2012 Mercedes SLK 55 AMG prices review and pictures

Mercedes SLK 55 AMG prices review:

• Pound54,950 on the road
  
• Powered by a new 421hp 5.5-litre naturally-aspirated V8 engine
  
• 0-62 mph in 4.6 seconds, electronically-limited 155 mph top speed
  
• AMG Cylinder Management System boosts economy and lowers emissions by 30 per cent
  
• Excellent combined fuel economy and CO2 emission figures of 33.6mpg and 195g/km.
  
• Unique AMG bodywork, wheels and interior trim
  
• Performance suspension and braking system
  
• Comprehensive sporting specification

Mercedes-Benz has announced pricing for the most powerful SLK of all time, the SLK 55 AMG. This exclusive high-performance pinnacle of the SLK range is now available to order for a highly competitive on-the-road price of Pound54,950.

It is powered by a new, naturally aspirated, direct-injection version of AMG's charismatic 5.5-litre V8 engine, driving the rear wheels through a responsive seven-speed AMG SPEEDSHIFT 7G-TRONIC PLUS automatic transmission.

The new V8 engine develops 421hp at 6,800rpm and 540Nm of torque at 4,500rpm, ensuring extremely rapid acceleration: 0-62mph takes just 4.6 seconds on the way to a limited top speed of 155mph.

Yet fuel economy and CO2 emissions have been reduced by 30 per cent, an incredible achievement, through the introduction of AMG's Cylinder Management System, similar to that on Mercedes-Benz Formula 1 engines. This shuts off two cylinders on each bank of the V8 when the car is running on light throttle loads... An ECO stop/start system is also fitted so that the SLK 55 AMG uses no fuel and emits no CO2 when stationary in traffic. Combined fuel economy is 33.6mpg, with CO2 emissions of 195g/km.

The engine is paired with the seven-speed AMG SPEEDSHIFT 7G-TRONIC PLUS automatic transmission featuring three intelligent modes - Controlled Efficiency (C), Sport (S) and Manual (M).

The SLK 55 AMG is fitted as standard with AMG sports suspension featuring Torque Vectoring Brake and the AMG Direct-Steer system. As a result, it effortlessly combines the agility and high levels of lateral grip demanded by performance-oriented drivers with the long-distance ride comfort that is an intrinsic part of any Mercedes-Benz.

AMG has complemented the classic long bonnet and short tail roadster proportions and SLS-inspired design of the latest SLK with unique bodywork for the SLK 55 AMG. The interior also features unique AMG styling and trim inspired by the SLS.

The Mercedes-Benz SLK 55 AMG is fully equipped with all the comfort and safety features expected of a high-performance flagship model. The standard specification includes AMG body styling with exclusive SLK 55 AMG front and rear aprons and side skirts, AMG high-performance internally ventilated and perforated disc brakes, AMG sports suspension, Nappa leather upholstery, 18-inch five-spoke AMG alloy wheels, the Mercedes-Benz Intelligent Light System, COMAND Online with Media Interface, a DAB digital radio, AMG Cylinder Management System and ECO stop-start function. Advanced safety features include PRE-SAFE, NECK-PRO, ATTENTION ASSIST and HEADLAMP ASSIST.

Options specific to the SLK 55 AMG are headed by the AMG Performance Package of revised suspension and brakes with a rear differential lock (Pound4,105) and the AMG Driver's Package, which raises the limited top speed and includes attendance at an AMG ?Power and Passion' driver event (Pound2,755).