2015 Mercedes-Benz SLK: What's New, Specs & Features

Last updated August 4, 2026

2015 Mercedes-Benz SLK

The 2015 Mercedes-Benz SLK is largely a carryover, with no redesign or engine changes. The main update is that the SLK 55 AMG’s Lighting Package becomes standard, adding adaptive bi-xenon headlights and automatic high beams.

Shop 2 in stock at Carvana

About the 2015 Mercedes-Benz SLK

3rd generation R172, fourth U.S. model year, and the last year before the 2016 base-model powertrain update that replaced SLK 250 with SLK 300.

Mercedes-Benz positions the SLK as a compact luxury roadster that mixes sports-car roots with everyday comfort. Its key difference from soft-top rivals is the folding hardtop: with the roof up, it aims to feel more like a small coupe; with the roof down, it delivers classic two-seat roadster fun. Compared with rivals such as the BMW Z4 and Porsche Boxster, the SLK leans more toward style, all-season usability, and comfort features without giving up strong engine choices.

The SLK 250 is the entry point, pairing a 201-hp turbo four-cylinder engine with a power-folding panoramic hardtop. The SLK 350 adds a 302-hp V6, heated seats and neck-level heating, while the SLK 55 AMG stands apart with a hand-built 415-hp V8 and AMG-tuned suspension.

What changed, by category

Safety
The SLK 55 AMG’s Lighting Package becomes standard, bringing adaptive bi-xenon headlights and automatic high beams to that trim as standard equipment.
Styling
A painted hardtop panel is offered as a no-cost alternative to the panoramic glass panel. On the SLK 55 AMG, the rear spoiler changes from standard to optional.

2015 Mercedes-Benz SLK specs and features by trim

Feature
2015 Mercedes-Benz SLKSLK 2501 in stock
2015 Mercedes-Benz SLKSLK 3501 in stock
2015 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
Adaptive Headlights
Alarm System
Automatic Emergency Braking
Automatic High Beams
Blindspot Sensors
Lane Departure Warning
Park Assist
Alloy Wheels
HID Headlights
Panorama Moon Roof
Rear Spoiler
Navigation System
Premium Audio
Smartphone Interface
Dual-Zone Climate Control
Heated Front Seats
Interior Ambient Lighting
Leather Seats
Proximity Keyless Entry
Remote Start

How the 2016 Mercedes-Benz SLK compares

The biggest change for the 2016 Mercedes-Benz SLK is the new SLK300, which replaces the SLK250 with a stronger turbo four-cylinder engine and a 9-speed automatic. This is a light update rather than a redesign; the manual transmission and SLK55 AMG are also gone.

Frequently asked questions

What is the biggest change to the 2015 Mercedes-Benz SLK?

The biggest change is on the SLK 55 AMG, where the Lighting Package becomes standard. It adds adaptive bi-xenon headlights and automatic high beams as standard equipment.

Was the 2015 Mercedes-Benz SLK redesigned?

No, the 2015 SLK was not redesigned. It continues with the same third-generation retractable-hardtop design and receives only minor equipment changes.

Did the 2015 Mercedes-Benz SLK get new engines?

No, the engine lineup carries over unchanged. The SLK 250 has a 1.8-liter turbo four-cylinder, the SLK 350 has a 3.5-liter V6, and the SLK 55 AMG has a 5.5-liter V8.

What changed on the 2015 SLK 55 AMG?

The 2015 SLK 55 AMG gains the Lighting Package as standard equipment, including adaptive bi-xenon headlights and automatic high beams. Its rear spoiler changes from standard to optional.

Did the 2015 Mercedes-Benz SLK hardtop change?

The folding-hardtop design did not change, but a painted roof panel is offered as a no-cost alternative to the panoramic glass panel.

2015 Mercedes-Benz SLK Reviews

What owners are saying about the 2015 Mercedes-Benz SLK.

4.5
2015 Mercedes-Benz SLK
(80 reviews)
5 stars (48)
4 stars (24)
3 stars (7)
2 stars (1)
1 star (0)

About owner reviews

Carvana owner reviews are provided in partnership with Strategic Vision, one of the largest automotive consumer research providers in the U.S. Star ratings are from ranking surveys completed by owners one to six months post-purchase. Comments from owners are optional, but included here when available.

“Most fun of any two-seat roadster I've ever owned. As one lady stated about the car, "drop dead gorgeous." Power to weight ratio is amazing.”

BWBennie W.
2015 Mercedes-Benz SLK SLK350 Roadster
No rating

“The carpeting and car mats are inexpensive and not plush- not anticipated with purchasing SLK 55.”

TKTim K.
2015 Mercedes-Benz SLK SLK55 AMG Roadster
No rating

“Love it. Enjoy driving it. Navigational system inferior to previous COMAND system in the GLK.”

WHWesley H.
2015 Mercedes-Benz SLK SLK250 Roadster