Surprisingly, Mercedes isn’t waiting for the upcoming facelift and re-naming of its SLK to SLC to update the compact model’s powertrains, opting instead to do it now (at least in Europe).
Beginning with the diesel-powered SLK 250 CDI that’s being replaced by the SLK 250d, while output remains the same at 204PS (201hp) and 500Nm, the tweaked 2.1-liter four-cylinder diesel now consumes 0.4 liters less fuel per 100km with a combined economy of 4.4l/100km and 114g/km of CO2.
The base SLK 200 gets a newer 1.8-liter turbocharged four-cylinder petrol with a 3rd-generation direct injection and multi-spark ignition system producing the same output at 184PS (181hp) but 30Nm more torque at 300Nm.
Mercedes is also replacing the previous SLK 250 with the SLK 300 that gets the brand’s new 2.0-liter turbocharged four delivering 41PS (40hp) and 60Nm more than before at 245PS (242hp) and 370Nm respectively.
On the transmission front, the SLK 200 gets a brand new 6-speed manual with tighter and more precise shifts, while the SLK 300 and SLK 250d benefit from a new 9-speed 9G-Tronic automatic as standard, with the same box offered as an option on the SLK 200.
For 2015, all SLK models, including the SLK 350 and SLK 55 AMG that keep the same powertrains, feature a standard ECO start/stop function and meet EU6 emissions standards.
In addition, there’s a new LTE-capable exterior onboard aerial said to benefit the performance of the COMAND Online multimedia system with faster internet speeds, and two fresh paint finishes named “selenite grey metallic” and “designo cerussite grey magno”.
Mercedes didn’t say if and when the upgraded SLK will come to North America.
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