Mercedes-Benz has released the pricing and specifications for the new SLC range for the Australian market. It will be occupying the slot as compact roadster of the line-up, succeeding the SLK-Class that was first launched in 1996, with the signature folding metal ‘Vario-Roof’ made famous by that original version.
In spite of the name, the SLC isn’t a totally new car but rather a more refined version of the R172 SLK that was first introduced in March 2016 to coincide with the 20th anniversary since the aforementioned R170 in 1996.
In the slight name change, Mercedes-Benz added new standard equipment, additional active safety features, refinements to its construction and powertrain, and even made the ‘diamond’ front grille standard. Add your own sarcasm to that last jaw dropping feature.
At the base of the range, the SLC kicks off with the entry-level SLC 180 which is powered by a 1.6-litre turbocharged four-cylinder petrol engine that produces 115kW and 250Nm. This is obviously also the most economical of the bunch, claimed to sip just 6.2-litres/100km.
Regardless of engine, all SLC variants use a nine-speed automatic transmission to handle shifting duties. It has been tuned by AMG, however, and can be adjusted by the driver through selecting either the Sport or Sport+ modes.
Standard features include 18-inch wheels, Garmin navigation system, leather upholstery with a solar-reflective treatment, heated front seats, reversing camera, DAB+ digital radio, and support for Apple CarPlay.
Moving up the tiers bring the SLC 200 and SLC 300. Both use the same 2.0-litre four-cylinder petrol engine but tuned to deliver 135kW/300Nm or 180kW/370Nm, respectively. Dynamic Select driving modes as well as electrically adjustable front seats as standard while become available too.
The SLC 300 receives larger 18-inch AMG wheels, a lowered suspension, AMG bodykit, keyless entry and start, as well as Merc’s Airscarf heating system to create a warm driving atmosphere even in cool weather with the top folded.
At the top of the marque’s compact roadster pecking order is the AMG SLC 43 which is powered by a 3.0-litre bi-turbo V6 engine with 270kW and 520Nm. It takes over from the previous SLK 55 despite not matching the older car’s 5.5-litre 310kW V8.
Still, 4.7 seconds to 100km/h is nothing to sneeze at, although it’s quite unlikely that Mercedes-Benz will opt to slot in anything more powerful, making this the new pinnacle variant. This is in contrast to most other Mercedes-Benz models in which the ’43’ would typically be the penultimate performance offering.
The Mercedes-AMG SLC 43 gains newly developed front and rear axles, new mounts for the engine and transmission, dynamic AMG sports exhaust, high performance brakes, ambient interior lighting, panoramic sunroof, AMG Nappa leather seats, Harman/Kardon audio system, and a suspension retune that borrows heavily from the much loved SLK 55 AMG. A limited slip differential can also be had as part of an optional handling pack.
The new SLC is now on sale to customers across Australia, with pricing at:
- SLC 180 - $70,900
- SLC 200 - $83,855
- SLC 300 - $99,855
- AMG SLC 43 - $134,615
For more on Mercedes-Benz vehicles, including pricing and specifications, check out our Showroom.
