This is the new Mercedes SLC, the German firm's new roadster

As we celebrate the twentieth anniversary of the launch of the Mercedes SLK, the star company is presenting the new Mercedes SLC. As you may have noticed, the German roadster’s name is also changing after the modifications the brand has made to many of its models. But, as you are about to discover, it is not only its name that is changing.

In terms of design, the front features the brand’s new image, giving great prominence to the large star located in the diamond-effect grille, flanked by a robust horizontal strip in silver tone. Curved lines are present across the whole front end, both in the aforementioned grille and the bumper, in the generous air intakes and in the headlights. This gives it an aggressive, muscular touch, showing that the Mercedes SLC is not a calm roadster but a true sports car.

In the side view, the shapes are smoother, providing a more aerodynamic look in which that athletic feel is no longer as pronounced. As with any good rear-wheel-drive convertible, the bonnet is very long and the windscreen extends to protect the cabin properly. As for the wheels, they feature new designs and are available in 16, 17 and 18-inch sizes.

As with the front, its rear is now considerably more stylised than in the early generations of the previous Mercedes SLK. The SLC combines the straight lines of the boot lid with the curved shapes of the bumper and the exhaust outlets which, incidentally, are integrated into the black rear diffuser.

The retractable hardtop, which is not a canvas hood like in other competing roadsters but a hard material, can now fold or unfold at speeds of up to 40 km/h.

Moving on to the interior, we can see that Mercedes has done a good job of integrating the main 7-inch screen into the centre console, unlike other models where it seems a tablet has simply been “stuck on”. Through it, you control the entire audio and navigation system, the configuration of various parameters and more. It also features five driving modes to choose from according to our preferences at any given moment, although these are not standard on all variants.

Visually, the materials appear to be of good quality, with aluminium trim, leather upholstery and a sporty-cut steering wheel. In addition, there are many configuration options available, such as a even sportier steering wheel trimmed in nappa leather with a flat bottom and red stitching. All of this, however, must be ordered through the dealership at an extra cost.

As for the mechanical range, the Mercedes-Benz SLC is available with three four-cylinder petrol engines and one four-cylinder diesel. The petrol family is represented by the SLC 180 with 156 hp, the SLC 200 with 184 and the SLC 300 with 245 hp. To these three must be added a fourth engine developed by AMG, badged SLC 43, which with its 6 cylinders in a V configuration and 3.0 litres of displacement produces 367 hp. The sole diesel variant is the SLC 250 d, which delivers a not inconsiderable 204 hp with a homologated combined consumption of 4.4 litres per 100 kilometres.

The two-seater convertible from the German multinational Mercedes comes with a wide range of driver assistance and safety systems. Among them we can mention, amongst others, Collision Prevention Assist Plus, adaptive LED headlights, automatic high beam, blind spot monitoring, lane departure warning, road sign recognition, reversing camera and a long etcetera.

The most powerful of all the SLCs is the Mercedes-AMG SLC 43. As we mentioned earlier, this variant uses a supercharged 6-cylinder V engine with 3,000 cubic centimetres. It produces 367 hp and 520 Nm of torque. This is paired with the efficient 9G-Tronic gearbox which, as its name suggests, has 9 speeds. It accelerates from 0 to 100 in just 4.7 seconds, while its electronically limited top speed is 250 km/h. On the other hand, the homologated consumption of this high-performance version stands at just 7.8 litres per 100 kilometres, requiring 0.6 litres less than the model it replaces, the SLK 55.

Its chassis features specific tuning and, if you are a very demanding driver, you can choose the AMG Ride Control package, which adjusts the suspension and incorporates a limited-slip differential to enhance dynamism.

To stop this true sports car requires a powerful braking system. That is why the SLC 43 features ventilated and perforated discs clamped by enormous aluminium calipers.
In short, the Mercedes SLC is a true roadster that will undoubtedly bring a smile to the face of everyone who drives it, in any of its versions.

The brand has not yet published the official price list for the Spanish market, although to give us an idea, the most affordable variant (SLC 180) will start in Germany from 35,000 euros, and the most performance-oriented (SLC 43) from 60,000 euros.

Source | Mercedes