For the first time in the SLK's history, Mercedes-Benz is offering a diesel-powered version of its small hardtop roadster that will be available for order in Europe from September 13, 2011.
The new SLK 250 CDI makes use of the Stuttgart-based automaker's 2.1-liter turbocharged four-cylinder diesel engine delivering 204-horses (150kW) and a hefty 500Nm (368.8 lb-ft) of peak torque.
Power is transferred to the rear wheels through a standard 7G-TRONIC PLUS automatic transmission, but Mercedes said a six-speed manual gearbox will also be available in the second quarter of next year.
With the 7sp auto, the SLK 250 CDI can go from zero to 100km/h (62mph) in 6.7 seconds, accelerate from 80 to 120km/h in 4.3 seconds, and reach a top speed of 243 km/h (151mph).
And while performance is on par with the gasoline-powered SLK 250 BlueEfficiency that features a 1.8-liter turbocharged four-pot with 204HP (0-100km/h in 6.6 sec, 243 km/h top speed), the diesel SLK really shines when it comes to fuel economy.
According to Mercedes, the SLK 250 CDI returns a combined fuel consumption of 4.9lt/100km (48mpg US or 57.7mpg UK) versus the SLK 250 BlueEfficiency's 6.2 lt/100 km (38 US mpg or 45.6mpg UK).
Like all third-generation SLK models, the SLK 250 CDI also features a start/stop system as standard, and is available with a choice of three versions of the vario-roo, including the panoramic glass roof with MAGIC SKY CONTROL that allows it to be changed from dark to transparent at the touch of a button.
In Germany, the new Mercedes SLK 250 CDI is priced from €41,828.50 (US$60,065). Mercedes did not say if it has any plans to offer the diesel-powered SLK in the States, but we wouldn’t hold our breath.
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