Last updated August 4, 2026
The Mercedes-Benz SLK lineup moved from the SLK 250 entry roadster to the SLK 300, the core turbo-four model. The SLK 350 added smoother V6 power and built-in touring comforts, while the SLK 55 AMG took a separate performance path with a handcrafted V8 and sharper AMG tuning. Trim availability changed by model year, but every version kept the compact two-seat, folding-hardtop roadster idea.
The Base Model trim level, represented by the SLK 250, is the straightforward SLK: a compact turbo-four roadster centered on its folding hardtop and sporty handling.
Best for: Drivers who want the core open-air SLK experience without the added luxury or AMG hardware of higher trims.
Highlights
The Mid-Level trim level, represented by the SLK 300, is the core modernized SLK with turbo-four power, everyday comfort, and a polished rear-wheel-drive roadster feel.
Best for: Drivers who want a balanced SLK with a stronger turbo-four powertrain and the essentials for everyday use.
Highlights
The SLK 300 advances the SLK 250’s turbo-four formula with a 241-hp 2.0-liter engine and 9-speed automatic while keeping the compact folding-hardtop layout.
2 in stock
The Premium Comfort trim level, represented by the SLK 350, is the richer non-AMG SLK, pairing smooth V6 power with comfort features aimed at top-down touring.
Best for: Drivers who value relaxed V6 performance, cold-weather open-air comfort, and more luxury equipment built in.
Highlights
The SLK 350 moves beyond the SLK 300 with a 302-hp 3.5-liter V6, heated seats, neck-level heating, keyless access, remote hardtop operation, and upgraded audio.
7 in stockThe Performance trim level, represented by the SLK 55 AMG, is the V8-powered branch built around sharper responses, a more forceful sound, and dedicated AMG chassis tuning.
Best for: Drivers who want the SLK’s folding-hardtop usability with the distinct sound and character of an AMG V8.
Highlights
The SLK 55 AMG shifts the focus from the SLK 350’s touring comfort to full performance, adding a handcrafted V8, AMG transmission tuning, a sport exhaust, and AMG-tuned suspension and steering.
0 in stock| Feature | Mid-Level | Base Model | Performance | Premium Comfort |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Includes | SLK 3002 in stock | SLK 25011 in stock | SLK 55 AMG0 in stock | SLK 3507 in stock |
| Recognizable trim name | SLK 300 | SLK 250 | SLK 55 AMG | SLK 350 |
| Engine character | 2.0-liter turbo four-cylinder | Turbo four-cylinder | Naturally aspirated V8 | 3.5-liter V6 |
| Main identity | Balanced turbo roadster | Core entry roadster | AMG performance roadster | Comfort-focused V6 tourer |
| Seat and open-air comfort | Power sport seats | Power sport seats | Heated seats and neck-level warm air | Heated seats and neck-level warm air |
| Chassis focus | Sport tuning with cornering brake control | Sport-tuned suspension | AMG-tuned suspension and steering | Stronger, smoother touring character |
| Defining upgrade | 9-speed automatic | Panoramic folding hardtop | AMG sport exhaust and adaptive headlights | Keyless access, remote roof operation, premium audio |
They identify different performance levels rather than separate body styles. In the later lineup, the SLK 250 and SLK 300 are turbo-four entry models, the SLK 350 is the stronger V6 version, and the SLK 55 AMG is the V8 performance model.
The SLK 300 replaced the SLK 250 at the end of the SLK-badged run. It moved from the SLK 250’s 201-hp 1.8-liter turbo engine to a 241-hp 2.0-liter turbo engine and paired it with a 9-speed automatic.
In the final SLK lineup, the SLK 350 adds a 302-hp V6 plus more built-in comfort equipment. Its highlights include heated seats, neck-level heating, keyless access with remote roof operation, and a harman/kardon surround-sound system.
In R172-era cars, the SLK 250 is the lighter-duty turbo-four entry trim, while the SLK 350 uses a stronger 302-hp V6. The SLK 350 also became the more comfort-focused choice, with added equipment on later examples.
The SLK 55 AMG is the dedicated performance version. In later R172-era models, it uses a handcrafted 415-hp 5.5-liter V8, an AMG sport exhaust, and AMG-tuned suspension and steering. The SLK 350 uses a 302-hp V6 and emphasizes touring comfort.
No. On later models, the SLK 350 has AMG-influenced exterior styling, but it does not have the SLK 55 AMG’s handcrafted V8, sport exhaust, or AMG-tuned chassis. The appearance does not make it the full performance model.
The SLK 350 is the comfort-oriented pick in the later lineup. It combines smoother, stronger V6 power with heated seats, neck-level heating, keyless access, remote roof operation, and upgraded audio on newer examples.
Look at the entry four-cylinder trim for the model year. That means the SLK 250 in much of the R172 era or the SLK 300 at the end of the SLK-badged run. Both keep the folding hardtop and core roadster layout without the V6 or AMG hardware.
The SLK 55 AMG is the V8 model. In later R172-era cars, it has a handcrafted 415-hp 5.5-liter V8, an AMG sport exhaust, and sharper AMG suspension and steering while retaining the folding hardtop.
The SLK 350 is the middle ground. It delivers stronger V6 performance and more comfort equipment than the four-cylinder SLK 250 or SLK 300, without the V8 and sharper chassis tuning of the SLK 55 AMG.
On later R172-era models, AIRSCARF neck-level heating is built into the SLK 350 and SLK 55 AMG equipment described here. Equipment can vary by year, so confirm it on the individual used car.
The retractable hardtop is central to every SLK trim, but the glass Panorama roof panel varies by year. It became standard on more of the lineup during the R172 generation and is listed as standard on the later SLK 250 and SLK 300.
The SLK 250 is the later trim associated with a manual transmission. Mercedes dropped the manual when the SLK 300 replaced it for the final SLK-badged model year; that SLK 300 uses a 9-speed automatic.
Later SLK 350 examples are defined by heated seats, AIRSCARF neck-level heating, keyless access, infrared remote hardtop operation, and harman/kardon surround sound. This equipment distinguishes it from the more basic four-cylinder trims.