Mercedes drives the Rs 1.26 crore, two-door sportscar, the SLK55 AMG into India

Mercedes on Monday added another power-packed AMG to its India line-up with the launch of the SLK55 AMG at Rs 1.26 crore ex-showroom, Delhi. This will be the eighth launch in India by Mercedes this year, about half of them being AMGs. The SLK55 AMG will also be the last in the SLK series worldwide with Mercedes announcing that there will not be any more updates. Instead, MB will be launching the new SL and SLC soon.

Eberhard Kern, managing director & CEO, Mercedes-Benz India, with the stunning SLK55 AMG

The roadster draws its power from a 5.5-litre naturally aspirated V8 engine that is worth 421PS of power at 6800rpm and a peak torque of 540Nm at 4500 rpm. This power is transmitted to rear wheels using a 7-speed transmission - AMG Speedshift Plus7G-Tronic - that offers three drive modes, namely Comfort, Sports and Manual.  The SLK55 claims a 0-100kmph timing of 4.6 seconds while reaching a top speed of 250kmph.

Other AMG inclusions in terms of handling are the AMG rear axle differential lock, AMG high performance braking system, AMG direct-steer system, AMG sports suspension and an AMG performance steering wheel.

On the outside, the SLK55 has the typical AMG aesthetics such as wider fenders, low stance, quad tailpipes and enlarged air intakes. It also gets multi-spoke blackened AMG alloys with silver brake calipers, bi-xenon headlamps with intelligent light system to go with adaptive brake light flashing and Active Bonnet, illuminated AMG door sills and a panoramic roof which can turn transparent or dark at the push of a button.

The interiors get a start/stop button, nappa leather/Alcantara inserts, designo leather upholstery, AMG carbon fibre garnishing, AMG aluminium shift paddles, COMMAND ONLINE six DVD changer with a Harmon Kardon surround sound system, ambient lighting in the cockpit and a memory package including 4-way lumbar support and a seat belt in black.

Safety and assistance features include a drowsiness detection system called Attention Assist, a parking guidance system called Parktronic, Presafe and Adaptive braking with ABS and traction control. The car also gets a turntable draught-stop AIRGUIDE, which ensures comfort and safety during open top driving.

This car joins the 'Dream Cars ' lineup from Merc in India which includes the SLK-Class, the CLS-Class and the AMG range of vehicles such as C 63, E 63, SLS coupe and cabriolet and G 63 off-roader. The SLK55 AMG will take on the likes of the Porsche Cayman S, the Jaguar F-Type and the Audi R8 in the Indian market.