2012 Mercedes-Benz SLK: What's New, Specs & Features

Last updated August 4, 2026

2012 Mercedes-Benz SLK

The big news for 2012 is a full redesign: the Mercedes-Benz SLK enters its third generation with a new body, stronger structure, revised engines, and updated cabin and safety technology. The lineup also expands with the SLK 250 and V8-powered SLK 55 AMG.

Shop 6 in stock at Carvana

About the 2012 Mercedes-Benz SLK

3rd generation (R172), first year of the redesign.

For 2012, the SLK was Mercedes-Benz’s compact luxury roadster for buyers who wanted open-air driving without giving up the quiet, secure feel of a fixed-roof coupe. Its retractable hardtop was the core idea: a small two-seat convertible that could feel more substantial and upscale than a soft-top rival. Compared with sharper, more track-focused alternatives, the SLK leaned more toward style, comfort, technology, and everyday usability, while still offering strong performance in every trim.

The SLK 250 is the lighter, efficiency-focused model, pairing a turbo four-cylinder with the lineup’s only manual transmission. The SLK 350 balances roadster comfort with a 302-hp V6 and sport-tuned suspension, while the SLK 55 AMG adds a hand-built V8, upgraded brakes, and AMG-specific styling. Every version has a power-retractable hardtop for open-air driving or coupe-like coverage.

What changed, by category

Powertrain
The SLK 250 joins the lineup with a turbocharged 1.8-liter four-cylinder and six-speed manual transmission, while the SLK 55 AMG returns with a new hand-built 5.5-liter V8. The SLK 350 receives a new 302-hp direct-injection V6 and updated seven-speed automatic, and the previous SLK 300 is dropped.
Styling
The third-generation SLK gets a completely new body with a more dramatic front end, updated roadster proportions, and a redesigned retractable hardtop.
Safety
ATTENTION ASSIST drowsiness monitoring joins the redesigned SLK’s safety equipment, along with LED daytime running lights and LED taillamps.
Tech
The cabin technology and control layout are revised. Dual-zone climate control changes from standard equipment to an option.
Structural
The redesigned structure uses more ultra-high-strength steel, aluminum, and magnesium to improve rigidity while controlling weight. Chassis tuning is also revised with more direct steering.

2012 Mercedes-Benz SLK specs and features by trim

2012 Mercedes-Benz SLKSLK 2501 in stock
2012 Mercedes-Benz SLKSLK 3505 in stock
2012 Mercedes-Benz SLKSLK 55 AMG0 in stock
Engine4-Cyl, Turbo, 1.8 LiterV6, 3.5 LiterV8, 5.5 Liter
TransmissionAuto, 7-Spd 7G-Tronic +Auto, 7-Spd 7G-Tronic +Auto 7-Spd AMG SPEEDSHIFT
DrivetrainRWDRWDRWD
Fuel TypeGasGasGas
MPG City23 mpg20 mpg19 mpg
MPG Highway33 mpg29 mpg28 mpg
Horsepower201 hp302 hp415 hp
Torque229 lb-ft273 lb-ft398 lb-ft
Trunk/Cargo10.1 cu-ft10.1 cu-ft10.1 cu-ft
Seats222
Doors222
Adaptive Cruise Control
Alarm System
Automatic Emergency Braking
Hill Start Assist
Park Assist
Alloy Wheels
LED Tail Lights
Panorama Moon Roof
Rear Spoiler
Bluetooth
Navigation System
Premium Audio
Smartphone Interface
USB Ports
Dual-Zone Climate Control
Heated Front Seats
Interior Ambient Lighting
Leather Seats
Proximity Keyless Entry
Remote Start

How the 2013 Mercedes-Benz SLK compares

The main change for the 2013 Mercedes-Benz SLK is a longer list of standard comfort and audio features for the SLK 350. Otherwise, this is a quiet follow-up to the full 2012 redesign, with the same three trims and no major lineup-wide overhaul.

See the full 2013 changes

Frequently asked questions

Is the 2012 Mercedes-Benz SLK a new generation?

Yes. The 2012 SLK is the first model year of the third-generation R172 design, with a new body, reworked structure, redesigned hardtop, revised chassis, and updated powertrains.

How different is the 2012 SLK from the 2011 model?

The 2012 SLK is substantially different from the 2011 model because it was redesigned from the ground up. Changes include new styling, a stronger structure, updated engines and transmissions, revised steering and suspension tuning, and newer safety and cabin technology.

Which trims changed for the 2012 Mercedes-Benz SLK?

The 2012 lineup adds the turbo four-cylinder SLK 250 and the V8-powered SLK 55 AMG, while the previous SLK 300 is dropped. The SLK 350 continues, but it is fully redesigned and receives a new 302-hp V6.

Which 2012 Mercedes-Benz SLK has a manual transmission?

The 2012 SLK 250 is the only U.S. trim with a manual transmission. It pairs a six-speed manual with a turbocharged 1.8-liter four-cylinder engine.

Does the 2012 Mercedes-Benz SLK have a retractable hardtop?

Yes. Every 2012 SLK has a redesigned power-retractable hardtop, allowing the two-seat roadster to switch between an open cabin and a solid roof.