By Jim Prueter
MotorwayAmerica.com

(February 21, 2018) Now in its seventh year of a generation, the Mercedes-Benz SLC, formerly known as the SLK, has not been redesigned since the 2011 model year. However, last year’s name change coincided with a refreshed front end around the grille, headlamps and air intakes.

The “vario-roof” hardtop is nearly 20 years old; SLK was one of the first retractable hardtop convertible sports coupes. The top can be operated up or down at speeds up to 25 mph. There’s also an optional Magic Sky Control — a   retractable glass roof that controls the amount of sunlight allowed through.

The SLC Roadster is available in just two models: the SLC 300 with a 241-horsepower, 2.0L turbocharged inline four-cylinder, and the performance-oriented AMG SLC43 3.0L biturbo V-6 that that delivers 362 horsepower, tested here. Both models use a nine-speed automatic transmission. A manual transmission was discontinued after the 2015 model year. An Eco start/stop system that can manually be turned off is standard.

Our SLC was equipped with the optional $3,500 Performance Studio “RedArt Edition” appearance trim package that comes in an edition-specific exclusive designo Selenite Grey Magno (matte) paint finish along with numerous red trim elements on the front spoiler, intake arches, rear diffuser and side fins. It also includes 18-inch AMG 10-spoke alloy wheels painted in high-gloss black with red rim flanges as well as red brake calipers. It’s a striking look, especially with the matte paint finish.



Standard features include heated Nappa leather upholstery, a harman/kardon Logic7 Surround Sound audio system with 11 speakers, and satellite radio.

Inside, seats are black leather with Silver Pearl Nappa leather inserts with red contrasting piping and a RedArt Edition logo embroidered on the headrests. Mercedes Airscarf vents built into the headrests blow warm air around your neck for greater top-down driving enjoyment in cooler temps.

This is a small vehicle, but the seats do adjust enough to create ample leg, hip and headroom, so all but the tallest drivers will find a comfortable driving position. The cabin is certainly more generous than what you find in the Mazda MX5 or Fiat 124 Spider. There are stretch pockets on the doors and between the seats for water bottles but few other places for sunglasses, keys, loose change or other items. Don’t expect much room in the trunk either, especially with the top down.

In some ways, the SLC43 is well-equipped, and not so much so in others. For instance, navigation, Apple CarPlay, Android Auto, built-in WiFi hot spot, an in-dash DVD/CD player are optional. And while some driver assistance features like rearview camera, driver drowsiness monitoring, active brake assist and integrated roll bar bars are standard, blind spot monitoring, lane keeping assist, adaptive cruise control, and Pre-Safe are optional. Further, automatic emergency braking isn’t available, a feature we found to be standard on even some sub-$25,000 cars.

The SLC43’s optional AMG ride control sport suspension lets you confidently take aggressively flat turns and twisty roads with virtually no body lean. But the superb handling comes at the cost of a ride that may be too firm for some drivers. The Dynamic Select handling lets you choose from four different driving modes that alter the driving dynamics.

I have mixed feelings about the SLC43. To be sure, it is quick and fun to drive, especially with the top down, and one has to like the mellifluous burbling, cracking and popping of the exhaust system. But the SLC is one of Mercedes’ older models, and is beginning to look and feel dated. It falls well short of the styling and passion that abounds in the AMG C43 or AMG SL43 drop tops. The switchgear looks cheap, air vents are the old style rather than the new turbine look found in other AMG products and the operational buttons on the center stack look old fashioned. Still the materials look good, the vehicle feels solid and build quality is precise.

Overall, with a power retractable hardtop, the SLC43 is a good vehicle with much to like. But, it competes with the new Porsche 718 Boxster, BMW Z4 and the Audi TT, which you might like better. These vehicles are a bit roomier and have a more premium interior.

Vital Stats
Base Price: $49,395 and $62,345
Price as Tested: $76,445
Engine: 3.0L biturbo V6
Horsepower: 362
Transmission: 9-speed automatic
Fuel Economy: 20-MPG City – 29-MPG Highway
Seating: 2

Crash Test Results: The SLC has not been crash tested by the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration or the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety as of this writing.

Competes With
Audi TT
BMW Z4
Porsche 718 Boxster

Fab Features
High Performance oriented power and handling
Retractable hardtop
Attractive “RedArt Edition”