The Mercedes-Benz SLK-Class, first debuted in 1996 as a 1997 model to take on the BMW Z3 and the Porsche Boxster. The roadster segment of sports has grown with the Audi and Volvo also attract choosy buyers with the TT and C70, respectively.

Body style: convertible

Engines: 1.8-liter inline-4 (early 2012), 3.5-liter V-6, 5.5-liter V-8 (2012)

Transmissions: six-speed manual, seven-speed automatic

Models: Mercedes-Benz SLK250, Mercedes-Benz SLK350 Mercedes-Benz SLK55 AMG

The Mercedes-Benz SLK-Class is completely new for the 2012 model year, with elements from the 1955 Mercedes-Benz 190SL. The hardtop convertible is slightly higher and lower on the model of last year, and gets a facelift with a new grille, headlights and fog lights unit, the redesign so the whole car a more masculine appearance. Inside, premium leather and soft plastic wrap driver and passenger in luxury with aluminum and wood joints are available. For 2012 model year, Mercedes will first roll out of the SLK350, and is powered by a new 3.5-liter V-6 engine mated to a seven-speed automatic transmission. In 2012 a new base model, the 2012 Mercedes-Benz SLK250, go on sale. The Mercedes-Benz SLK250 will be powered by a turbocharged 1.8-liter inline-4. The line-up will be completed by the Mercedes-Benz SLK55 AMG, which is equipped with a 5.5-liter V-8.

The Mercedes-Benz SLK-Class is all-new for 2012 and sports new hood, grille, headlights and fog lights housing. The hardtop convertible is slightly longer and wider than the previous model, and lower to the ground making it a more hunkered-down look.

Renewed for 2012, the Mercedes-Benz SLK-Class Mercedes interior is typical with many of the premium leather for the seats, soft-touch plastics items (arms, elbows, etc.) and real aluminum and wood inserts. We found it easy to read instrument cluster and infotainment system at your fingertips. Mercedes-Benz COMAND system, which most of the buttons and switches for climate control and entertainment unit replaces the center console is relatively button free, but requires a steep learning curve.

The biggest change in the all new 2012 Mercedes-Benz SLK-Class is the control, just tight enough to make the convertible more fun to throw around the road bends at high speed than the previous generation. The suspension is not hard, and continues to absorb road imperfections such as bumps, cracks and potholes. The new engines are raspier than previous models. The seven-speed automatic transmission increases fuel consumption, but negatively affect the response to the switch.

The 2012 Mercedes-Benz SLK-Class, like the entire Mercedes lineup, come packed with active and passive safety. Driver and passenger airbags, driver-side knee airbag, side airbags and head-thorax are standard. Anti-lock brakes (ABS), Electronic Stability Control (ESC) and traction control are standard. A rollover bar pops up and in the case of a rollover (or if the driver wants it out) and a tire pressure monitoring system comes with all models.