2013 Mercedes-Benz SLK: What's New, Specs & Features
Last updated August 4, 2026
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.
About the 2013 Mercedes-Benz SLK
3rd generation (R172), second model year after the 2012 redesign.
Mercedes-Benz positions the SLK as a compact luxury roadster that blends everyday comfort with classic two-seat sports-car appeal. Its key difference from many rivals is the folding hardtop, which gives it a coupe-like feel when closed and open-air driving when the roof is down. Across the range, the SLK leans more toward stylish touring, premium cabin materials, and year-round usability than bare-bones track focus, with the AMG version adding a much more aggressive performance edge.
The SLK 250 is the approachable version, pairing a 201-hp turbo four-cylinder engine with a power-folding hardtop and an easygoing luxury interior. The SLK 350 adds a 302-hp V6, heated leather seats, neck-level heating and upgraded audio. The SLK 55 AMG is the performance model, built around a handcrafted 415-hp V8 and a more focused suspension.
What changed, by category
2013 Mercedes-Benz SLK specs and features by trim
| Feature | |||
|---|---|---|---|
| Engine | 4-Cyl, Turbo, 1.8 Liter | V6, 3.5 Liter | V8, 5.5 Liter |
| Transmission | Auto, 7-Spd 7G-Tronic + | Auto, 7-Spd 7G-Tronic + | Auto 7-Spd AMG SPEEDSHIFT |
| Drivetrain | RWD | RWD | RWD |
| Fuel Type | Gas | Gas | Gas |
| MPG City | 23 mpg | 21 mpg | 19 mpg |
| MPG Highway | 33 mpg | 29 mpg | 28 mpg |
| Horsepower | 201 hp | 302 hp | 415 hp |
| Torque | 229 lb-ft | 273 lb-ft | 398 lb-ft |
| Trunk/Cargo | 10.1 cu-ft | 10.1 cu-ft | 10.1 cu-ft |
| Seats | 2 | 2 | 2 |
| Doors | 2 | 2 | 2 |
| Adaptive Cruise Control | |||
| Alarm System | |||
| Automatic Emergency Braking | |||
| Automatic High Beams | |||
| Blindspot Sensors | |||
| Hill Start Assist | |||
| Lane Departure Warning | |||
| Park Assist | |||
| Alloy Wheels | |||
| Panorama Moon Roof | |||
| Rear Spoiler | |||
| Bluetooth | |||
| Navigation System | |||
| Premium Audio | |||
| USB Ports | |||
| Dual-Zone Climate Control | |||
| Heated Front Seats | |||
| Interior Ambient Lighting | |||
| Leather Seats | |||
| Proximity Keyless Entry | |||
| Remote Start | |||
Frequently asked questions
What is the biggest change to the 2013 Mercedes-Benz SLK?
The biggest change is the SLK 350’s expanded standard equipment. It gains heated seats, AIRSCARF neck-level heating, upgraded harman/kardon audio, a media interface, satellite radio, remote hardtop operation and ECO Start/Stop.
Is the 2013 Mercedes-Benz SLK a redesigned model?
No, the 2013 SLK is not a redesign. It is the second model year of the third-generation R172 SLK introduced for 2012, and its structure, styling and basic lineup carry over.
Did the 2013 Mercedes-Benz SLK get new engines?
No, the 2013 SLK keeps the previous year’s engine range. The SLK 250 has a 201-hp turbo four-cylinder, the SLK 350 has a 302-hp V6, and the SLK 55 AMG has a handcrafted 415-hp V8.
Which 2013 Mercedes-Benz SLK trim changed the most?
The SLK 350 changed the most for 2013. Its engine and basic design carry over, but several formerly optional comfort, audio and convenience features become standard.
Is the 2013 Mercedes-Benz SLK meaningfully different from the 2012 model?
Only slightly. Both years share the same R172 design, trim lineup and engines, but the 2013 SLK 350 has more standard equipment and ECO Start/Stop, while the optional Lighting Package gains adaptive high-beam assist.