High Quality Content by WIKIPEDIA articles! R171 represents the second generation of Mercedes-Benz SLK and is slightly larger than its predecessor the R170. The Mercedes-Benz SLK-Class is a luxury roadster built by the German manufacturer Mercedes-Benz since 1997. The name was chosen to reflect the company`s intentions for the car - that it be Sportlich (sporty), Leicht (light), and Kurz (short).