Photo Comparison: Mercedes SLK R172 vs. BMW Z4 E89

ronald830 · 01-14-2011

http://www.bmwblog.com/2011/01/13/ph...vs-bmw-z4-e89/

Any thoughts ?

etyu · 01-14-2011

Based on looks (interior and exterior) alone, red car vs red car: R172 >> E89

ronald830 · 01-14-2011

I agree with you ! But I think Merc designers put too much Z4 design elements into the new SLK, it should be more unique. The red SLK definitely looks much better than the one in the French video AD but the front end..... I think it should be more angled instead of straight.

etyu · 01-14-2011

Quote:

Originally Posted by ronald830

I agree with you ! But I think Merc designers put too much Z4 design elements into the new SLK, it should be more unique. The red SLK definitely looks much better than the one in the French video AD but the front end..... I think it should be more angled instead of straight.

Same thoughts here.

UK-C200 · 01-14-2011

Yeah, I like the Red better as well - suppose it's the AMG-ish bits added. I'm waiting to see it in the flesh, as I do like the new E89 in person.

FYI MBUSA has updated the corporate site with the R172.

Stinger · 01-14-2011

as of 11:44 pst on 01/14/2011, according to the pole on BMW Blog:

Vote on your favorite roadster!
BMW Z4 (82%)
Mercedes-Benz SLK (18%)
Total Votes: 424

Should be interesting to see how SLKWorld reacts, my guess is just the opposite of the BMW folks. I probably think that the BMW looks a little "meaner", especially from front. I still think the R171 is a better looking car over both models. But, if I had to make the decision today and my only choice was between new 172 and the Z4, I'm sorry to say it would be tough on looks alone. Roominess and performance would come in to play. Looks alone, I might buy a ..................

.........beemer?

ponia003 · 01-14-2011

Quote:

Originally Posted by ronald830

I agree with you ! But I think Merc designers put too much Z4 design elements into the new SLK, it should be more unique. The red SLK definitely looks much better than the one in the French video AD but the front end..... I think it should be more angled instead of straight.

I was also surprised in how similar the cars appear side by side, which is a bit disappointing.

The interior of the R172 is much more attractive IMO.

alroumi · 01-14-2011

From the side profile the SLK looks 90% like the SL.

ronald830 · 01-14-2011

Maybe the Merc designers love Z4 very much. I am suspecting they are even driving one and married the Z4 to the new SLK haha. Yes, the new interior looks nice, I like SLK retro better Z4 radical tech approach. BTW, I think the new SLK will grow on everyone in flesh. But for now, 171 still rocks IMO !

UK-C200 · 01-14-2011

Hey Eddy - try and take a picture of your car, 180 degree side shot! :-) Mine's too dirty and I'd be embarrassed! ;-)

rya96797 · 01-14-2011

I like the r172 marginally better because I dislike the weird lines on the z4. Other than that, they look really similar.

cyberdrakon · 01-14-2011

I'd pick the Z4 in this case as well!

rya96797 · 01-14-2011

Quote:

It’s hard to create something better in terms of exterior design than Z4 roadster. IMO, this car is one of the best BMW design ever. It’s really cohesive, it looks great from each angle. The interior is nicely desiged and has all at its place.
As for MB SLK, it is something between CLS and SL when front end is considered. But the fact that it’s so close to SL in this respect makes it a bit oudated. Overall exterior design is not bad, although it doesn’t match Z4, at least IMO. What I really don’t like about this SLK is its interior design. Dials design is pretty cheap, I used to see such things in cars tunned by teenagers, but not in premium segment. (Unfortunately, BMW used similar dials in 1M). Black dials in Z4 are much more stylish. Have you seen expensive watch with this kind of dial? If so, it’s still rather rare design. And that’s what should be and – I hope – is inspiration for designers of dials in premium cars. MB ignored this trend this time. Another bad thing about dashboard is… this terrible clock on the top of it. It’s simly not so good looking to be exposed so much. The last bad thing is putting the accent on a controls in central part of dashboard. Perhaps, this happens only in the case of interiors with light trims, but with smart design they could have been hidden a bit as you can actually observe in Z4. Nevetheless, good thing about this design is that it alludes to SLS and hence shape of dashboard is associated with cars from 60 and 70s (at least to my eyes). I really like it. It’s a shame that interior of this SLK is a final product, otherwise it could be really good, if not this few disturbing points. But with them, I have to say that I disliked it.

I probably agree with this reviewer except for the z4 being the "best design ever". It's a mishmash of weird lines from the side. I also think the center console design is better on the SLK

The clock design on the slk IS horrible, I also don't care for the round a/c vents. I know it's supposed to be throwback or whatever, but it is really out of place IMO.

Dial design and color is probably more a matter of personal taste. I really cannot see how the bmw design is superior in this regard.

SLK also appears to have at least a single cupholder where the roof function used to be on the R171

etyu · 01-14-2011

Quote:

Originally Posted by rya96797

SLK also appears to have at least a single cupholder where the roof function used to be on the R171

There's space for two -- almost like a figure-of-8 type thing with a sliding acordion-type cover.

ronald830 · 01-14-2011

What do you guys think about the interior lighting ? Backlighted inside door panel shown on the mbusa.com I think it looks sportier but maybe a little bit too aftermarket stuffs ? Not so sure. Input please !

etyu · 01-14-2011

Quote:

Originally Posted by ronald830

What do you guys think about the interior lighting ? Backlighted inside door panel shown on the mbusa.com I think it looks sportier but maybe a little bit too aftermarket stuffs ? Not so sure. Input please !

Neutral. There's also mood lighting at the center console area, and from the upper corners of the A-pillar. More of fashion/style.

MrSmith · 01-14-2011

It's not fair enough to compare the SLK equipped with the optional (at least in Europe..) AMG sport package to the standard Z4..

That SLK should be at the comparison:

..yeah, i know, there are not enough photos/angles with that specific version of the R172.

> The only chance to get the R172 is with the AMG sport package.. Talking about basic equipment, i get the Z4!

LynxFX · 01-14-2011

I like the Z4 better overall. The profile shot, I like the side gill detail on the SLK, and the roof looks better on the SLK. But every other angle I like the Z4. It looks more aggressive and not quite as boxee, even though they have very similar portions and lines. I thought they did a great job on the interior of the new Z4 especially when compared to the old model. I will have to see the R172 interior in person to make a judgement on that.

ronald830 · 01-14-2011

Quote:

Originally Posted by LynxFX

I like the Z4 better overall. The profile shot, I like the side gill detail on the SLK, and the roof looks better on the SLK. But every other angle I like the Z4. It looks more aggressive and not quite as boxee, even though they have very similar portions and lines. I thought they did a great job on the interior of the new Z4 especially when compared to the old model. I will have to see the R172 interior in person to make a judgement on that.

I agree the roof looks better on the SLK.

Mr Mojo · 01-15-2011

I don't like either one. I've got the honey I want in my garage. Look for my new posts when I get the camera out: Don't Hate Me Because I'm Beautiful!