Comfort Overall, Mercedes-Benz engineers claim that visibility has increased by 12 percent in the 2005 SLK-Class (vs. the 2004 model), due in part to narrower A-pillars.

With its stiff ride, firm seats, and enveloping cockpit, the 2005 Mercedes-Benz SLK-Class is for those willing to forsake typical Mercedes ultra comfort in the name of sport.

Dropping into the seats reveals a strong hint at the SLK’s sportscar nature. These are chairs you fall into, rather than sit on. Subsequently, getting out can be a challenge, and pant legs will get dirty as legs are flung out over the door sills in an exit attempt. Whether deliberate or by chance, the door and steering wheel provide the required leverage for extrication.

Between the dropping in and the busting out is time spent in bucket seats, bolstered with ample side cushions and accented with adjustable headrests. Our tester featured manual adjustments (including tilt and height); power seats are optional. Seat bottoms are of adequate length and are fairly wide, but the flat seat back feels rigid after a few miles. The leather on the seats feels durable.

Once planted and on your way, noise from the Pirelli PZero 225/45R17 tires becomes evident, whether the top is up or down. We liked the raspy sound of the exhaust, so didn’t oppose hearing it sing inside the cabin. With the exception of those tires, driving with the hardtop fixed overhead creates an interior that is almost serene, surprisingly so for a roadster.

While it may have been quiet in the 2005 Mercedes-Benz SLK-Class, visibility was limited with the top raised, even by convertible standards. The rear roof pillars limit the view, and the large passenger headrest effectively nullifies any benefit from the rear side quarter window. Exterior sideview mirrors are large enough to be useful, and the rear windscreen can be removed to allow for clear sightlines through the interior rearview mirror. Funny thing about that rearview mirror – the windshield frame sits low, so that mirror sits low. Problem is, the cupholder sits at the top of the dash. Put a tall cup in the cupholder, and together with the mirror, you’ve got a big forward-view obstruction.

Get yourself a plastic door-mounted cupholder from Wal-Mart, drop the top, and visibility improves. High seatbacks and sizeable roll bars are somewhat restrictive, but drivers are nonetheless granted a decent rearward view, and when coupled with the SLK’s short rear end, checking for traffic and executing lane changes are simple affairs. Overall, Mercedes-Benz engineers claim that visibility has increased by 12 percent in the 2005 SLK-Class (vs. the 2004 model), due in part to narrower A-pillars. At speed, the interior is free of any significant wind buffeting, and the heating air conditiong system performs well in maintaining the desired temperature.