The all-new Mercedes-Benz SLC will mark the relaunch of the Mercedes-Benz compact roadster models in March 2016. The new SLC is closely tied to the Mercedes-Benz C-Class and ranges from the entry model SLC 180 to the top-of-the-line Mercedes-AMG SLC 43. The SLC’s predecessor is the SLK, which debuted back in 1996 and achieved a sales figure of some 670,000 units. With that in mind, the SLC has quite a standard to live up to.
The SLC 250d and AMG SLC 43 are both to feature the sport and comfort oriented 9G-TRONIC automatic transmission, while it will be optional for the less potent SLC 100 and SLC 200 editions. The SLC 100 and SLC 200 come with a six-speed manual gearbox as standard. The signature diamond grille will be standard on all SLC models.
The performance figures of all petrol fueled models are as follows: The entry-level SLC 180 will have a total power output of 115 kW (156hp), the SLC 200 a total output of 135 kW (184hp), the SLC 300 outputs a 180 kW (245hp) and the sporty Mercedes-AMG SLC 43 reads 270 kW (367hp) and 520 N.m. of torque. The Mercedes-AMG SLC 43 will be powered by a 3.0-litre V6 biturbo engine and will be capable of accelerating to a 100 km/h in just 4.7 seconds.
Only the SLC 300 and SLC 250d will feature Mercedes’ ‘DYNAMIC SELECT’ as standard, letting drivers choose between five driving modes: Comfort, Sport, Sport+, Eco and Individual. ‘DYNAMIC SELECT’ will be optional on the SLC 100 and SLC 200 in combination with the 9G-TRONIC automatic transmission. The optional dynamic handling package goes well with the DYNAMIC SELECT option, letting drivers additionally control the adaptive damping system, direct steering and dynamic cornering assist. The dynamic handling package furthermore lowers the SLC’s chassis by 10mm.
Mercedes-Benz let’s customers additionally choose from a range of safety and assistance packages that are comparable to what’s available on the current C-Class. Among the options are traffic sign assist, distronic Plus, parking assistance, collision warning systems and much more.
Just like its predecessor, the SLK, the SLC will feature a vario-roof that is electrically operable. The roof can be open or closed up to a cruising speed of 40 km/h. Just like we’ve seen in the new S-Class convertible, the SLC also has the latest on-board climate control innovations at the customer’s disposal. Examples are heated seats and the innovative ‘AIRSCARF’ neck-heating system for both driver and passenger.
A unique SLC feature is the panoramic vario-roof with ‘MAGIC SKY CONTROL’, letting the driver lighten or darken the panoramic roof at the push of a button. In terms of infotainment the SLC has much of what the C-Class has to over as well, displayed on a 7 inch high-resolution screen. Further highlights of the interior include new aluminium trim parts with a carbon fibre finish, a 4.5 inch tft display between the two dials as standard, the two ventilation outlets in the centre dashboard have been increased in size and there is a new-generation optional steering wheel. In terms of leather and microfibre finishes the SLC comes close to the latest S-Class convertible, offering different kinds of nappa leather for the interior and DINAMICA stitching for the roof line.
Buyers looking to give their SLC a little bit more of an identity can opt for the ambient lighting, that now in addition to solar red can also be set to the colours polar blue and polar white. Prices will be announced early next year when it is available for order around mid-January 2016. Deliveries will presumably start a few months later.
