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The Mercedes SLK influenced the industry for an entire market segment, focusing on open-top driving pleasure.

Generally, the 1990s was a glorious decade. It all started with the German reunification, which brought the end of the Cold War. An immense hope to the Old Continent continued with incredible discoveries and the development of cutting-edge technologies, like the Hubble Space Telescope, the DVD player, and the World Wide Web.

Naturally, there were also some oddities that have come to define the age, and these include the first space funeral (April 1997), fanny packs, and chain wallets. However, as for the German automotive industry, in 1995 to 1996, it premiered two of the most emblematic German automobiles of the 1990s, the BMW Z3 and the Mercedes SLK. Both equally gorgeous and high-performing roadsters that reiterated the idea of German superiority in the automotive industry.

The Mercedes SLK, with its “characteristic Vario roof paved the way for an entire market segment focusing on open-top driving pleasure throughout the year,” says Mercedes Heritage. Indeed, the Vario roof was a unique feature, but the SLK was far more than a beautiful roadster as it encompassed various innovations and created new trends. So, these are the reasons why every gearhead should drive the Mercedes SLK.

Related: 8 Reasons Why We Love The Mercedes-Benz SLK (2 Reasons Why We Wouldn't Buy One)

The HENRYs are the so-called “High Earners Not Rich Yet.” Basically, these are the consumers chased by all luxury brands, mostly because companies understand that the secret to their continuous success lies with these young buyers. Building a connection with the HENRY class means building loyalty, so that Mercedes can later return and sell them the more expensive premium cars.

Back when it was released, everything about the SLK screamed "young money." In fact, even eMercedes-Benz stated that “The Stuttgart brand’s SLK appealed with great success to a new, lifestyle-oriented category of customers.” But it wasn’t just the HENRYs who loved this sexy, lightweight and “short” car. In fact, women were also crazy for this roadster that got excellent marks in its crash tests and proved that convertibles can be as safe as non-convertible vehicles.

As for the design elements, consumers went crazy for the wedge shape, the twin “power domes” on the bonnet, and premium materials used both in the cabin and on the exterior. Other extravagant features like power windows, air-conditioning and custom audio system were only boosting the appeal of this sophisticated car.

The sports soul of the Mercedes was evident in the SLK. The Germans originally released the roadster in two distinctive options: a 2.0-liter four-cylinder engine that generated 136 hp and the supercharged 2.3-liter four-cylinder engine that generated 193 hp. Later on, the 2.0-liter engine was upgraded to reach 163 hp and more engines were later added to the lineup.

The new six-cylinder models could generate 218 hp for the SLK 320 model and an impressive 354 hp for the SLK 32 AMG. In 2004, Mercedes-Benz released the supercharged SLK 200K, the SLK 350 with the V6 engine and the SLK 55 AMG with the V8 engine that generated 360 hp. After a major revamp in 2008, the SLK 350 was released with a powerful V6 sports engine that generated 305 hp.

There was a time when convertibles dominated the Western markets. They were fun to drive, sexy and something like instant status symbols. But they ran out of fashion, because consumers saw them as expensive, unpractical toys fitted only for sunny place like Florida and California.

If you lived in a state that had all four seasons, you required at least an additional car for rainy and cold days, so the market for convertibles continued to shrink. Data from Edmunds.com shows that between 2011 and 2015, annual sales of convertibles in the U.S. declined by seven percent. Meanwhile, the market for SUVs continued to expand. But before the age of heavy, bulky sport utility vehicles, convertibles had their own heyday, and the SLK dominated the Western markets.

Consumers were especially attracted to this Mercedes model because of the Vario roof. The folding sheet-metal roof was quite revolutionary at the time of its release because it offered additional safety and reliability compared to the models present on the market, and it was as vigorous as the ones used for hard tops.

“The innovative solution was one of the strengths which saw the SLK pave the way for an entire market segment focusing on open-top driving all year round with a sporty touch,” says eMercedes Benz.

Related: Mercedes-Benz SLK-Class: Costs, Facts, And Figures

If you think the SLK was just a beautiful-looking car, you are wrong. This was truly a German masterpiece, having various cutting-edge features and interesting engineering innovations that were unique for that time and age. For example, in 2004, Mercedes added as an optional the AIRSCARF, which was a fully adjustable neck warmer integrated in the backrests.

Without a doubt, this feature that provided warm air during driving made the ride more comfortable. SLK fans found another cool feature on the R 170, which was the newly developed ellipsoidal bulkhead. Also, the Vario roof continued to be redeveloped during the years. In 2000, Mercedes added as standard features the Electronic Stability Program and SPEEDTRONIC.

Eugenia Akhim is a luxury car aficionado. She naturally gravitates towards the legendary 911 and the classic Ferrari because they are fun to drive and have a killer aesthetic. In her column, expect to read more about turbo-powered vehicles.