The 2014 SLK comes standard with the formerly optional glass roof panel.

The 2014 Mercedes-Benz SLK-Class is the junior member of the SL family, but it's getting harder to tell these Mercedes-Benzes apart. In fact, the current SLK paved the way stylistically for the latest SL, adopting that squared-off front-end styling a year before its big brother. The SLK also offers many of the same luxuries and technology features as its bigger relative, and it's quite capable around turns. You can see a case developing that size, not substance, has become the chief difference between the hardtop Mercedes roadsters.

Certainly, there are still some major differentiators, though. Mercedes still reserves top-shelf features and crackling twin-turbo V8 and V12 power for the SL-Class. Still, the SL genes run deep in the 2014 SLK-Class, and that's apparent in its carefully constructed interior, beautifully engineered retractable hardtop and unflappable character at speed. There was a time when people questioned whether the SLK was a bona fide Mercedes, but the current model puts those doubts to rest. If you opt for the 415-horsepower SLK55 AMG, by the way, you'll actually be nipping at the heels of the bigger, heavier SL550.

The 2014 Mercedes-Benz SLK-Class is a two-seat convertible with a retractable hardtop roof available in SLK250, SLK350 and SLK55 AMG trim levels.

Standard equipment on the SLK250 includes 17-inch wheels, a glass roof panel, automatic wipers, LED running lights, heated power-folding mirrors (driver-side auto-dimming), cruise control, automatic climate control, eight-way power front seats with four-way lumbar adjustment, driver memory functions, a power tilt-and-telescoping steering wheel, "MB Tex" premium vinyl upholstery, an auto-dimming rearview mirror, Bluetooth phone and audio connectivity, Mercedes' mbrace2 emergency communications system, the COMAND electronics interface and an eight-speaker sound system with a CD player, HD radio, and auxiliary and USB audio jacks.

The optional Premium 1 package adds remote roof activation, heated seats, the AirScarf neck-level heating system and a Harman Kardon surround-sound audio system with satellite radio and an iPod interface.

Meanwhile, the SLK350 includes the Premium 1 features as standard and adds 18-inch wheels and sun-reflective leather upholstery (both are optional on the SLK250).

The Lighting package adds adaptive bi-xenon headlights with washers, while the Multimedia package contributes a navigation system with voice controls, an SD card reader, digital music storage and a six-CD changer. The Distronic Plus package adds adaptive cruise control, blind spot monitoring, lane keeping assist and PreSafe collision mitigation technology (see Safety section). The Sport package includes 18-inch AMG wheels, unique styling and interior ambient lighting, while the Dynamic Handling package features electronic suspension dampers with two suspension modes and a torque-vectoring cornering system.