Mercedes-Benz SLK I (R170) gallery (1996–2004)

The first generation of the Mercedes-Benz SLK-Class (R170) debuted in 1996, built on a modified C-Class W202 platform. The defining breakthrough of the R170 was its electro-hydraulic retractable steel hardtop, marketed as the Vario-Roof, which converted the car from a quiet coupe to a roadster in 25 seconds. This invention popularized folding hardtops across the global automotive industry.

Initial models were powered by four-cylinder gasoline engines, available as naturally aspirated 2.0L or supercharged 2.0L and 2.3L Kompressor units. A mid-life facelift in 2000 refreshed the styling, upgraded interior trim, made ESP electronic stability control standard, and added a 3.2-liter V6 engine (SLK 320). The high-performance flagship was the SLK 32 AMG powered by a supercharged 3.2-liter V6 delivering 354 hp. Total sales of the R170 reached over 311,000 units worldwide.