Automotive

Mercedes-Benz SLK Roadster gets a diesel engine (and returns 56.5 mpg)

Mercedes-Benz SLK Roadster gets a diesel engine (and returns 56.5 mpg)
The 2012 Mercedes-Benz SLK 250 CDI
The 2012 Mercedes-Benz SLK 250 CDI
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The 2012 Mercedes-Benz SLK 250 CDI
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The 2012 Mercedes-Benz SLK 250 CDI
The 2012 Mercedes-Benz SLK 250 CDI
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The 2012 Mercedes-Benz SLK 250 CDI
The 2012 Mercedes-Benz SLK 250 CDI
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The 2012 Mercedes-Benz SLK 250 CDI
The 2012 Mercedes-Benz SLK 250 CDI
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The 2012 Mercedes-Benz SLK 250 CDI
The 2012 Mercedes-Benz SLK 250 CDI
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The 2012 Mercedes-Benz SLK 250 CDI
The 2012 Mercedes-Benz SLK 250 CDI
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The 2012 Mercedes-Benz SLK 250 CDI
The 2012 Mercedes-Benz SLK 250 CDI
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The 2012 Mercedes-Benz SLK 250 CDI
The 2012 Mercedes-Benz SLK 250 CDI
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The 2012 Mercedes-Benz SLK 250 CDI
The 2012 Mercedes-Benz SLK 250 CDI
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The 2012 Mercedes-Benz SLK 250 CDI
The 2012 Mercedes-Benz SLK 250 CDI
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The 2012 Mercedes-Benz SLK 250 CDI
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It's a sign of the times - after 15 years of production of its retractable hardtop (vario-roof) convertible SLK series, Mercedes has given the compact roadster a diesel engine. The 204 bhp four-cylinder delivers fuel consumption of 56.5 mpg/4.16 L/100km (combined cycle), but thanks to the 2143 cc diesel engine's 500 Nm midrange and 7G-TRONIC PLUS automatic transmission, the car offers a 0-100 km/h (62 mph) acceleration time of 6.7 seconds and a top speed of 150 mph (241 km/h).

The SLK 250 CDI's relative frugality at the pump is mirrored in its emissions performance, dumping just 132 grams (4.66 oz) of CO2 into the atmosphere per kilometer (0.62 miles) thanks to its fourth-generation common-rail injection and start/stop system.

The 2012 Mercedes-Benz SLK 250 CDI
The 2012 Mercedes-Benz SLK 250 CDI

The SLK 250 CDI will be available with all three versions of the vario roof and all three SLK suspension packages. It will look no different to the petrol models apart from the badging and will go on sale early in 2012. No pricing details are yet available.

The 2012 Mercedes-Benz SLK 250 CDI
The 2012 Mercedes-Benz SLK 250 CDI

View gallery - 10 images
4 comments
4 comments
voluntaryist
Double the mpg and I\'ll forget the EV and go diesel. I\'ll pay up to $60K if I get a rebate.
YukonJack
I can wait for the natural gas fueled model.
yawood
Great - I love diesel cars because they have terrific torque characteristics giving them terrific performance - and give great economy at the same time.
Mr E
I agree with yawood although my first diesel was a 1972 MB 220D. It didn't have a lot of torque but back then 30 mpg was more important than torque. My next one was a '78 300D and the last one was a '90 350SDL. They all delivered 30mpg and a great ride. I still have the 350SDL but it's waiting for some engine work.
If I had the money I'd love to drop a Blu-Tec in the '90.