Until last year, the 2017 Mercedes-Benz SLC was known as the SLK. Along with its new name, it gets a mild facelift and a reconfigured lineup with two variants: the Mercedes-Benz SLC300 and the Mercedes-AMG SLC43. The SLC will continue to prioritize easy drivability and comfort over all-out track times.
Mercedes-Benz updated the SLC's front fascia with reshaped headlights and air intakes. A diamond-block grille is now standard, finished in black as standard or in chrome with the Sport Package. The SLC retains its familiar silhouette with a steadily rising beltline, while there are now slimmer LED taillights at the rear of the car. The changes bring the SLC closer into line with Mercedes-Benz's latest design vocabulary, and though it's still a little clunky when compared to the rest of the automaker's lineup, the SLC strikes a largely successful balance between the blockiness and fussiness of previous SLK styling efforts.
The SLK pioneered the concept of the compact hardtop convertible two decades ago, and the brilliantly conceived arrangement is still a high point of the SLC's design. The top can be raised and lowered at speeds of up to 25 mph when the action has started at a stop. With the top up, the cabin is tight and never drafty, providing the quiet, comfort, security of a coupe; yet with the top down, it can get a little turbulent—made a bit better with the mesh divider deployed between the seats. Special windstops even close off the opening in the roll hoops behind each seat to help prevent drafts.
Airscarf is another truly innovative feature in the SLC; vents near the headrest gently blow warm air around your neck, enabling comfortable top-down driving in colder weather. While it's been offered now for many years, there are few alternatives in rival models that do quite the same thing. For further year-round enjoyment, the SLC's hardtop is fitted with a standard panoramic glass roof; it can be optioned with Magic Sky Control, which lightens and darkens the glass at the touch of a button.
Interior space is snug for tall drivers and luggage, a consequence of the SLC roadster design and compact dimensions. Outward visibility can also be difficult with the top raised, but a newly standard rearview camera makes reversing easier.
The sole V-6 now belongs to the SLC43, a twin-turbocharged 3.0-liter in-line six that makes 362 horsepower and 384 pound-feet of torque. Mercedes-Benz claims 0 to 60 mph acceleration of 4.6 seconds. The SLC300 uses the same 2.0-liter turbocharged four that was introduced in last year's SLK300; it produces 241 horsepower and 273 pound-feet of torque, and will propel the SLC300 to 60 mph in 5.7 seconds.
Both the SLC300 and SL43 get a nine-speed automatic transmission. A standard Dynamic Select system provides five drive modes: Eco, Comfort, Sport, Sport+, and Individual.
Available safety equipment includes an active braking assist system that will automatically apply brakes if a driver doesn't react to visual and audio alerts; it could help to prevent a collision at relatively low speeds. Blind spot and lane keeping assists are also optional.
The SLC models include all the features expected in a luxury vehicle, like HD radio, Bluetooth, navigation, and real-time traffic—including a version of the automaker's COMAND infotainment interface.
We'll be driving the new SLC soon; stay tuned for a first drive.
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