The R170 Mercedes-Benz SLK-Class is the first generation of the Mercedes-Benz SLK-Class range of compact luxury roadsters manufactured by Mercedes-Benz from 1996 until 2004,[2] using a shortened variant of the W202 Mercedes C-Class platform.
With over 300,000 manufactured, the first generation SLK was replaced by the Mercedes R171 SLK in 2004.[3]
The SLK nameplate derives from the roadster's design ethos: to be sportlich (sporty), leicht (light) and kurz (compact).[4] It was sold in North America for the 1996–2004 model years.