A Reward at Winter's End: The Mercedes-Benz SLK Class

Mercedes-Benz Reveals All-New 2012 Roadster for Early Summer Release

HAVERHILL, MA (02/08/2011)(readMedia)-- During an incredibly snowy January, Mercedes-Benz USA reminded drivers that sunnier times are ahead by revealing the all-new 2012 SLK-Class, a luxury convertible that will ship to dealer showrooms in early summer. Now in its third generation, the SLK-Class features a bold new design and unique upgrades that will reward owners with a premium roadster experience.

As snow banks grow to towering heights and arctic temperatures freeze roadways, Massachusetts Mercedes-Benz dealer James Buckley is trying to keep his mind off the next snowfall. Instead, he is looking ahead to the release of the SLK-Class and warm summer days spent riding the Northeast's coastal roads.

"With all this snow and cold weather, you can forget how fun driving in New England can be," said Buckley, general manager of Smith Mercedes-Benz in Haverhill, Massachusetts. "It seems like a distant dream now, but when the warm summer weather sets in, there will be no better way to enjoy it than in the open-air luxury of a Mercedes-Benz roadster. When you're cruising through the White Mountains or traveling Route 1 past the Maine beaches, a new SLK-Class will drive away memories of this winter's hardships."

The 2012 SLK-Class blends historical and contemporary Mercedes-Benz styling that suggests power and agile handling. While conceptually based on the sporty, compact body of the original 1955 190 SL roadster, the robust contours of the vehicle's front end pull from the design book of the latest Mercedes-Benz supercar, the SLS AMG.

The new SLK-Class is more than just a good looking car, with a 3.5-liter V6 engine under the hood to deliver performance worthy of its exterior. Massachusetts Mercedes-Benz drivers will be able to drop the top and let the wind style their hair with the extra punch of the roadster's 302 horsepower.

The folding hardtop roof is one of the more significant upgrades to the new SLK-Class. New for this year's model is the available Magic Sky Control, which features a panoramic glass panel that can change from tinted to transparent with the push of a button. When the top is up, drivers can allow maximum light into the interior or shade it to keep the temperature down on scorching hot days.

Mercedes-Benz has also found a way to extend convertible driving season with its optional AirScarf, a system that blows hot air on the driver's and passenger's necks to keep them warm in cooler temperatures. The AirScarf will enable New England drivers to enjoy their SLK-Class to the fullest on cool spring nights or crisp fall days, driving it as it was intended, with the top down.

"Underneath all this snow, there are roads calling out to be driven with the top down," Buckley said. "When the summer heat arrives, no one will be happier to be on the road than drivers behind the wheel of the new SLK-Class."

About Smith Mercedes-Benz:

For more than 75 years, Smith Mercedes-Benz has brought Mercedes-Benz ownership to customers in Massachusetts and New Hampshire. Smith has remained an elite Mercedes-Benz dealer throughout the years with their commitment to customer service and their wide selection of new and used Mercedes-Benz vehicles, as well as their expert service and parts staff. Browse their inventory online at www.smithmercedesdealer.com, stop by their showroom at 420 River Street in Haverhill, MA, like them on Facebook, or reach them by phone at 978-372-2552.