MotorMouths

The SLK350 is stunningly beautiful — sleek, muscular, diminutive, yet unmistakably powerful. I love this car. I returned it to Mercedes-Benz reluctantly.

The SLK250 is not a fast car, but rather one with a balanced chassis and a smooth, compliant suspension. While it doesn’t offer unbridled driving engagement, it’s a strong competitor for the BMW Z4. It feels like it will last a lifetime, and convinces everyone on the road that it’s linked visually to the SL.

One thing every SLK shares is its head-turning looks and last year’s redesign added some needed aggression to the roadster’s skin. Surprisingly, the ‘Benz offers the best value among sement leaders.

With its unequalled ride quality, glut of comfort technologies and just-enough performance ability, the SLK350 occupies a unique slot in a small market.

The SLK is a distillation of Mercedes’ best-known qualities into a nimble, open-air machine for two — a car with which to reward yourself.

The all-new 2012 Mercedes-Benz is more aggressive in appearance, sharper in handling and possessed of an edge that earlier SLK models seemed to lack. It gives drivers far more entertainment value than previous versions did.

Given a bolder design, the 2012 Mercedes-Benz SLK looks as if it’s trying to shake off its image as a profiler’s car. Thanks to improved handling, power and a sturdy open-top chassis, it should appeal to drivers on both sides of the X chromosome.

The 2012 Mercedes-Benz SLK takes the strengths of its predecessor and augments them. Build and materials quality have improved, interior controls are easier to use, and handling is better. Unfortunately, its price hasn’t dropped.

While the Mercedes-Benz SLK350 convertible makes no promises of practicality, good times are almost guaranteed. It begs for you to call in sick for a final dash to the Hamptons or an impromptu charge up the Maine coast.

The 2012 Mercedes SLK looks sharper than ever, with driving and luxury to match. Styling and cabin quality alone should sell the car. The new SLK is far from perfect, but it’s the best one yet.

Largely forgotten by shoppers who lay down similar cash for E350s, ML350s or GL350s, buyers are walking right past one of the best Mercedes models available. Forget about the school run, forget about the trailer you never tow and buy an SLK350 as your commuter car.

Aside from a somewhat disappointing transmission, this SLK looks and feels like a real Mercedes roadster, not a waffling compromise between performance and luxury.