Wrap-Up For 2005, the Mercedes-Benz SLK350 proves to be a worthy contender to the commonplace BMW Z4 and the less luxurious Porsche Boxster; the SLK55 AMG just might turn it into a one-sided bloodbath.

Take a quick gander through the 2005 Mercedes-Benz SLK-Class brochure, and before long the word “muscular” will be permanently imprinted on your brain. Even without the blatant use of that term, new styling and added grunt are quite indicative of where Mercedes is going with its reinvented roadster. That front beak is a tad unattractive and the interior quality is a few letters shy of spelling luxury, but those who can afford the price of admission will enjoy an energetic engine that plays well with an athletic chassis. Just be aware of that thoroughly unqualified manual transmission.

Despite those few shortcomings, the 2005 SLK is a major improvement over its predecessor. More power, more style, more fun – the SLK proves that, indeed, more is better.