In the 1990s, Mercedes-Benz made a bold statement with the launch of the SLK Roadster—a car that redefined the brand’s image and captured the spirit of a new generation. Now, this iconic model takes center stage in the Mercedes-Benz Museum’s special ‘Youngtimer’ exhibition, running until November 2, 2025. Showcasing the innovative design, engineering breakthroughs, and cultural impact of the first SLK, the exhibition invites visitors to rediscover a true automotive milestone alongside other legendary youngtimers from the era.
‘Close-up’—the name of this Mercedes-Benz Museum series says it all. Each episode tells surprising, exciting, and fascinating stories about models from the collection. This time in the spotlight: the SLK 230 Kompressor (R 170 series), featured in the special ‘Youngtimer’ exhibition in Collection Room 5. Until November 2, 2025, ten cars from the 1990s and 2000s are presented in a vibrant, colorful setting.
No. 4/2025: Mercedes-Benz SLK 230 Kompressor
Making a statement: it’s a ray of sunshine on wheels. In bright yellow—or more precisely, Yellowstone (Mercedes-Benz color code 685)—the SLK 230 Kompressor from the R 170 series dominates the ‘Easy Life’ theme island of the current ‘Youngtimer’ special exhibition at the Mercedes-Benz Museum. A colorful exclamation mark: this ‘yellow’ car refuses to go unnoticed, and that was exactly the point! Yellowstone was the launch color for the SLK in spring 1996, sending a bold signal of a new beginning. The concept was a resounding success; the roadster attracted enormous attention at its premiere and marked the transformation of the entire brand. Within the Mercedes-Benz product offensive, the SLK was the forerunner of a whole new generation of premium models that would forever change the brand’s image. And Yellowstone suits the SLK R 170 series just as well today as it did in 1996. Of course, the SLK was also popular in many other colors.
Roof Innovation
A roadster with a twist: thanks to its vario-roof, the R 170 series was both a coupé and a roadster. The steel electrohydraulic folding roof was a masterpiece of engineering. At the touch of a button, it folded away smoothly into the trunk with a fascinating choreography—voilà, an open-top roadster. At the time, Mercedes-Benz was a pioneer in this segment, setting a new standard for year-round driving pleasure. Importantly, the trunk still offered luggage space even with the roof down.
Sporty Performance
Performance with principles: the SLK 230 Kompressor was the best-selling model in the series. Its four-cylinder engine with mechanical supercharger delivered 142 kW (193 hp)—a powerful statement in the compact sports car class. The engine provided impressive power even at low revs, while remaining refined and efficient. Technically, it was based on larger Mercedes models, and the brand’s tradition of supercharged engines dates back to the 1920s. In the 1990s, the technology returned in a modern interpretation under the motto ‘less is more’: less consumption, more torque.
Timeless Design
Form follows passion: the SLK’s design is a statement in itself. The roadster looks as if it was cast from a single mold. Clean lines, a short, compact silhouette, and the pronounced horizontal front with the classic Mercedes-Benz SL grille together give the car a timeless sportiness. No unnecessary gimmicks, no fleeting trends. The SLK is understated, yet in the special exhibition it confidently takes center stage, accented by pink design elements. Connecting inside and out: the interior follows the same logic as the exterior—tidy and high-quality. Large round instruments, clear controls, and premium materials give the cockpit a timeless, classic look, even nearly 30 years after the R 170 series debuted.
Showcase Success
A spectacular debut: Mercedes-Benz presented the first SLK concept cars at the Turin and Paris motor shows in 1994. These concepts captured the spirit of the times and were met with great enthusiasm. The production model launched in 1996, and the huge demand showed just how many people wanted to drive this compact roadster. Open, sporty, fresh—these were values that truly inspired. The SLK quickly became an emotional and tangible image-builder for the brand. More than 310,000 units were produced by 2004. Car culture in transition: for many millennials, the SLK was the first Mercedes-Benz to radiate sunshine and weekend fun. It became the flagship for a new generation of customers—a car that felt less distant, yet still embodied the brand’s virtues of design and safety.
Modern Exhibition
Back to the future: the yellow SLK 230 Kompressor at the Mercedes-Benz Museum is part of the current ‘Youngtimer’ special exhibition, on display in Collection Room 5 until November 2, 2025. Ten iconic models from the 1990s and 2000s are presented in a colorful and entertaining setting. The themed islands range from ‘Easy Life’ and ‘Refinement’ to ‘Space’, placing the models within the lifestyle of their era. Interactive stations—ranging from generative image creation (using AI) to retro gaming—accompany the exhibition, bringing the turn of the millennium into the present.
