, who said, “With its innovative features and state-of-the-art technology, the car proves not just to be an exhilarating experience for the driver but also a visual delight, making it fascinating car for our customers."
The two-door convertible is the sixth addition to the AMG line-up of cars, which already include E63, C63, G63 and SLS (coupe and roadster). Mercedes-Benz SLK 55 AMG is a performance oriented version of the regular SLK model. With its sportier design and structure, this model is expected to appeal to youngsters.
In terms of mechanicals, this roadster gets its power from the naturally aspirated 5.8-litre V8 engine that delivers 420 bhp worth of power alongside generating a maximum torque of 540 Nm. As far as transmission is concerned, Mercedes-Benz has used the AMG Speedshift Plus7G-Tronic, in which three driving modes are offered, namely Controlled Efficiency (C), Sport (S) and Manual (M). As claimed by Mercedes-Benz, SLK 55 AMG posses the ability to clock from 0 kmph to 100 kmph in just 4.6 seconds and has a electronically limited top speed of 250 kmph.
The AMG version of SLK gets high-end safety features that include AMG High Performance Braking System, Pre Safe, Adaptive Brake, ASR, Anti-lock Braking System (ABS), Active Bonnet, PARKTRONIC and Attention Assist. Other AMG inclusions for better handling are Performance Steering Wheel, Direct-Steer System and rear-axle differential locks and sports suspension. The newly launched SLK 55 AMG boast of several advanced features like Magic Sky Control Roof, 7-inch COMAND online screen, infotainment system with DVD changer and 10 GB on-board hard disk.
Coming to the exteriors, SLK 55 AMG gets almost the same AMG aesthetics as given in other cars. The characteristic wider fenders, low ground clearance, quad tailpipes and larger air intake system are provided in the new model. To give a typical AMG feel, the company has given multi-spoke blackened alloys with silver brake calipers, bi-xenon headlights equipped with intelligent light system and a panoramic roof. Like the other convertible models, SLK 55 AMG has a long front portion as the seating arrangement for the passengers is given close to the rear-axle.
The latest vehicle from the AMG division of Mercedes-Benz is the third vehicle to arrive in India this year with previous models being G63 Sports Utility Vehicle (SUV) and E63 sedan. The latest vehicle from Mercedes-Benz is brought to India through the Completely Built Unit (CBU) route. In terms of competition, Mercedes-Benz SLK 55 AMG will square off against Jaguar F-Type V6 S and Audi R8 V8.
In order to extract a good mileage, Mercedes-Benz has made several advancements in the engine of SLK 55 AMG. As claimed by the company, SLK 55 AMG gives a fuel efficiency of 11.9 kmpl under different conditions. Furthermore, the carbon dioxide levels produced by the car are lesser as compared to other same segment models.
