Mercedes-Benz SLK III (R172) gallery (2011–2016)

The third-generation SLK R172 roadster was built from 2011 to 2016, introducing the Magic Sky Control electrochromic roof.

Mercedes-Benz SLK III (R172), roadster, yellow, rear three-quarter view — photo 96192 2048 x 1536 8 SLK AMG — 2012
roadster A matte yellow two-door car with a retractable hardtop roof, prominent rear diffuser with quad exhaust tips, black rear lip spoiler, and custom two-tone wheels, parked on cobblestone pavement beside a brick industrial building.
Mercedes-Benz SLK III (R172), roadster, yellow, front three-quarter view — photo 96191 2048 x 1536 7 SLK AMG — 2012
roadster A two-door sports car in a matte yellow finish with a black roof, aggressive widebody aerodynamic kit, black front grille, and custom two-tone alloy wheels, parked on an asphalt lot with its reflection visible in a puddle.
Mercedes-Benz SLK III (R172), roadster, yellow, rear three-quarter view — photo 96190 2048 x 1536 9 SLK AMG — 2012
roadster A matte yellow two-door sports roadster with a contrasting black hardtop roof, aftermarket widebody kit, custom black and yellow multi-spoke wheels, and quad exhaust tips, parked on cobblestone in front of a brick wall.

The third generation of the Mercedes-Benz SLK (R172) debuted in January 2011 during Mercedes' 125th anniversary celebrations. The design departed from the F1-nose look of its predecessor, taking cues from the SLS AMG and classic R107 SL with an upright front grille. The R172 introduced Magic Sky Control, an optional electrochromic panoramic glass roof that could switch between transparent and darkened states at the touch of a button.

Engine choices included 1.8-liter and 2.0-liter turbocharged four-cylinders (SLK 200, SLK 250), a 3.5-liter V6 (SLK 350 with 306 hp), and for the first time in an SLK, a diesel option in the SLK 250 CDI (204 hp). The performance SLK 55 AMG featured a naturally aspirated 5.5-liter M152 V8 producing 422 hp with cylinder deactivation technology. In 2016, a major mid-cycle facelift led to the renaming of the model line to the SLC-Class.