2007 Mercedes-Benz SLK 350

SLK 350 - new 3.5 L (3498 cc) 200 kW (272 hp DIN) double overhead cam V6 engine, 0-100 km/h (62 mph) 5.4 seconds, top speed 155 mph (electronically limited).

Ride, acceleration and handling:
Acceleration and handling are top-notch. The electronic stability-control system in the SLK 350 is one of the best available--constantly monitoring steering inputs and quickly acting to correct errors, such as turning too quickly into a curve. Ride is excellent for trips of 50 miles or so on relatively clear roads. But with its cramped cabin and up-righteous seats, trips of longer durations, especially in heavy traffic, can become a chore.

Head-turning quotient:
Deliberately hot, sexy, sporty. It turns heads everywhere.

Body style/layout:
The SLK 350 is a front-engine, rear-wheel-drive luxury roadster with a power-operated, convertible hardtop roof. It has two side doors, two seats, no cabin space for cargo and a teeny trunk that can handle two small overnight bags. SLK models include the tested 350, the base 280 and the top-of-the-line SLK 55 AMG.

Engine/transmission:
Standard equipment includes a 3.5-liter, 24-valve, V-6 engine that develops 268 horsepower at 6,000 revolutions per minute and 258 foot-pounds of torque at 2,400 rpm. The engine is linked to a six-speed manual transmission. A seven-speed automatic transmission that also can be shifted manually is optional ... for $1,430.

Capacities:
There are two seats. Cargo capacity is 9.8 cubic feet. The fuel tank holds 18.5 gallons of required premium unleaded gasoline.

Mileage:
We had a city/highway mileage of 20 miles per gallon.

Safety:
Antilock brakes, electronic stability and traction control, and side air bags are standard.

Price:
Base price on the 2007 Mercedes-Benz SLK 350 Roadster with manual transmission is $47,400. Dealer's invoice price on that model is $44,082. Price as tested is $57,620, including $9,445 in options (key fob that can operate doors, convertible hardtop and windows; premium audio system; Mercedes-Benz Tele Aid emergency communications system; onboard navigation; Sirius Satellite Radio, among many other spiffs) and a $775 destination charge. Dealer's price as tested is $53,640. Prices sourced from Mercedes-Benz and www.edmunds.com.

Purse-strings note:
It's a great toy. Compare with BMW Z4, Nissan 350Z, Porsche Boxster.

Complaints:
It's expensive, impractical and designed to stay that way.