We joined the Mercedes-Benz Road Show, an event where the squealing of tires meets the pleasure of driving, and on a Thursday when the sun was shining, we took to the road in an 8-vehicle caravan where even the cold didn't work. in front of the cabrios.
I had the pleasure of starting and ending the day in the same way, at the controls of a convertible. Unfortunately, none of them were the SLS, but regardless of whether or not I had the chance to drive the seagull-bred German Muscle Car, I still had fun.
And more, because at our disposal were only diesel vehicles. Yes, diesel! There is no need to extradite me because I assure you that there were two animals in this small herd that at the slightest misstep would leave us with hair on end and a bunch of policemen crazy for passing us a Christmas card.
Coincidence or not, the only policemen I passed were either on bicycles or drinking coffee. But regardless of whether the cops are willing to chase us or not, what matters is that the fun behind the wheel of a diesel is possible. But we're already there… I started the day with Class E 250 CDI Convertible , obviously with the roof hidden and the air conditioning creating atmosphere.
A spectacular vehicle in terms of comfort, design and with the canvas roof open, we have a wide view to the outside. The engine satisfies almost every need, although over 1,800 kg has a negative effect on performance.
The E-Class Convertible, because of its sporty design, cannot be treated as such, as the 125 kg more weight than the coupé makes all the difference. So if you are looking for a cabrio that is spare, sporty and at the same time sexy, you have to keep reading this text.
However, there it is time to change vehicles. I jumped behind the wheel of the CLS 350 CDI that without warning robbed me of attention to every detail, transporting me to a world full of speed and torque. So I'm sorry but I don't remember much.
I just know that it's one of the best diesel engines I've ever tried, the chassis is perfect and even doing 6.2 seconds from 0 to 100 km/h, the way the 3 liter V6 engine delivers power is enough to leave anyone embedded. in the bank. The suspension is phenomenal, it's comfortable, dynamic and manages to absorb any imperfections from the floor, and the best part is that it doesn't behave like a jelly when cornering, meaning we're not shaken like a Cocktail.
But since not everything is perfect, the Direct Select gear selector, located next to the steering wheel, is absolutely useless and I hate it deeply. It's the only annoying thing about this car, so Mercedes how about a normal selector, who knows… in the center console? But as there were more cars I decided to leave this beauty (I was obliged, but anyway) and went to the «little monster» GLK.
This SUV has a 220 CDI engine, which honestly left me surprised: It has geeks on the road but it's just a shopping cart. Its exterior is beautiful when equipped with a sports package and 20″ AMG wheels, but even so, it won't be the best choice in its segment. The BMW X3 proves to be more interesting in all respects…
Its interior is spacious and also has a good driving position, however it is a little boring, which leads me to think that it was designed by a person with no ideas who on that day of work only had a ruler.
Fortunately, the lap was short and I quickly jumped to the controls of the "small" gigantic Class A , where its new chassis gives us a feeling of being a little rebel under its chrome disguise.
It's not as good in terms of dynamics compared to the new BMW Serie 1, but in terms of comfort and dare I say in design, it manages to be slightly better. Its younger, sportier design is thus able to attract a wider clientele that makes it a highly sought-after car, with record sales being recorded.
But the world continues to turn and to my delight it was time to go back to the cabrios, waiting for me was a SLK 250 CDI , which on the winding roads of the Sintra mountains proved to be a true sport. After a few meters I felt confident and in an act of bravery or perhaps ignorance, I turned off the traction control. This action freed the rear and gave me the opportunity to have fun.
I won't consider it an F1 but for a 2.2 liter engine it has strength to give and sell. From 0 to 100km/h it takes just 6.5 seconds, but that's not all, with 204hp drinking just 5l at 100km it becomes powerful and economical, an almost impossible and rare association. I did a ride so you can see it “pulled”, where there was no lack of skidding and numerous kick-downs, in other words, a super-sports ride with an average of no more than 8.5 l/100Km.
Fun at the wheel is not lacking, comfort is not lacking either, and although the seat shakes a little, the driving dynamic is superb and sincerely suits the needs of those looking for fun and savings, with prices starting at €47,100 for the 2.0 to version petrol and 50 thousand euros for the tested version.
For the more purists, there is also the SLK 55 AMG version with a base price of 106 thousand euros. It comes equipped with a V8 engine capable of completing the 0-100km/h race in just 4.2 seconds. But for me, the SLK 250 CDI is one of the best convertibles on sale these days, and for this price, what more do you want?
