SLK 32 AMG Question - Sluggish at Start?

[sveerara]

Hi!
I have a 2002 SLK 32 I just bought a week ago.
Today the weather in Houston is:
Temperature 78 °F / 26 °C
Humidity 66%
My question is that when I start off the line, the car feels sluggish. Or is it just me?
It goes to 2.5-3K and then shifts, and upon sustained gas (not too much, just a little), goes to around 3 K and then shifts again.
During this process it feels 'heavy' and a bit slow. When I reach 40-50 mph and then shift to 4, with only a little bit of gas it will hit 70-80 in absolutely no time.
So my question is if this is normal, or if the car should take off immediately - right off the bat - even with regular pressure on the gas pedal and should show no hesitation?
Thanks a lot for your time!
Sesh