Mercedes-Benz SLC: the SLK gets a facelift and new engines

Week of news at Mercedes-Benz. A few days ago we told you about the launch of the most powerful version of the S Cabrio – the S 65 AMG Cabrio – and today it’s the turn of the SLK’s facelift.

Known to everyone as the SLK for three generations, it is changing its name to fit in with the new “house rules”, and from now on it will be called SLC.

Taking advantage of the name change, the SLC also updates its exterior styling and its range of engines, becoming more efficient and more powerful. On the outside, the SLC looks much more attractive at the front, moving away from the sharp angles of the SLK in favour of flowing lines, in keeping with the brand’s latest creations.

There are also new body colours, redesigned alloy wheels and a rear with smaller, more streamlined lights and a bumper with integrated exhaust outlets. Inside, the changes are more subtle, limited to a redesigned steering wheel and instrument cluster, new trim and upholstery, and a more advanced infotainment system.

Mechanically, the SLC adopts a new family of more advanced engines, with better performance and efficiency figures. Now, the entry point to the range is the SLC 180, powered by a 1.6 turbo four-cylinder engine producing 156 CV and 250 Nm. The SLC 250d, SLC 300 and SLC 43 AMG are paired with a 9-speed automatic gearbox.

The other big news is the disappearance of the 55 AMG version, until now powered by a 5.5 naturally aspirated V8 producing 422 CV and 540 Nm. This variant evolves into the SLC 43 AMG, which drops the V8 in favour of a 3.0 twin-turbo V6 with 362 CV and 520 Nm. Although the new AMG is 60 CV less powerful, it can accelerate from 0 to 100 km/h in 4.4 seconds, improving on its predecessor’s time by 0.2 seconds.

Source | Mercedes-Benz