Mercedes-Benz has recently announced the addition of a diesel engine to its sporty SLK Roadster range with the new SLK 250 CDI, available to order from September 13th. And for now, it appears it only be sold in Europe. The new SLK 250 CDI is no different in appearance from the gasoline models and maintains the twin exhaust system. The four-cylinder diesel engine is mated to a standard 7G-TRONIC PLUS automatic transmission. A six-speed manual will be arriving in the second quarter of next year.

The end result gives the SLK 250 CDI a performance of 204hp and 369 lb-ft of torque. The SLK can go from 0-62 mph in 6.7 seconds with a top speed of 150 mph. The SLK 250 CDI is also available with a choice of three versions of the vario-roof with one being the panoramic vario-roof with MAGIC SKY CONTROL, where the glass can be altered from dark to transparent at the touch of a button. There are also several suspension setups available, including a sport suspension with a stiffer spring and damper setup, the conventional steel suspension, or a suspension with an electronically controlled, fully automatic damping system.

This latter system is part of the Dynamic Handling package, which also includes the Direct-Steer system and the Torque Vectoring Brake. Pricing for the 2011 Mercedes SLK 250 CDI starts at €41,828.