2012 Mercedes Benz SLK 350 Review Page 2

Ergonomics in the SLK are well thought out. A simplified heating and cooling system allows driver and passenger to monitor and alter temperature independently of one another. The flat-bottom steering wheel allows tall drivers more thigh room. The tinted Panorama Roof, which adds $500 to the list price, contributes perpetual airiness to a cabin that would otherwise feel claustrophobic. The 8-way adjustable seats are stunningly tailored, and heated, if you opt for the Premium 1 Package, a $2,590 option that includes neck-level heating ducts, SIRIUS radio, MP3/iPod compatibility, and an infrared remote roof control.

Even equipped with all those options, the SLK is a bargain Benz, with a bottom line of just $67,565. It will provide superlative all-weather transport for 2, with the added opportunity of top-down enjoyment when conditions permit. Thanks to its 302 hp V6, it will sprint from 0-60mph in 5.4 seconds and clock a top speed of 155mph. When driven with restraint, the SLK is quieter than a church mouse, but when you lay into the aluminum-ribbed throttle pedal, the twin tip chrome exhausts play a tune more like a church organ. While the SLK shares its high quality genes with stuffier, vastly more expensive Benz products, it’s definitely the rebel of the bunch.

2012 Mercedes-Benz SLK350
Engine: 3.5 liter DOHC, 24 Valve V-6
Horsepower: 302 at 6,500rpm
Torque: 273 lb.-ft. at 3,500rpm
Fuel Consumption: 19 MPG City/26 MPG Highway
Price as Tested: $67,565

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2014 Mercedes Benz B Class Electric Drive

In New York, the B-Class celebrated its world premiere with an electric drive, from 2014 it will also be available. Called 2014 Mercedes-Benz B Class Electric Drive.

Mercedes-Benz has in New York, the B-Class Electric Drive presented with a purely electric drive. The electric drive is to be the only drive variant in which the Mercedes B-Class in the U.S. will be available.

It is driven by an electric car around 136 hp (100 kW) electric motor that has a peak torque of 310 Nm, which is equal to the start available. So shall the acceleration from 0 to 100 km / h may be possible in less than 10 seconds, top speed is at 160 km / h electronically limited.

The range is expected to be at around 200 kilometers, according to Mercedes, the B-Class Electric Drive needs to be plugged. Doing so, the charging time of the lithium-ion battery for around 100 kilometers is less than 2 hours.

So ought short stops and purchases enough to get back on a further distance. Inside, you can see the electric version of the B-Class, especially on modified speedometer, instead of where to find a tachometer display to the energy flow.

The driver can check the charge status of the battery but also on smartphones, so choose an appropriate route before driving.

In North America, the New Mercedes B-Class Electric Drive will be on the market in early 2014, a little later, the electrically powered B-Class will then come to Europe.

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