Mercedes-Benz SLK-Class

The Mercedes-Benz SLK-Class is a compact executive roadster, produced by Mercedes-Benz. It was released in 1996 and was manufactured at the Mercedes plant in Bremen, Germany, until 2020.

The former name "SLK" was derived from sportlich (sporty), leicht (lightweight), and kurz (short).<ref>Template:Cite magazine</ref> With the release of the facelift R172 in 2016, the SLK-Class was renamed to SLC-Class in accordance with the revised nomenclature adopted by Mercedes. Under this scheme, roadsters use the base name "SL", followed by the model's placement in Mercedes-Benz hierarchy, the letter "C", being the roadster equivalent to the C-Class.<ref>Template:Cite web</ref><ref>Template:Cite web</ref>

First generation (R170; 1995–2004)

R170 SLK-Class

The R170 Mercedes SLK was the first generation compact roadster manufactured and marketed by Mercedes, from 1995 to 2004.<ref>Template:Cite web</ref><ref>Template:Cite web</ref> It was designed from late 1991 under Bruno Sacco, with a final design being completed in early 1993 and approved by the board, with a German design patent filed on September 30, 1993.<ref>Template:Cite web</ref> The production SLK-Class was introduced at the Turin Motor Show on 22 April 1996, appearing as a modern incarnation of the 1950s Mercedes-Benz 190SL, by returning to four cylinders and with an identical Template:Convert wheelbase.<ref>Template:Cite book</ref> A facelift was introduced to all models in 2000, featuring an updated design and updated engines.<ref>Template:Cite web</ref>

Second generation (R171; 2004–2010)

R171 SLK-Class

The R171 SLK was unveiled at the 2004 Geneva Motor Show. It features increased use of high-strength steel,<ref name="new">Template:Cite news</ref> and improvements to the car's torsional strength and aerodynamic efficiency.<ref name="new" /> Models feature a more compact, revised roof mechanism that is operated in 22 seconds (previously 25 seconds), resulting in an increase in boot capacity by Template:Convert.<ref name="new"/> The R171 also introduced the Airscarf system that integrates neck-level heating system into the headrests of the car.<ref name="new"/> The front-end design of the car was inspired by the noses found in Formula One cars.<ref name="new" /> It was facelifted in 2008 and featured new engines and minor exterior design changes.<ref>Template:Cite web</ref>

Third generation (R172; 2011–2020)

R172 SLK-Class

Mercedes-Benz SLC-Class Front (left)

The R172 SLK was released in 2011.<ref>Template:Cite web</ref> It was available with a range of inline-four, V6, and V8, diesel and petrol engines, and introduced an electronically operated window tint shade for the sunroof, called Magic Sky Control. A facelift was released for vehicles produced from March 2016, to coincide with the 20th anniversary of the SLK-Class.<ref name="turbo-Dec-16">Template:Cite web</ref> The model range was also renamed to SLC-Class to conform to the new Mercedes nomenclature, and introduced new engines and a revised design. In 2020, Mercedes-Benz released a Final Edition to commemorate the end of the car's production run.<ref>Template:Cite magazine</ref> Template:Clear

Sales figures

The following are the sales figures for the SLK-Class since 2001:<ref>Template:Cite web</ref>

Year	EU sales	US sales
2001	27,734	11,268<ref>Template:Cite web</ref>
2002	19,039	7,784
2003	14,629	6,023<ref>Template:Cite web</ref>
2004	38,417	7,360
2005	36,823	11,278<ref>Template:Cite web</ref>
2006	27,128	10,410
2007	20,834	7,270<ref>Template:Cite web</ref>
2008	18,529	4,941
2009	10,805	2,566<ref>Template:Cite web</ref>
2010	8,779	1,980
2011	17,729	3,220<ref name="Sales2012">Template:Cite web</ref>
2012	17,731	4,595<ref name="Sales2012" />
2013	12,594	4,757<ref name="Sales2013/4">Template:Cite web</ref>
2014	11,114	4,737<ref name="Sales2013/4" />
2015	10,369	4,182
2016	8,909	3,397
2017	8,421	2,860
2018		1,993
2019		1,840

References

Bibliography

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External links

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