Quick Drive: 2013 Mercedes-Benz SLK350

Oddly, we’ll start out our analysis of the SLK with a pricing argument. Our SLK350 had a starting price of $55,400. That price compares favorably with the $60,900 Boxster S and the $55,150 Z4 sDrive35i. After doing a bit of damage on the options list, the as-tested price had climbed to $67,020, and resulted in a car with the trick Magic Sky Control, Lighting Package, Multimedia Package, and Sports Package, among smaller goodies. It’s here where the SLK pulls ahead of its competitors. The Z4 lacks items like Airscarf, Magic Sky Control, and air-conditioned seats. The Boxster, meanwhile, is hurt by Porsche’s extensive (and pricey) options sheet. You’ll get a Boxster exactly as you want it, but it’ll like cost a lot more than our SLK.