In 2016, Mercedes gave its popular SLK a new name, adorning its latest model with the SLC badge to bring it in line with the new naming policy implemented across the rest of the range. Despite this – and a whole host of tweaks under the skin – the two-seat roadster feels much like its predecessor to drive, and rivals like the Audi TT Roadster are far fresher inside.
The Mercedes SLC looks good, while the security and high-speed refinement associated with a folding metal roof are significant plus points in such a crowded market. But the compromises anyone choosing an SLC will need to make in terms of practicality and drivability are hard to ignore.
Despite first going on the sale in 2011, the SLK (now SLC) has aged well. It carries over plenty of design details from the larger SL, while the folding metal hardtop not only delivers greater refinement and security, but sleek coupe-like looks too.
You’d be hard-pushed to spot the differences between the new SLC and outgoing SLK, but look closely and you’ll notice new bumpers front and rear, alongside a fresh diamond grille and full-LED headlamps. The tail lights are new, too, and Mercedes says the slimmer design gives the illusion of a squatter, sportier stance.
Inside, everything feels well built, but it’s here the SLC is starting to show its age. Where the Porsche 718 Boxster looks elegant and the Audi TT Roadster high tech, the SLC just feels a bit old fashioned. New models do get a larger screen, a sports steering wheel, Nappa leather seats and fresh trim options, though.
Sat-nav, stereo and infotainment
When Mercedes moved from SLK to SLC, it gave its two-seat roadster a bigger seven-inch infotainment screen. And while that screen sits nicely in the dash – unlike the iPad-style afterthought in the brand’s A-Class hatchback – it can’t compete with Audi’s brilliant Virtual Cockpit display.
The plethora of buttons on the centre console doesn’t make for easy navigation, while the tiny scroll wheel feels dated next to BMW and Audi’s more modern setups. All cars do get Bluetooth and USB connectivity, though, so you can make calls and listen to music on the move – with the roof up, of course.
The old Mercedes SLK had always suffered at the hands of rivals when it came to dynamics and driver fun. The SLC is no different, and even the range-topping AMG version will struggle alongside Porsche’s brilliant 718 Boxster. The steering is direct and there’s very little body roll, however, allowing it to react well to sudden driver inputs. Selectable driving modes can tighten things up for more spirited driving, too.
It has a real tendency to jolt and shake around town, though, making it quite unbearable at low speeds. If you spend most your time pootling to and from the shops, you’d be better suited to something more softly sprung – though even the well-controlled Audi TT is a more comfortable commuter.
That’s not to say the SLC is without merit. The two-seat roadster feels brilliantly mature at higher speeds, and the metal roof means refinement is very good on the motorway. It’s nice to drive roof down, too, where occupants are well protected from all but the biggest gusts of wind.
Engines
There are four engines to choose from, starting with the entry-level 181bhp SLC 200 petrol. It comes with a six-speed manual gearbox as standard, while all other models feature a brilliant nine-speed auto. As many as 70 per cent of buyers will opt for the more efficient SLC 250d diesel thanks to its 70.6mpg fuel economy but still impressive 6.6-second 0-62mph dash. It’s even fairly refined, with only a slight clatter on start-up.
Performance fans will look toward the SLC 300 and AMG-tuned SLC 43. The latter is almost £7,000 more expensive, but shaves over a second from the 0-62mph time. The Mercedes-AMG car will complete the benchmark sprint in just 4.7 seconds (vs 5.8 in the SLC 300) thanks to its turbocharged V6 engine. The previous-generation V8-powered SLK 55 AMG is no longer available.
The Mercedes SLC benefits from much of the same tech found on the brand’s luxury S-Class flagship saloon. The facelifted model launched in 2016 brought lots of new equipment, too, including active braking, blind spot monitoring and lane keep assist.
All those features are standard across the range, with plenty more tech available if you’re prepared to delve into the options list. The SLC hasn’t been tested by Euro NCAP yet, but many other Mercedes models fared very well indeed – and we’ve no reason to suspect the roadster would be any different.
In terms of reliability, Mercedes continues its drive on rival German manufacturers, beating both BMW and Audi in the 2016 Driver Power owner satisfaction survey thanks to a 12th-place finish overall. Lexus and Jaguar drivers are still happier, however.
Warranty
The Mercedes SLC comes with a three-year unlimited mileage warranty, which although similar to rivals, actually pips them in some areas. The Audi TT Roadster’s guarantee, for example, while also providing cover for three years, is actually limited to 60,000 miles.
Servicing
Like many modern Mercedes models, how often your car requires a service depends on how you use it. Longer motorway journeys create less stress on the engine and will therefore require less frequent servicing. Your car’s trip computer will alert you as to when it needs attention.
Fixed price and monthly payment options are available, and can cost from as little as £27 per month (including some parts and labour) – though it’s best to speak to your local dealer for specifics.
Practicality is rarely the name of the game when it comes to two-seat sports cars, though the Mercedes SLC makes a strong case for itself in this area. It’s only available with two seats but Mercedes buyers looking for a bit more versatility are well catered for, thanks to the larger C-Class Cabriolet offering space for four.
The driving position is fully adjustable thanks to loads of movement in the seat and steering wheel. The view out the front is pretty good, with the stubby bonnet allowing you to easily place the car when parking nose in. And while visibility isn’t great out the back with the roof up, this failing encourages you to lower the lid at every opportunity, whereby full 360-degree vision is ensured free-of-charge.
There are a couple of small cubbyholes, but you’ll struggle to house much more than some sweets or a small bottle of water in the door bins.
Size
The SLC feels neat and compact on the road, but unfortunately the firm ride means this isn’t a car best suited to the city. At 4,143mm long, it’s smaller than the Audi TT Roadster and Porsche 718 Boxster, while the shorter nose means it’s easier to place than a BMW Z4. It’s ever-so-slightly wider than the Porsche – though you’d never know it from behind the wheel.
Leg room, head room & passenger space
There’s plenty of room inside for two passengers, though those wanting to carry small children will have to look at bigger convertibles like Merc’s very own C or E-Class Cabriolets.
Headroom is good with the roof up, and roof down you’ll suffer very little in terms of buffeting with the small wind deflector in place. Buyers can also spec the brand’s innovative Airscarf neck-level heater, allowing roof down motoring all year round. That’s providing you don’t live in Germany of course, where the manufacturer is currently undergoing a heavy legal dispute that prevents it from selling cars with the system installed.
Boot
A decent 335-litre boot means the SLC boasts more storage space than all its main rivals. Of course, this decreases quite considerably when the roof is folded away due to the fact that each of the bulky metal panels needs to be tucked away behind the rear seats. There’s enough space for a couple of squashy bags, though, to ensure weekend trips away can be enjoyed with the roof fully retracted.
One advantage of the new SLC over its SLK predecessor is the automatic load cover, which – providing there’s nothing stored in the boot – can now lower without human intervention. It’s a handy addition and ensures you needn’t stop at the side of the road when those brief glimpses of British summertime suddenly shine through the clouds.
Despite its sleek and sexy body, the Mercedes SLC is surprisingly affordable to run. Mercedes says the entry-level SLC 200 petrol with a six-speed manual gearbox will return 43.5mpg and emit only 150g/km of CO2. Opt for the pricier but more desirable nine-speed automatic gearbox and these numbers improve somewhat; to 47.9mpg and 137g/km. That should help both private owners and company car drivers alike.
However, if minimising running costs is your main concern, the SLC 250d is the model to go for. It’s ageing 2.1-litre diesel engine is still good for 70.6mpg on the combined cycle, and with CO2 emissions of just 114g/km it’ll cost next to nothing in annual VED. That’s better than an Audi TT Ultra, which will return just 61.4mpg and 121g/km of CO2.
The AMG SLC 43 version, while not as frugal as the diesel, is more economical than the old V8-powered SLK 55. It’ll do 36.2mpg and emit 178g/km. Not bad for a car that’ll sprint to 62mph in 4.7 seconds.
Insurance
Insurance groups for the Mercedes SLC are comparatively high compared to rivals, with even the basic SLC 200 Sport falling in to group 43 out of 50. Rivals like the Audi TT 1.8 TFSI tip the scales at group 34 – meaning annual premiums are likely to be considerably less.
An AMG SLC 43 falls into group 47, which almost puts it on a par with the fastest and most expensive Ferraris costing three times the price. The more desirable Porsche 718 Boxster is group 44.
Depreciation
Decent residual values do offset the high insurance groups, somewhat. The outgoing SLK had suffered towards the end of its life with the imminent arrival of the new model, but the SLC puts things back on track. As a result, even a basic SLC 200 petrol model in Sport trim will retain 52 per cent of its value after three years. The AMG SLC 43 posts a similar figure, while some of the SLC 250d diesels better that by another two per cent.
Those numbers are on a par with the Porsche 718 Boxster and Audi TT Roadster, and significantly better the BMW Z4.