The Mercedes SLC
The SLC is a new small 2-seater sports car from Mercedes and goes up against the BMW Z4, the Audi TT and the Porsche Boxster. Well, that’s what Mercedes wants you to think. Whilst it is true that the SLC does go up against these types of cars, it’s not entirely new.
The SLC is essentially a heavy refresh of the Mercedes SLK. Along with the new name there’s a new front end with a larger grille, smarter headlights and big air intakes. Taking a look around the back and you’ll find a new rear bumper and LED taillights.
That’s pretty much where the transformation from SKL to SLC stops. That’s because apart from the new dials in the dash console and the letter SLC embossed on the gear lever it’s pretty much identical to the old SLK. Although it does mean that you get some really nice soft touch plastics and some really smart looking air vents you get the impression that Mercedes spent all of their budget on the exterior leaving nothing to update the interior.
There are three versions of the SLC. Sport comes with 17 inch wheels, cruise control, a leather wrap steering wheel while AMG lines get 18 inch wheels, leather seats, a sporty body kit and suspension that’s lowered by 10 millimetres. Meanwhile, the Mercedes AMG SLC 43 gets a racy range of AMG branded equipment like a different body kit and limited-slip differential. All models get the metal folding roof that all SLKs have had but the for SLC it lowers or raises at speeds of up to 30mpg as long as you’re stationary when you press the button.
Sports cars always come with compromises and it’s normally to do with boot room but it’s even worse on the SLC. Mercedes say that there are 225 litres of space on offer in the SLC which sounds pretty good. However, what they don’t tell you is that when you open the boot and you’ve got the roof down that same space is where the roof is. This means that you can’t get anything out of the thing when the roof is down! When the roof is up the space on offer is actually pretty good. It’s a good square shape and very useable. In fact there’s more space on offer than there is on a Ford Focus! It’s just a bit of a shame that it’s all such a palaver when the roof is down. You don’t get such issues with cars with fabric roofs such as with the Audi TT Roadster.
The SLC comes with a 2.1 litre diesel that can reach an acclaimed 70 mpg. There are also two petrol units and for the range topping Mercedes AMG SLC 43 there’s a 3.0 litre twin turbo V6 petrol engine. Wrestling between the racy AMG and the fuel sipping diesel are the couple of petrol units. Both are 2.0 litres where one produces 181 bhp and is badged SLC200 while the other produces 242 bhp and is badged SLC300. It’s only the 200 that comes with a 6-speed manual or a 9-speed automatic. All the others come with the 9-speed automatic transmission.
The high powered 2.0 litre engine actually replaces the old 3.5 litre V6 you got in the old SLK. Although it’s not a charismatic as the old engine there’s the same amount of punch while being considerably more economical and cheaper to tax. Mercedes have tried to add a little bit of drama by fitting a sports exhaust system which you get on the SLC300 and SLC200 auto. Whilst it sounds great for a four cylinder you really can’t replicate the sound of a good old V6.
The biggest advantage of the metal roof is that when it’s up the SLC is quiet and hushed on the move. Although the ride is a touch too firm and the body a little too wobbly when hitting bumps in the road the SLC’s handling always makes you feel secure. With the change from SLK to SLC Mercedes had the perfect opportunity to make this car fun to drive. However, they haven’t taken it. It’s pretty much the same as the old car which is a shame. You look at the SLC, a rear wheel drive, 2-seater front engine sports car and think this car should excite me. However, it simply doesn’t. Ok, the steering is direct but it really lacks feel and even when you press the Dynamic Select button it just adds more weighting to the steering and no more feel. The driving position is really very good. There’s a huge amount of adjustment in the steering wheel and in the seats. However, the SLC suffers from an old Mercedes character trait which is an offset driving position. As you look straight ahead you’ll find that your feet are pointing towards the right which means that you’ll find yourself sitting slightly twisted. This really isn’t comfortable on a long motorway journey.
The interior, whilst being very well made, is starting to look a little bit dated. For example, the massive space used for the audio system is in stark contrast to the Audi TT’s cabin which is slick and super modern. In fact, the TT is a good reference point as not only is its interior more modern to look at and use but it’s also more fun to drive and significantly cheaper to buy. Spend some time picking the options list and the SLC muscles into Porsche 718 Boxster territory. Admittedly the Porsche is less well equipped but it’s considerably nicer to drive.
Overall, you quickly realise that the SLC is a very good cruiser whereas the BMW Z4, Porsche Boxster and even the Audi TT are more thrilling sports cars. It’s for that reason alone we can understand why you’d go for the diesel version as you may as well save some money if you’re not going to be thrilled through country bends.
Transformation from SLK to SLC hasn’t been as dramatic as we would have hoped. However, while it’s still not the most exciting sports car in its class to drive it’s still comfortable, easy to live with and is as stylish as it ever has been. If you’re interested in buying an SLC or a used SLK then why not pop over to the DesperateSeller.co.uk car search section!
