Goodbye SLK, hello new Mercedes SLC roadster! ~ station of gear

New Mercedes naming structure spells the end for the SLK as facelift ushers in the era of the Mercedes SLC roadster

2015-12-15 23:01

Mercedes has revealed the new SLC roadster, a facelift for the current SLK that includes a name change among many improved features. It's part of Mercedes' current naming strategy, with the new model joining the ‘C’ family made up of the C-Class and GLC SUV ranges.

The new SLC sits below the recently-revamped SL, and gets some new engines, exterior and interior improvements as well as more equipment and safety features. There's a new performance model too, in the form of the Mercedes-AMG SLC 43.

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The standard Mercedes SLC gets sleeker lights, an updated grille to match its bigger brother, the SL, as well as a redesigned front bumper with larger air intakes. The rear bumper has been updated too, with new chrome trim and angled exhaust pipes. There are new LED taillights, and a folding hard-top roof that can be fitted with a panoramic glass element and can be opened or closed at speeds of up to 25mph.

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Most of the key changes are on the inside, with aluminium trim highlights and a new steering wheel being the most significant updates. There's a new type of "sun-reflecting" leather for the seats and new colours to choose from as well. A larger seven-inch screen allows access to sat-nav, Bluetooth, USB & iPod connectivity, Internet radio and even a DVD player and Internet access while stationary.

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New Mercedes SLC engine range

The SLC 200 and 300 models get a 2.0-litre four-cylinder petrol with either 181bhp or 242bhp, while the 250d uses a 201bhp 2.1-litre diesel. With economy of 64.2mpg, the diesel os the most economical model in the range. The diesel is no slouch, either, going from 0-62mph in 6.6 seconds, compared to 6.9 seconds in the SLC 200.

At the top of the range is the SLC 43 which replaces the V8-engined Mercedes-AMG SLK 55. The SLC 43 gets a 362bhp twin-turbo V6, which allows it to get from 0-62mph in 4.7 seconds (only 0.1 seconds down on the SLK 55) and up to a top speed of 155mph.

This model gets twin tailpipes and a few other small exterior changes, but the transformation is much more subtle than we're used to with AMG models in the past. The 18-inch alloy wheels with a black finish and sportier-looking steering wheel are the main visual changes.

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It's available with optional AMG ride control suspension, adaptive dampers and a limited-slip differential, but the key factor for the SLC 43 model will be the fuel economy figure of 36.2mpg, which is a slight improvement on the SLK 55's 33.6mpg, and the emissions of 178g/km of CO2 compared to the 55's 195g/km.

A nine-speed double-clutch automatic gearbox comes a standard on the Mercedes-AMG SLC 43, and it's also standard on the 250d & 300, and available as an option on the 200 model. There's also a dynamic select option, which lets the driver choose from Eco, Comfort, Sport and Sport + modes, or tailor the suspension, throttle response and gearbox to their liking.

The SLC gets extra safety kit as well, including active brake assist as standard. This system can detect a low speed collision and apply the brakes automatically if the driver fails to do so. Plus, SLCs can be fitted with blind spot monitoring, lane keep assist, traffic sign recognition and automatic LED headlights.

What do you think of the shift from the SLK name to SLC for Mercedes' roadster? Will it make any difference to buyers? Let us know in the comments below...

James Batchelor

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