Deal of the Week: 2009 Mercedes SLK

Rivalries have always been good for improving the breed. Whether it is Mac vs PC, Red Sox vs Yankees or Alien vs Predator, competition brings out the best and demands change in the worst. Automotive rivalries are no different, especially the rivalry between luxury leaning Mercedes-Benz and sport leaning BMW. When Mercedes-Benz introduced the 2nd generation SLK four years ago, they realized that if they wanted to make convertible that could compete with the BMW Z-series, they would need to improve its sporting characteristics.

The Edmunds editors agree that Mercedes did manage to make a two-seat convertible that can run with the BMW, stating that, "you should forget those stolid Mercedes convertibles of decades past -- the Mercedes-Benz SLK-Class will put a smile on any driving enthusiast's face." It does this by offering powerful engines, handling enhancements including their "Direct Steer System," which includes a 25 percent quicker steering ratio and a progressive-effort build-up based on steering angle and a quick-shifting and intelligent seven-speed automatic transmission.  There is even a manual transmission available on the SLK300.

Of course, being a Mercedes-Benz, the SLK still has to be luxurious, and it remains so by offering a high-quality leather-lined interior and top quality soft-touch plastics, a 5" LCD screen for interaction with the car's navigation and entertainment systems and a fast moving retractable hard-top that doesn't hamper the SLK's profile, unlike many other retractile hard-top vehicles.

Since it is in its fourth year of production, and an all-new BMW Z4 is available for the 2010 model year, Mercedes-Benz has placed some enticing incentives on the SLK. Now through November 2nd, Mercedes-Benz is offering finance rates of 0.9% for 24-36 months and 1.9% for up to 60 months. Keep in mind that most Mercedes-Benz dealers will try to mark the rate up by 1%. If you prefer to lease, rates range from as low as 2% on the SLK300 and 3% on the SLK350. There is also $5000 lease cash available.

While there are more sporting two-seaters like the Boxster and 370Z available, the SLK manages to effectively thread the needle by offering an enticing combination of sport and luxury in an attractive package. Favorable lease and finance offers make this package even more attractive.

Check out the latest incentives and rebates here.

Posted by

Lee Scott October 8, 2009, 3:00 AM

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Deal of the Week, Mercedes-Benz

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Deal of the Week, Incentvies and Rebates, Lease Cash, Lease Rates, Mercedes-Benz SLK