2012 Mercedes SLK Gets the Brabus Makeover

We don’t know about you, but replacing the silly F1 front end with the wider grille and more mature headlights is the best thing that has ever happened to the SLK from a cosmetic point of view. Despite this, the 2012 convertible is more about refinement, economy and LEDs, not like the first generation that used to be about technology, lightness and fun, so a bit of aftermarket wizardry is in order.

Brabus has released their new Sport program for the new Mercedes-Benz SLK R172. The package includes a wide variety of components, ranging from their usual multi-spoke wheels to exhausts and interior trim.

Let’s start with the cosmetic bits, which are dominated by the aero kit with two front spoiler lips that attach on the left and right side of the production apron. The front also gets a new LED bar configuration, the side offers new sills, while at the back there’s a new diffuser and boot spoiler.

The SLK now sits on Brabus Monoblock wheels, available in sizes ranging from 17 to 20 inches, and available as a one piece or multi-piece design. In our opinion, you should go big, go bold, or go home, because the ride on the car is already hard. The tuner recommends high-performance tires from Continental, Pirelli or YOKOHAMA in sizes 235/30 ZR20 on the front axle and 275/25 ZR20 at the rear.

The 2012 SLK can also be fitted with sport springs that work with Mercedes’ shocks and lower the ride height by 30 millimeters. High-performance brakes are also available in various configurations.

You’ll have noticed there’s a new exhaust fitted by now, so it should come as no surprise that engine upgrades are also part of the deal. The SLK 200 BlueEFFICIENCY produces an extra 26 HP thanks to the BRABUS ECO PowerXtra B20 CGI performance kit, while the 250 has two stages of tune, either 230 HP instead of the stock 204, or 240 horsepower. There’s no talk of what’s been done to the SLK 350 unfortunately, but they've worked on the engine before, so we don't expect surprises!