Against 277 other V8 cars rated 2014–2016, the SLK-Class beats their 17.2 mpg average by 7.1 mpg, about $653 a year. Averaged over the years each was sold, the most economical engine since 1999, the 2L 4-cyl (2016), does 27 mpg and the thirstiest, the 5.4L 8-cyl (2005–2009), 16.2: $948 a year apart.
Every Mercedes-Benz SLK-Class engine, compared
Yearly cost assumes 12,000 miles at $3.20 a gallon.
| Engine | Combined | City / Highway | Years | Fuel per year |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2L 4-cyl | 24 / 32 | 2016–2016 | $1,422 | |
| 1.8L 4-cyl | 23 / 32 | 2012–2015 | $1,477 | |
| 3.5L 6-cyl | 20 / 27.1 | 2005–2016 | $1,692 | |
| 2.3L 4-cyl | 19.5 / 26.7 | 1999–2004 | $1,722 | |
| 5.5L 8-cyl | 18.2 / 27 | 2010–2016 | $1,811 | |
| 3L 6-cyl | 18.4 / 25 | 2006–2011 | $1,864 | |
| 3.2L 6-cyl | 18 / 24.3 | 2001–2004 | $1,892 | |
| 5.4L 8-cyl | 14 / 20.4 | 2005–2009 | $2,370 |
What that actually costs
| Measure | Value |
|---|---|
| Cost per mile (2016) | $0.132 |
| Fuel per year | $1,580 |
| Fuel over five years | $7,900 |
| Against other V8 cars, 2014–2016 | −$653 a year |
| EPA's own estimate | $3,654 a year |
City or highway — who is this car for
The 2016 Mercedes-Benz SLK-Class gives up 8 mpg in town: 29.3 on the highway against 21.3 in the city, $492 a year if every mile were city driving.
| Measure | Value | Reading |
|---|---|---|
| City (2016) | 21.3 mpg | $1,803 a year if you only drive in town |
| Highway | 29.3 mpg | $1,311 a year if you mostly commute |
| Gap | +8 mpg (38%) | Wide — this car dislikes traffic |
How the SLK-Class changed over the years
The SLK-Class peaked in 2016 at 24.3 mpg (21.3 city, 29.3 highway) and was at its thirstiest in 2005 at 17.5 — 6.8 mpg apart, or $614 a year in fuel between buying one year and the other. The biggest single-year change came in 2005: 21 to 17.5 mpg.
| Model year | Combined | City / Highway | Engines offered | Fuel per year |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2016 | 21.3 / 29.3 | 3 | $1,580 | |
| 2015 | 21 / 29.3 | 3 | $1,600 | |
| 2014 | 21 / 29.3 | 3 | $1,600 | |
| 2013 | 21 / 29.3 | 3 | $1,600 | |
| 2012 | 20.7 / 29.7 | 3 | $1,620 | |
| 2011 | 19 / 26 | 1 | $1,829 | |
| 2010 | 16.5 / 24 | 2 | $2,021 | |
| 2009 | 16.5 / 24 | 2 | $2,021 | |
| 2008 | 16 / 22 | 2 | $2,133 | |
| 2007 | 16 / 22 | 2 | $2,133 | |
| 2006 | 16 / 22.5 | 2 | $2,076 | |
| 2005 | 15.5 / 21.5 | 2 | $2,194 | |
| 2004 | 18.5 / 25 | 2 | $1,829 | |
| 2003 | 18.5 / 25 | 2 | $1,829 | |
| 2002 | 19 / 25.5 | 2 | $1,786 | |
| 2001 | 19 / 26 | 2 | $1,745 | |
| 2000 | 20 / 27 | 1 | $1,745 | |
| 1999 | 19 / 27 | 1 | $1,745 |
MPG is a number. Dollars per year is the answer.
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How we count
This page rests on 38 EPA ratings of the Mercedes-Benz SLK-Class — 8 engines across 1999–2016. The mileage is EPA's laboratory figure, unchanged; the yearly bill is ours, at 12,000 miles and $3.20 a gallon, against EPA's own estimate of $3,654. Full method.
Frequently asked questions
What mpg does the 2016 Mercedes-Benz SLK-Class get?
24.3 mpg combined, 21.3 city and 29.3 highway, per EPA; its 3 versions that year range from 22 to 27. Across every year since 1999 the SLK-Class has averaged 21.5 mpg.
Is the 2016 SLK-Class more efficient than the 2015?
About the same: 24.3 against 24 mpg combined.
Which SLK-Class year has the best gas mileage?
The 2016, at 24.3 mpg combined (21.3 city, 29.3 highway), which is also the latest model year we hold.
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