Mercedes-Benz AMG SLK: Trims, Generations & Buyer's Guide
Last updated August 4, 2026
The Mercedes-Benz AMG SLK is a compact two-seat luxury roadster known for putting a large V8 and everyday Mercedes comfort into a small rear-wheel-drive convertible. Its power-folding hardtop also gives it a more enclosed, coupe-like feel when the roof is raised.
The AMG SLK paired small roadster dimensions with the sound and quick acceleration of a large, naturally aspirated V8. Its defining formula was handcrafted AMG power, rear-wheel drive, a folding hardtop, and a cabin designed to make open-air driving comfortable in cooler weather. The 2016 model closed this chapter before the car was refreshed and renamed AMG SLC for 2017.
Strengths
- The naturally aspirated V8 gives this small roadster a distinctive sound and strong acceleration.
- Its power-folding hardtop provides open-air driving without giving up the more enclosed feel of a fixed-roof car.
- Its compact size and rear-wheel-drive layout give it the classic proportions and character of a two-seat roadster.
- Mercedes comfort touches such as neck-level heating help make top-down driving pleasant in cooler weather.
- The 2016 AMG SLK made 415 horsepower, giving it unusually large-engine performance for such a small car.
Who it's for
It suits someone who wants a small, two-seat weekend car with strong V8 character but still values a solid roof and day-to-day comfort. It makes more sense for solo drives or trips as a couple than for anyone who needs passenger room or generous luggage space.
Mercedes-Benz AMG SLK lineup
The AMG SLK lineup centered on one version: the V8-powered SLK 55 AMG, renamed Mercedes-AMG SLK 55 for 2016. It was the performance-focused SLK, distinguished by its handcrafted engine, AMG transmission, and rear-wheel-drive layout rather than a broad ladder of trims. Pick it for the full V8 experience; shoppers seeking a less intense SLK would need to look outside the AMG model.
Mercedes-Benz AMG SLK generations
From 2016 to 2016, the AMG SLK spans 1 generation. The current 3rd Generation — R172 arrived for 2016.
3rd Generation — R172 (2016)
The R172 AMG SLK is a rear-wheel-drive roadster powered by a 415-hp 5.5-liter V8 and a seven-speed AMG transmission. The 2016 model was its final year before the roadster was refreshed and renamed AMG SLC for 2017.
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2016
The name changed from SLK 55 AMG to Mercedes-AMG SLK 55, but the V8, transmission, chassis, safety features, and cabin technology carried over.
What's new by year
See what changed in a specific model year of the Mercedes-Benz AMG SLK.
Frequently asked questions
What kind of car is the Mercedes-Benz AMG SLK?
The Mercedes-Benz AMG SLK is a compact two-seat luxury roadster. It combines a power-folding hardtop, rear-wheel drive and a handcrafted 415-hp V8 in a small body designed for both open-air driving and coupe-like shelter.
Is the AMG SLK a convertible or a coupe?
It is a convertible with a power-retractable hardtop. With the roof raised, it has the enclosed feel of a small coupe; lower the roof and it becomes an open two-seat roadster.
Does the AMG SLK come as a hybrid?
No. The AMG SLK covered here uses a gasoline 5.5-liter V8. It has cylinder deactivation, which shuts down some cylinders under light loads, but it is not a hybrid.
Is the AMG SLK all-wheel drive?
No. The AMG SLK is rear-wheel drive. Its engine sends power through a seven-speed automatic transmission to the rear wheels.
How many people does the AMG SLK seat?
The AMG SLK seats two people. It is meant for solo driving or trips with one passenger, not for shoppers who need a rear seat or family-car space.
Is the AMG SLK practical enough for regular driving?
It has useful everyday touches for a two-seat performance roadster, including a folding hardtop, heated leather seats and neck-level heating. Cargo room is limited to 6.4 cubic feet, so it suits light packing better than bulky luggage.
What is the AMG SLK known for?
It is known for putting a large naturally aspirated V8 into a compact luxury roadster. Its other defining traits are the folding hardtop, small dimensions, rear-wheel drive and comfort features for cooler-weather top-down driving.
How is the AMG SLK related to the AMG SLC 43?
The AMG SLK was the final V8 version before Mercedes refreshed the roadster and renamed the range SLC for 2017. The AMG SLC 43 succeeded it, so the two names represent different stages of the same roadster line.
Mercedes-Benz AMG SLK Reviews
What owners are saying about the Mercedes-Benz AMG SLK.