Vivaldi composed the Quatro Estações and Mercedes followed his example in the automotive sector, creating a roadster that goes well at any time of year. It's just a pity that the 250 CDI engine isn't as melodious as the Italian musician's compositions. Forget the cold, and discover with us the pleasure of rolling in the open.
I like to divide everything into groups, it makes life easier for me. In this case, I will divide the drivers into two groups: those who like convertibles and those who have never ridden in a convertible. Not liking convertibles is a group that doesn't exist. Walking with your hair in the wind, with a view of the stars, is one of the best sensations you can experience in a car. Therefore, in my opinion there is no space for the phrase “I don't like convertibles”.
A statement that makes even less sense when the car in question is the Mercedes SLK 250 CDI, a roadster that brings together the best of both worlds: the safety and acoustic comfort of a metal roof, with the open-air freedom that only a convertible. can offer -let's forget about motorcycles for a moment, something that even Mercedes doesn't do anymore.
All of this wrapped up in a typical Mercedes-Benz package: impeccable build quality and maximum attention to detail. By the way, these are the great advantages of the Mercedes SLK 250 CDI. Unlike most roadsters, on the SLK you don't have to give up anything to go outdoors.
“Shifted and sporty enough, it's not a model tailored to attack curves to the sound of Wagner's Cavalcade of the Valkyries”
Everything is there without having to give up anything. The comfort, the practical side of a suitcase with convincing capacity and even moderate consumption (6.8 liters at 100km was the value we reached at the end of the test), thanks to the services of the willful 250 CDI engine with 204hp, which only fails by being noisier than what is expected in a 'star brand' model. In short, the SLK has no place for the defects that we normally associate with roadsters.
On the road, it's everything you'd expect from it: quick and sporty enough. It's not a model designed to attack curves to the sound of Wagner's Cavalcade of the Valkyries, but it's fun and rigorous. It should be noted, however, that it is more suited to approaching the road – whether it is a city or mountain section – to the sound of Vivaldi's Four Seasons throughout the year, rain or shine, cold or hot. Ever.
By the way, it was on a night when temperatures reached digits that made me crave a pair of slippers and a cup of tea that I enjoyed walking outdoors with the SLK 250 CDI. In part, thanks to the Mercedes Air Scarf system, which, through air ducts built into the seats, emits hot air towards our heads. Simple but effective.
In short, a model that combines the advantages of roadsters with the practical sense of conventional cars. A formula that is currently in its 3rd generation and that promises to continue to collect followers within the German brand. A heresy to convertible purists for not having a gasoline engine and canvas hood? Perhaps.
But do as I do, experiment and let yourself be convinced by its virtues. Between what we idealize and the real needs of the day-to-day, the Mercedes SLK 250 CDI is one of the best compromises on the market.
Photography: thom van eveld
| MOTOR | 4 cylinders |
| CYLINDRAGE | 2,143 cc |
| STREAMING | Automatic 7 Speed |
| TRACTION | back |
| WEIGHT | 1570 kg. |
| POWER | 204 hp / 3,800 rpm |
| BINARY | 500 NM / 1800 rpm |
| 0-100 KM/H | 6.5 sec |
| SPEED MAXIMUM | 244 km/h |
| COMBINED CONSUMPTION | 5.0 lt./100 km (brand values) |
| PRICE | €68,574 (unit tested with €14,235 of options) |