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!

Mercedes-Benz has posted information about the 2012 SLK-Class to the website! There are exterior and interior photos as well as a list of some of the features. You can see a lot of the SL-Class is this SLK-Class!

The order banks should open in the next few weeks…until then there are great lease and finance specials on the remaining 2011 SLK-Classes!

Here are some of the changes that are coming to the 2011 models.

C-Class

• Sport sedans now feature LED Daytime Running Lamps and black headlamp inlays
• Enhanced P1 package includes split folding rear seat and rear sunshade
• Heated Seats removed from Premium 1 Package
• New Lighting Package with Bi-Xenons and active curve illumination
• New standard 17” wheel for C350 sport

CL-Class

• Refresh! New bumpers, hood, fenders, grille, headlamps, and taillights
• LED daytime running lights standard
• Driver Assist Package updated with Active Blind Spot Assist and Active Lane Keeping Assist
• New standard 18” wheel
• Magnetite Black exterior color added (black base with metallic flake)
• Sahara Beige/Black interior color added

CLS-Class

• Sport body styling, sport steering wheel and 18” AMG wheels now standard

E-Class

• Bluetec arrives in late summer with 17” run-flats, sport or luxury
• Active Blind Spot Assist and Active Lane Keeping Assist added to Driver Assist Package in E350/E550 sedans
• E63 gets alcantara headliner and stitched dash as standard
• Diamond White available starting in October production
• Wagon is standard with rear view camera and power liftgate
• Coupe gets new 18” AMG wheel in Appearance Package
• Cabriolet introduced with AIRCAP, AIRSCARF and trunk pass through

SUV Family

• New Mirror Design
• Blind Spot Assist Available (not on GLK)
• New Rear View Monitor reduces fish-eye effect
• Compass in rear view mirror – M/GL/R
• Diamond White paint available in October (not GLK)
• Barolo Red and Sand Beige discontinued (M/GL/R)

GL-Class

• GL550 gets a facelift
• New head restraints in 2^nd and 3^rd row
• Passenger seat memory added to P1

GLK-Class

• Driver Knee and front passenger airbags added as standard (9 total)
• LED daytime running lamps in lighting package
• Eco mode replaces Comfort mode
• Pearl Beige paint replaces Sand Beige paint

G-Class

• New wheel design
• Night Black paint added (matte)
• Tail lamp covers and turn signal covers deleted

M-Class

• LED daytime running lamps with bi-xenon headlamps
• ML63 gets new hood and headlights

R-Class

• Refresh!
• New from the A-pillar forward – fenders, grille, hood, bumpers, LEDs
• New 19” wheel
• New LED tail lamps
• New Rear bumper
• New seat design

S-Class

• S63 gets all-new 5.5 litre direct injection bi-turbo V8
• Contrast stitching with Premium and Exclusive upholstery
• Active Blind Spot Assist and Active Lane Keeping Assist added to Driver Assist Package
• Optional Bang & Olufsen BeoSound surround-souns system with 15 speakers, 1200 watts and 16-channel digital signal processing
• Magnetite Black exterior color added (black base with metallic flake)
• Sahara Beige/Black interior color added

SLK-Class

• Sport Body Cladding added as standard
• Quartz Blue paint added
• No SLK55 AMG