Mercedes-Benz SLC (2016 – 2020) Review

The Mercedes-Benz SLC offers a rare combination of a folding metal hard-top roof in a compact two-seat roadster. This makes it a rarity, when rivals like the Porsche 718 Boxster and Audi TT use a fabric roof. The SLC has a strong range of engines, plus the option of an excellent nine-speed automatic gearbox. However, the interior feels dated alongside newer models, with an old-fashioned media system. That folding roof also has a major impact on practicality, and the SLC’s driving experience is less involved than some might expect.

Mercedes-Benz kickstarted a trend for convertibles with folding metal roofs in the 1990s. In 2020, this is a tiny section of the new car market, with the SLC remaining a stalwart. The advantage of extra refinement over convertibles with fabric roofs is hard to ignore, but such luxury does come at a cost. 

From the outside the SLC has all the right looks, with an imposing front grille showing off its three-pointed star badge. It certainly adds to the premium feel, and goes some way to justifying the higher price tag. The story inside is less impressive, with a button-tastic dashboard – a legacy of the SLC’s dated design.

At least the two occupants of the SLC will feel accommodated in the cabin, with plenty of room to get comfortable.

A low seating position adds to the sporting feel, and features such as cruise control and air conditioning are standard. Higher-specification models add leather seats and fancier trim, but the overall level of equipment is impressive. 

Opening the boot reveals one of the SLC’s major drawbacks. A complex metal roof needs more space than the soft-tops of the Audi TT Roadster or Porsche 718 Boxster. The SLC has to store the folding parts in the space usually reserved for luggage. It means boot space with the roof down drops to a diminutive 225 litres. Owners must learn to pack light.

The benefits of the metal roof can be felt instantly when driving the SLC. With the roof raised, road noise is much lower than fabric-roofed rivals, and there is also the added security benefit of a solid top. Lowering the roof takes just 20 seconds, and refinement is still impressive when topless.

An optional Airscarf system uses vents built into the seats to blow warm air at neck level, keeping occupants cosy with the roof off.

Engine choices for the SLC range from four-cylinder turbo petrols through to a zesty twin-turbocharged V6 in the AMG SLC 43. Performance stretches from mild to wild, plus there is also a diesel option for those doing longer journeys. A six-speed manual gearbox is standard on lower models, but the impressive nine-speed automatic is worth hunting down. 

Despite its bold styling and powerful engines, the SLC makes more sense as a cruiser rather than outright sports car. More enthusiastic drivers will find the steering lacking in feedback, but this is unlikely to bother the majority. A stiff ride, made worse on cars with 18-inch wheels, will be a bigger issue for those wanting a relaxing experience. 

Aside from the Mazda MX-5 RF, which lacks the premium cachet of a Mercedes-Benz, the SLC is in a class of its own. If you want a classy, compact two-seat roadster with a folding metal roof, this is your only option. While it may not be perfect, the Mercedes SLC delivers exactly what those in the market for a car 

The SLC’s biggest weakness comes from its compact dimensions. There is only so much room a two-seat roadster can offer, and boot space is the main compromise for that fancy folding metal roof. 

With the roof raised, the SLC’s boot can hold a supermini-sized 335 litres. Go topless and that volume drops to just 225 litres.

It requires careful packing should you want a weekend away, and to lower the roof while driving there. A standard luggage protector works as a guide to demonstrate just how much space you will have left in the boot with the roof dropped. 

Storage is at least supplemented in the cabin by a large lockable glovebox, along with other smaller cubby spaces. The cabin itself feels relatively roomy for drivers of all sizes, thanks to the adjustable seats and steering wheel. Even the tallest drivers should still fit comfortably with the roof up.

Although some of the interior trim can feel a little cheap lower down the cabin, the areas you touch the most are built to last. 

Chrome trim for the round air vents, plus a D-shaped steering wheel wrapped in leather, add an extra hint of luxury to the SLC. A light carbon-grain aluminum trim is used for the interior of most models, with wood and carbon fibre on the options list.

With an interior taken from the older SLK, Mercedes-Benz was limited with multimedia options for the SLC. There is a 7.0-inch display screen mounted between the air vents on the dashboard, but it does not function as a touchscreen. Instead, there is a rotary controller mounted lower down the centre console to change settings. Using it can feel old-fashioned, when even budget superminis now come with big touchscreens.

A DAB radio, single CD player, and Bluetooth phone connectivity are standard on all SLCs. Final Edition models also gain satellite navigation and the option to to use Apple CarPlay or Android Auto with a smartphone.

The last 2020 Final Edition models of the Mercedes-Benz SLC begin at £37,130 for an SLC 200 with a manual gearbox. Prices stretch to £46,161 for an SLC 300 in Final Edition Premium trim, while the AMG SLC 43 is £48,945. 

With being a runout model, Mercedes-Benz dealerships are able to offer substantial discounts on the SLC. Brand-new SLC 200 Final Editions with a manual gearbox can be had from £29,550, with 9G-Tronic automatic versions at £34,560. It makes for substantial savings should the SLC be the roadster for you. 

PCP finance deals are available from Mercedes-Benz dealerships on these new cars. A £1000 deposit would mean paying £545 a month over four years for an automatic SLC 200 Final Edition. With the same terms, an AMG SLC 43 would cost £645 per month.

Used models are also in plentiful supply, with prices beginning at around £13,000. Mercedes-Benz dealerships will have the youngest used SLC examples in stock, with prices here starting beyond £16,000. 

AMG Line trim makes up the majority of cars on sale, although Sport versions should not be overlooked. Unless you strongly prefer the larger wheels and racier bumpers, there is little reason to pay a premium for the AMG Line version.  

Petrol SLC 200 models are the most common used options, although the diesel 250d should be relatively easy to locate. A £1000 deposit will open the door to PCP finance on a used SLC 200 from £300 a month over four years, 

The high-performance AMG SLC 43 is likely to require more effort to seek out, having sold in much lower numbers. Should you manage to find a nearly-new example, prices start at around £31,000.

Based on official fuel economy testing, the SLC 180 is the most efficient petrol model, offering 48.7mpg. The SLC 200 is not far behind with an average of up to 47.9mpg, while the SLC 300 is rated at 40.4mpg. However, the Honest John Real MPG results show that the SLC 300 may actually be best in the real world.

Given the performance on offer, the 36.2mpg figure achieved by the AMG SLC 43 is respectable, and one likely to be replicated on the road. 

The diesel 250d recorded an impressive 70.4mpg average in official tests, and is the engine of choice for those planning to commute long distances in their SLC.

Insurance groups are high across the range, starting at 41 for the SLC 180 and rising to group 46 for the AMG SLC 43. The popular SLC 200 sits in insurance group 42. 

Changes to the VED (car tax) system mean the latest SLC models can be hit with high costs. An AMG SLC 43 Final Edition registered after 1 April 2020. would be liable for a first-year payment of £1,305, followed by annual payments of £475. 

Buying a diesel SLC 250d registered before April 2017 means VED (car tax) of just £30, with later models liable for £150 per year.

Compared to rivals such as the Porsche 718 Cayman, the SLC manages to feel a little aloof. 

Although the steering is accurate, it lacks the ultimate degree of feedback to please the most committed drivers. However, most buyers will appreciate the light steering when parking, and the feeling of stability on the motorway. 

Ride quality is tough on all SLC models, with AMG Line and Final Edition cars the most problematic. These versions use sports suspension lowered by 10mm, combined with 18-inch alloy wheels, giving a noticeably stiff ride. Sport versions, with 17-inch wheels, handle bumps and broken tarmac the best.

The AMG SLC 43 has its own bespoke suspension and steering set-up. This offers a fraction more feedback for drivers, with adjustable AMG suspension on the options list.

The SLC 200 and SLC 300 both use turbocharged four-cylinder 2.0-litre petrol engines, but in different states of tune. The 184PS SLC 200 comes with the choice of a six-speed manual gearbox or an excellent nine-speed automatic. It shifts rapidly, and is the better choice of the two. 

Upping the performance level is the 245PS SLC 300, fitted as standard with the 9G-Tronic automatic ’box. It feels noticeably quicker than the SLC 200, and there’s little in the way of penalty when it comes to fuel economy. 

Mercedes introduced an entry-level SLC 180 model in 2017, using a 1.6-litre four-cylinder turbocharged petrol engine. With only 156PS, it does feel slower than the other petrol, and its fuel economy is worse than the SLC 200. 

The diesel SLC 250d is no slouch with 204PS, and comes with the nine-speed automatic as standard. If you want to keep fuel bills low, this is the SLC to pick. 

Topping the range is the AMG SLC 43. A true high-performance machine, it has a twin-turbocharged 3.0-litre V6 and can hit a top speed of 155mph.

Mercedes never submitted the SLC for crash-testing by Euro NCAP, meaning there is no star rating here. Regardless, it is still packed with standard safety equipment to protect those inside. 

The driver and passenger have head and side airbags on all models, along with headrests that respond to a crash. There is also rollover protection, plus active safety features such as electronic stability control and traction control. 

Reversing sensors are only standard on the Final Edition model, while the Final Edition Premium has a rear-view camera. The AMG SLC 43 comes with both from the factory. These are useful options to have, given the limited rearward view with the roof raised. 

The small boot means there is no spare wheel, just a temporary tyre repair kit. 

Mercedes-Benz did not homologate the SLC for towing in the UK. As such, it means there is no official tow bar solution on offer.

Sport is the starting point for Mercedes SLC ownership. This includes 17-inch alloy wheels, sport seats finished in cloth trim, cruise control and air conditioning. A removable wind deflector is also included. 

AMG Line trim adds a set of 18-inch alloy wheels, lowered sports suspension and leather upholstery. An AMG bodykit and performance brakes add to the sportier image.

Celebrating the end of SLC production, Final Edition models feature 18-inch wheels, AMG body styling, and part-leather seats. The clever Airscarf system is also fitted as standard. Choosing the Final Edition Premium sees a reversing camera and LED headlights included as well. 

The AMG SLC 43 has a host of bespoke parts, including AMG performance brakes, uprated steering and a sports exhaust. There is even an analogue clock made by IWC on the dashboard.