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2016 Mercedes-Benz SLK: What's New, Specs & Features
Last updated August 4, 2026
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.
About the 2016 Mercedes-Benz SLK
3rd generation (R172, 2011-2016), final SLK-badged model year before the 2017 rename and light refresh to SLC.
Mercedes-Benz positions the SLK as a compact luxury roadster that blends open-top fun with the everyday comfort of a small coupe. Its defining trait is the retractable hardtop, which gives it a quieter, more secure feel than a soft-top rival when the roof is up. Compared with other small luxury convertibles, the SLK leans more toward comfort, premium feel, and easy daily use than pure track-focused sharpness.
The SLK300 is the entry-level rear-wheel-drive roadster, pairing a 241-hp turbo four-cylinder engine with a power-folding hardtop and panoramic roof. The SLK350 is the more comfort-focused version, with a 302-hp V6, heated seats, neck-level heating, and a harman/kardon surround-sound system.
What changed, by category
Powertrain
The SLK300 replaces the SLK250, trading the previous 1.8-liter turbo engine for a 241-hp 2.0-liter turbo four-cylinder and a 9-speed automatic. The manual transmission is dropped, and the V8-powered SLK55 AMG leaves the lineup. The SLK350’s V6 powertrain carries over without a meaningful mechanical change.
Safety
Blind-spot warning becomes more broadly available, but it is not standard across the full lineup.
Tech
Remote start changes from optional to standard across the lineup. Mercedes also reorganizes the option packages.
2016 Mercedes-Benz SLK specs and features by trim
| Feature | ||
|---|---|---|
| Engine | 4-Cyl, Turbo, 2.0 Liter | V6, 3.5 Liter |
| Transmission | Auto, 9-Spd 9G-Tronic + | Auto, 7-Spd 7G-Tronic + |
| Drivetrain | RWD | RWD |
| Fuel Type | Gas | Gas |
| MPG City | 25 mpg | 21 mpg |
| MPG Highway | 32 mpg | 29 mpg |
| Horsepower | 241 hp | 302 hp |
| Torque | 273 lb-ft | 273 lb-ft |
| Trunk/Cargo | 6.5 cu-ft | 6.4 cu-ft |
| Seats | 2 | 2 |
| Doors | 2 | 2 |
| Adaptive Cruise Control | ||
| Alarm System | ||
| Blindspot Sensors | ||
| Lane Departure Warning | ||
| Park Assist | ||
| Alloy Wheels | ||
| Fog Lights | ||
| Panorama Moon Roof | ||
| Rear Spoiler | ||
| Bluetooth | ||
| Navigation System | ||
| Premium Audio | ||
| USB Ports | ||
| Dual-Zone Climate Control | ||
| Heated Front Seats | ||
| Leather Seats | ||
| Proximity Keyless Entry | ||
| Remote Start | ||
Frequently asked questions
What is the biggest change to the 2016 Mercedes-Benz SLK?
The biggest change is the new SLK300, which replaces the SLK250. It has a 241-hp 2.0-liter turbo four-cylinder engine and a 9-speed automatic transmission.
Does the 2016 Mercedes-Benz SLK have a manual transmission?
No. Mercedes dropped the manual transmission for 2016, and the new SLK300 uses a 9-speed automatic with shift paddles.
How is the 2016 SLK300 different from the 2015 SLK250?
The 2016 SLK300 replaces the SLK250 with a larger and stronger turbo engine plus a 9-speed automatic. Its 2.0-liter four-cylinder makes 241 horsepower, while the previous model used a 1.8-liter turbo engine; the prior manual option is also gone.
Was the SLK55 AMG offered for 2016?
No. The SLK55 AMG was dropped for 2016, leaving the SLK300 and V6-powered SLK350 as the two trims.
Is the 2016 Mercedes-Benz SLK a full redesign?
No. The 2016 SLK is a light update within the existing third generation. The main changes affect the engine, transmission, trim lineup, and equipment rather than the body or underlying structure.
2016 Mercedes-Benz SLK Reviews
What owners are saying about the 2016 Mercedes-Benz SLK.
4.5
2016 Mercedes-Benz SLK
(51 reviews)
“The car is great fun to drive and very roomy. Trunk has surprising amount of space.”
“I promised myself that one day I would have a Mercedes 2 seater. A wonderful retirement present to myself.”