The 2012 SLK250 and SLK55 AMG should be arriving in US showrooms soon! The pricing has just been announced and the SLK250s are already in the country waiting to be shipped to dealerships!

2012 SLK250 Roadster: Base MSRP $42,500

2012 SLK55 AMG Roadster: Base MSRP $67,500

I am happy to announce that the 2012 SLK250 and the SLK55 AMG have been added to the order banks! The SLK250s are already scheduled for production beginning in late November. The SLK55 AMG does not have a date yet…but the sooner you order the sooner it gets built!  

The 2012 SLK55 AMG has been announced for January of 2012!

Highlights from the official press release:
The 2012 Mercedes-Benz SLK55 AMG is the most powerful SLK of all time. Its new AMG 5.5-liter V8 engine featuring cylinder shutoff combines the ultimate in performance with the lowest possible fuel consumption. With a peak output of 415 hp and maximum torque of 398 lb-ft, the 2012 SLK55 AMG is poised to outperform all of its direct competitors. High-performance driving is ensured thanks to the AMG sports suspension with Direct-Steer system, Torque Vectoring Brakes and 3-stage ESP®, as well as the AMG high-performance braking system. The 2012 SLK55 AMG will arrive in U.S. showrooms in early 2012.

The SLK55 AMG accelerates from zero to 60 mph in 4.5 seconds, and reaches a top speed of 155 mph (electronically limited).

Key figures at a glance
2012 SLK55 AMG
Displacement 5,461 cc
Bore x stroke 3.86 in x 3.56 in
Compression ratio 12.6 : 1
Output 415 hp at 6,800 rpm
Max. torque 398 lb-ft at 4,500 rpm
Engine weight (dry) 412 lbs
Acceleration 0 – 60 mph 4.5 s
Top speed 155 mph**
* provisional figures; ** electronically limited

In line with its “AMG Performance 2015″ strategy, the new V8 engine continues to reduce both the fuel consumption and emissions of new models over the next few years – while reaching new heights with the central brand claim of “Driving Performance”. At the same time, AMG is also demonstrating its social responsibility with the M152 engine.

Numerous design features are identical, such as the displacement, bore/stroke, distance between cylinders, ECO stop/start system and direct gasoline injection technology. Distinguishing features versus the M157 include the new intake air ducting, new cylinder heads, the modified valve drive, an adapted oil supply system and an optimized crankcase.

The AMG Cylinder Management cylinder shut-off system – developed completely by Mercedes-AMG – significantly improves efficiency: cylinders two, three, five and eight are cut off under partial load, which lowers fuel consumption considerably. In similar form, this technology is also used in the 750-hp V8 engines used in Formula 1. As efficiency also plays a major role at the pinnacle of motor racing, two or four of the eight cylinders are cut off e.g. when cornering at slow speed, during Safety Car laps or for pit stops.

Other measures to optimize efficiency:

weight-optimized cast aluminum pistons with special piston skirt coating
special ventilation holes in the crankcase
oil pump with electrically controlled pressure stage
separate oil pump for cylinder shut-off as a controllable, low-friction vane cell pump
engine cooling using especially efficient cross-flow principle
electronically controlled fuel pressure, fully variable and demand-related between 1,450 and 2,900 psi

The Controlled Efficiency stop/start function further contributes to the low fuel consumption. This system is standard equipment on the SLK55 AMG and active in the fuel economy transmission mode “C”. Once the driver brakes to a stop e.g. at a red traffic light, the V8 engine is automatically switched off. Once the brake pedal is released or the accelerator is depressed, the engine is immediately restarted and the car is able to move off quickly.

AMG is premiering a new sports exhaust system featuring an exhaust flap on each side. This technology resolves the trade off between an emotional exhaust note during spirited driving and a more discreet engine sound in the partial load range. The main focus of the sound design was to achieve a perfect synthesis of perceptible performance and the long-distance comfort that is a hallmark of Mercedes.

The AMG sports suspension with Torque Vectoring Brakes and AMG Direct- Steer system provides both impressive lateral dynamics as well as agile handling. Looking for a highly aggressive driving style or comfortable cruising? The new SLK55 AMG is able to offer both. Independent suspension struts with stiffer spring/damper tuning, torque strut bearings on the front axle featuring higher rigidity, stiffer stabilizers at all four corners as well as a more negative camber on the rear axle result in high cornering speeds and low body roll in fast S-shaped bends.

The optionally available AMG Handling Package enhances the vehicle’s sportiness even further. It comprises an AMG Performance suspension with stiffer tuning, an AMG rear axle differential lock, two-piece brake discs at the front and a three-spoke AMG Performance steering wheel finished in premium leather with Alcantara® inserts in the grip areas.

Classic roadster proportions with typical AMG design characteristics as well as a hint of the SLS AMG -are striking visual highlights of the 2012 SLK55 AMG. The AMG designers have complemented the exciting basic forms of the long hood, the greenhouse positioned well to the rear and crisp rear section with typical AMG styling at the front, sides and rear. The new AMG front apron has large air inlets and AMG-specific LED daytime running lights. Inspired by the SLS AMG super sports car, the wide radiator grill features a large, centrally-positioned Mercedes star. In the case of the SLK55 AMG, the slats in the front apron and the lower cross strut are painted in a high-gloss black finish. Darkened clear-lens headlamps and darkened bicolor tail lamps also come as standard exclusively on the top-of-the-range V8 model. Bi-Xenon headlights with Active Curve Illumination are also available as an optional extra.

The vent grilles with chrome-plated fins in the front fenders are not only reminiscent of the SLS AMG, but also evoke memories of the famous Mercedes- Benz 300 SL Roadster from the 1950s. The “V8 AMG” lettering beneath the grilles highlight the top-of-the-range eight-cylinder model from the rest of the SLK model series.

Functional, stylish, high-quality: the interior design of the SLK55 AMG is also reminiscent of its bigger brother, the SLS AMG Roadster. Associations with the super sports car are evoked courtesy of the four air vents in the style of jet engines, as well as the center console finished in brushed aluminum. Placed in the center of the dashboard is an AMG-specific analog clock featuring an IWC design.

The AMG sports seats feature optimized lateral support and premium leather upholstery with AMG badges in the backrests and standard AIRSCARF necklevel heating system.

The 2012 SLK55 AMG sets new standards when it comes to safety: a whole host of the latest assistance systems support the driver and help secure the new AMG Roadster’s exceptional position in its segment. Standard equipment includes new, fiber-reinforced roll-over bar, two-stage driver and front passenger airbags, headbags, thorax airbags, knee airbags, seat belt tensioner with belt force limiters, NECK-PRO crash-active head restraints, three-stage ESP® and also ATTENTION ASSIST drowsiness detection.

Just a few weeks ago I was sure that the Steel Grey SLK350 with Red Leather was the best looking SLK-Class we could build! Now we have such a selection of SLK350s I have a new favorite! This is a new color for 2012 – Silver Mist! It’s blue. I know the color would imply that it is silver, but that is not the case. It is more blue than Diamond Silver, less bright than Quartz Blue. Maybe a slate blue kind of color? It is so hard to describe…but I loved it immediately. Come by and take a look at Silver Mist or any of the eight 2012 SLK350s I have in inventory!

We now have eight 2012 SLK350s in inventory! This one is my current favorite and is on the showroom floor. We often order silver or black cars with a red interior…this is the first I have had with the Steel Grey. In person the color is darker, more burgandy, less RED. Come see for yourself! It is a gorgeous day for an SLK-Class test drive!

2012 Mercedes-Benz SLK350 – Stock #28525

• Steel Grey Metallic
• Bengal Red Premium Leather
• Premium 1 Package
• Multimedia Package 
• Panoramic Roof
• Keyless Go
• Dual Zone Climate Control
• Wheel Locking Bolts
• Rear Deck Spoiler
• MSRP $64,015

As the 2012 models begin production, Mercedes-Benz has announced some Special Value Packages to enhance the launch of these models! This information applies to the July production schedule and will continue until further notice.

2012 C-Class Sedan and Coupe

All vehicles will be equipped with the  S32 COMAND Launch Package. During this launch period the Audio 20 system and the 320 Multimedia Package are not orderable. The Rearview Camera has been made available as a stand-alone option.

S32 COMAND Launch Package – $930

• COMAND Navigation with single CD/DVD
• Voice Control

2012 GLK-Class

Two launch packages are available on the GLK-Class. S32 COMAND Launch Package or the new S33 Multimedia Launch Package. During this launch period the 320 Multimedia Package is not orderable but the Audio 20 is available.

S32 COMAND Launch Package – $930

• COMAND Navigation with single CD/DVD
• Voice Control

S33 Multimedia Launch Package – $2600

• COMAND Navigation with single CD/DVD
• Voice Control
• Universal Customer Interface
• Multimedia Interface Cable
• Rearview Camera

2012 SLK-Class

All vehicles will be equipped with the  S32 COMAND Launch Package which, requires Premium 1 Package. During this launch period the Audio 20 system and the 320 Multimedia Package are not orderable.

S32 COMAND Launch Package – $1150

• COMAND Navigation with single CD/DVD
• Voice Control

2012 E-Class Coupes and Cabriolets

All vehicles will be equipped with Premium 1 Launch Package or Premium 2 Launch Package.

S01 Premium 1 Launch Package – $3600

• Multimedia Interface Cable
• Rearview Camera
• COMAND with single CD/DVD
• Universal Customer Interface
• SIRIUS Satellite Radio
• Premium Sound
• Heated Seats
• Power Rear Sun Shade (coupes)
• Airscarf  (cabriolets)

S02 Premium 2 Launch Package – $6050

• S01 Package
• Heated & Ventilated Seats
• Headlamp Cleaning System
• Adaptive Highbeam Assist
• Bi-Xenon Headlamps with Active Curve Illumination
• Corner Illuminating Lamps
• Heated Windshield Washer Reservoir
• Keyless GO

2012 ML-Class

All vehicles will be equipped with Premium 1 Launch Package or Premium 2 Launch Package.

S01 Premium 1 Launch Package – $3200

• Autodimming Mirrors
• Multimedia Interface Cable
• Rearview Camera
• COMAND with single CD/DVD
• Universal Customer Interface
• SIRIUS Satellite Radio
• Memory Package for Driver Seat
• Power Folding Mirrors

S02 Premium 2 Launch Package – $5050

• S01 Package
• Keyless GO
• Climate Controlled Cupholder
• harmon/kardon LOGIC7 Surround System
• Multi-Color Ambient Lighting
• Rear Compartment (n/a with 315 pkg)

I had training last week for the soon to be released 2012 SLK-Class and CLS-Class. It was the first opportunity I have had to see the cars in person and I was very impressed. The SLK-Class in particular is leaps and bounds ahead of the previous generation. This was a one take, no practice, quick walk-around to cover some of the highlights…it isn’t quite up to my normal walk-around standards! You can get more details about the options and packages from my previous SLK-Class posts.

For Model Year 2012 the Accessory Navigation System (ANS) will replace the Nav + 4 system in the SLK-Class and C-Class Sedan and Coupe. The ANS will equip cars without the COMAND system with Navigation through the standard screen (Audio 20). The standard screen for these vehicles is larger for 2012 with enhanced clarity and better display. The system is also fully integrated with the central COMAND controller.The features of ANS include:

• Reality View Pro
• Display of highway intersections and exit ramps
• Image display of road signs and lane information
• Lane Guidance Pro
• Recommends the optimal lane
• Destination input via map
• Real Time Traffic

Unlike the Nav + 4, ANS does not include iPod adapter, USB connection, or Bluetooth Audio streaming. The Nav +4 will still be available on the 2012 GLK-Class. The ANS MSRP is $1290.

The 2012 Mercedes-Benz SLK-Class will arrive in US showrooms this May. With a new look, innovative technology and new standard safety features the 2012 SLK-Class will continue to be a sporty roadster with stylish comfort!

Standard Equipment

• SLK250: 1.8 litre turbo inline-4 with 201 hp / 229 lb/ft torque
• SLK350: 3.5 litre V6 with 302 hp / 273 lb/ft torque
• Power seats and steering column with memory and lumbar
• ATTENTION ASSIST
• Adaptive BRAKE with HOLD function
• LED daytime running lights
• Rain-sensing intermittent wipers
• HomeLink garage door opener
• Integrated Compass in rearview mirror
• 8 Airbags – up from 6
• HD Radio
• Aluminum trimmed roll bars
• Electronic parking brake
• mbrace
• Flex bottle holder

Exterior Colors

• Black
• Mars Red
• Obsidian Black Metallic
• Steel Grey Metallic
• Iridium Silver Metallic
• Palladium Silver Metallic
• Pearl Beige Metallic
• Diamond White Metallic
• Indium Grey Metallic
• Silver Mist Metallic
• Lunar Blue Metallic –  delayed launch

Interior Colors

• Black – MB-Tex, Leather and Premium Leather
• Sahara Beige – MB-Tex, Leather
• Ash / Black – MB-Tex, Leather
• Bengal Red / Black – Premium Leather
• Trims – Aluminum is standard

Option Packages

Premium 1 Package - $2590

• iPod/MP3 Media Interface
• AIRSCARF
• Sirius Satellite Radio
• harman/kardon Premium Sound
• Heated Seats
• IR Remote Roof Automation

Trim Package – $990

• Burl Walnut trim on center console and doors
• Wood and Leather shift knob
• Wood and Leather Steering Wheel

Lighting Package – $1070

• Bi-Xenon Headlamps with Active Curve Illumination
• Headlamp Cleaning System

321 Sport Package – SLK350 $2500, SLK 250 TBD

• 18″ AMG 5-spoke Wheels
• Ambient Lighting in Solar Red
• Sport body styling

Multimedia Package – $2150

• COMAND system with Hard Drive Navigation
• 7.0″ High-Res LCD screen with 3D map views
• Enhance Voice Control System
• 10GB Music Register
• 6-disk DVD changer
• Gracenote Media Database with cover art
• SD card slot

DISTRONIC PLUS Package – Special Order – $1900, required Multimedia Package and Automatic Transmission

• DISTRONIC PLUS with PRE-SAFE Brake
• PRE-SAFE

Dynamic Handling Package – Special Order – TBD

• Continuously Controlled Electronic Suspension
• 2 Driver-Selectable Suspension Modes
• Torque Vectoring Brake
• Sport Button
• The best blend of agility and comfort

Stand-Alone Options – SLK250/SLK350

• 18″ 5-twin spoke wheel – TBD/$500
• PARKTRONIC with Parking Guidance – $970/$970
• Analog clock on Dash Top – $250/$250
• AIRGUIDE Windstop – $350/$350
• MAGIC SKY CONTROL Panoramic Roof – $2500/$2500
• Panoramic roof with fixed tint – $500/$500
• 7G-TRONIC Automatic transmission – $1520/Standard
• Digital Dual Zone Climate Control – $760/$760
• KEYLESS-GO – TBD
• Leather – TBD/Standard
• Premium Leather – TBD/$630
• Illuminated Doors Sills – TBD
• Wheel Locks – TBD
• Media Interface PLUS – TBD
• Rear Spoiler – TBD
• Chrome Hood Vent Fins – TBD
• Nav + 4 – TBD

Wheels:

1. SLK250 Standard 17″
2. SLK350 Standard 18″
3. SLK250 / SLK350 Optional 18″ Sport
4. SLK250 / SLK350 Optional 18″

All of this information and pricing is still preliminary can can change before the vehicle is released. The US debut will be at the New York International Auto Show on April 20th.  The 2012 SLK-Class is available for order now.

Mercedes-Benz introduced us to the newest members of the family during the Super Bowl this year. For more information about the C-Class Coupe, SLS AMG Roadster, SLK-Class and CLS-Class you can visit the Future Vehicles section of MBUSA.com and sign up for updates!