Design Overall build quality for the interior was acceptable, with a few exceptions. Low-grade plastic was used on the outer edges of the dash, flimsy plastic was found on the lower seat frames, and there was a cheap feel to the instrument panel controls.

A quick look at the 2005 SLK-Class suggests that the designers at Mercedes-Benz were thinking the same thing as all the rest of us: The previous generation Mercedes-Benz SLK-Class was a total chick car. There. We said it.

This redesigned model features a leaner, more muscular look with a sharp bodyside crease that accentuates the raised rear end and crests at the wide rear wheel flares. The wedge-shaped headlights are swept back, and a prominent new nose, complete with an oversized Mercedes chrome emblem, splits the grille. A raised section runs along the center of the hood, tying the new SLK’s design with that of Mercedes’ race cars and the SLR McLaren super coupe. This element seems to be out of place on the otherwise attractive design, but at least there won’t be any mistaking the 2005 SLK-Class for anything else. There’s still some of that “chick-ness” to the design, although now that chick looks like she’s been hitting the weights. Build quality on our test car was excellent.

The interior failed to impress us as much as the exterior, in terms of design and construction. The interior featured generous use of flat black materials, accented by metallic finishes on the door handles, the center dash, the gauge rings, and various controls. We liked the fact that the interior lacked any hard angles, though the maze of curves on the door panels and dash cap were too busy for our tastes. A little subtlety would work well here. The rubberized material on the dash, doors, and center console felt pleasant to the touch. Quality leather was located on the door inserts and armrests, and a matching grain pattern was featured on the doors, dash, pillars, and front console.

Overall build quality for the interior was acceptable, with a few exceptions. Low-grade plastic was used on the outer edges of the dash, flimsy plastic was found on the lower seat frames, and there was a cheap feel to the instrument panel controls. The parking brake handle consisted of multiple pieces of low-grade plastic (think of the toys in a $0.25 gumball machine and you’re just about there) with visible casting seams. Oddly enough, the shifter knob, despite being one of the most touched pieces of the interior, was also comprised of several pieces that were starting to loosen. These are all minor quibbles, but they take on extra significance when found in a $50,000 luxury car.