New this summer, the 2012 SLK350 Roadster (MSRP $54,800) proves once again why Mercedes-Benz is top dog when it comes to luxury automobiles. Not that anyone had any doubts: According to J.D. Power, the brand posted the greatest improvements last year in customer satisfaction worldwide. Mercedes-Benz illustrates a marriage of cutting-edge innovation with impeccable engineering prowess. Mercedes-Benz of Alexandria, 200 S. Pickett St., 703-341-2100; mbusa.com. American Service Center, 585 N. Glebe Road, Arlington; mercedes.com
Road Stats
V6 engine, 302hp, seven-speed automatic transmission
Sky’s the Limit
The Panoramic Magic Sky Control roof panel allows passengers to adjust tint level from light to dark at the touch of a button. The convertible hardtop retracts silently in a matter of seconds.
Damage Control
Top-of-the-line protection systems include a device to monitor a driver’s behavior for increased drowsiness and Adaptive Brake, with a hold function that keeps the car stationary without the driver having to apply the brakes.
