Going up a steep grade never required a downshift. It would pull the steepest grades in sixth, with enough power to make a leisurely pass, but if you want to blast your pass, a quick cog swap to third will do the job in a flash. Even fourth will do fine. Underneath the SLK is a stiff chassis with state of the art fully independent suspension. Double wishbones are used up front and a multilink system is used in the rear.
Coil springs are at all four corners and antiroll bars are at each end.
The rear antiroll bar is a new addition for 2001. Needless to say handling is crisp and flat with steering that has excellent on and off center feel. At first the steering felt a little quick, but this car is effortless in the twisties. The curves of Green Valley , Cold Springs, and Latrobe Roads could be sliced and diced anyway you like while feeling comfortable and confident all the while. Turning circle is a very tight 32.9 feet.