And the best German convertible is...?

The readers of "Auto Zeitung" magazine have voted the new Mercedes-Benz SLK-Class the best German convertible and awarded it the "Auto Trophy 2004". The trophy was presented to Peter Pfeiffer, Head of Mercedes Design in Berlin yesterday evening.

A total of 44 models were nominated in the "Convertibles" category of the competition, in which more than 84,000 readers of the motoring magazine took part. The Mercedes-Benz SLK-Class received the most votes and easily took first place in the ranking.

The new SLK-Class, which celebrated its world premiere at this year’s Geneva Motor Show, offers a choice of three engines with outputs ranging from 120 kW/163 hp to 265 kW/ 360 hp. For the first time in this vehicle class, these include an eight-cylinder unit by Mercedes-AMG. The two-seater also continues to justify its reputation as a trendsetter and technological leader among sports cars in this category: standard equipment includes a further development of the vario roof, which transforms the SLK-Class into a coupé in just 22 seconds, head/thorax sidebags, adaptive front airbags and two-stage belt force limiters. As a world first, Mercedes-Benz also offers the AIRSCARF neck-level heating system; this causes warm air to flow from the head restraints at the touch of a button, which means that even at low outside temperatures, SLK occupants can travel with the roof open and enjoy open-air driving all year round.

yrralis1 - 10/14/2004 9:59:31 PM

+1 Boost

Great car-- great value . The retractable top is so above the traditional cloth "ragtop" . The SL is also a great contender but the per dollar value of this new model would win the crown in my opinion as well.

Matthew1 - 10/14/2004 10:08:29 PM

+1 Boost

SL? read:'Auto Trophy 2004' 2004.....

JMd71 - 10/14/2004 11:12:15 PM

+1 Boost

Another overpriced, overrated MB. BMW is showing that brand alone will not keep the customers (design is just as important). When will people wake up to MB being the same but even more expensive when loaded up with options!?! The name means nothing when it rains; or when some nice s-bends appear...

Matthew1 - 10/15/2004 12:52:16 AM

+1 Boost

The SL can't win because it is not a 2004 model year car! Is that not obvious? Anyway, JM, when it rains, you can put up the folding-metal roof, and when some S-bends appear, you can be grateful the SLK has a very sweet chassis and direct steering. The SLK is a very fine car in almost all respects, and thats why it won.

Threepoint1415926 - 10/18/2004 12:25:09 PM

+1 Boost

I dont think Don actually read the content. It said "The readers of 'Auto Zeitung' magazine have voted the new Mercedes-Benz SLK-Class the best German convertible and awarded it the 'Auto Trophy 2004'."

That's who says so. And they (the readers) should know more than us as the SLK has been out for some time in Germany.

Jon