SLK 230 Kompressor Showcased at Mercedes-Benz Museum's Youngtimer Exhibition

Mercedes-Benz SLK 230 Kompressor stars in the “Youngtimer” exhibit until Nov 2025, highlighting 90s icons and the brand’s youth-focused product evolution.

When a bright beam of yellow lights up the Mercedes-Benz Museum, it’s not just a retro spark — it’s the SLK 230 Kompressor reclaiming the spotlight. As part of the “Youngtimer” exhibition running through 2 November 2025, this late-'90s roadster returns to the stage as a symbol of bold transformation within the brand.

Launched in 1996, the SLK emerged from Mercedes-Benz’s product offensive — a strategic expansion aimed at younger drivers. It stood in sharp contrast to the brand’s traditional image and signaled a new direction. The yellowstone paint (color code 685) used for its debut wasn’t just a stylistic choice — it was a marketing statement that worked: you simply couldn’t ignore the SLK.

The model’s signature innovation was the electro-hydraulic vario-roof — a steel top that folded into the trunk in seconds. This made the SLK a dual-purpose car: coupe when closed, roadster when open. Even with the roof down, the trunk still offered practical storage, redefining everyday usability in this segment.

Under the hood, the four-cylinder engine with mechanical supercharger delivered 193 hp — more than enough to impress in the compact sports car class. The power unit paid homage to the brand’s supercharged icons of the 1920s, combining performance with efficiency in a way that was ahead of its time.

The design spoke with clarity: short wheelbase, a horizontal grille, and clean proportions gave the SLK a timeless, modern look. Inside, functionality ruled — large dials, high-grade materials, and a clear layout offered lasting appeal and comfort.

Today, the SLK 230 Kompressor proudly stands among ten iconic vehicles from the 1990s and 2000s in the museum’s “Youngtimer” exhibition. Each car is set within lifestyle-themed zones — from “Easy Life”, where the SLK shines, to “Supersonic” and “Space”. Interactive elements including AI-generated imagery and retro gaming stations tie turn-of-the-century car culture to today’s digital age.

For many millennials, the SLK was their first “fun” Mercedes — less about luxury, more about freedom, design, and expression. Nearly thirty years later, its legacy remains intact: not a passing trend, but a defining moment for the brand.

Source: mercedes-benz.com