The Mercedes-Benz SLC was introduced to market earlier this year and the range-topping Mercedes-AMG SLC 43 now joins the range.

The Mercedes-BenzSLCis not an all-new car, but rather a refreshed version of the SLK, which now conforms to the company’s new naming structure. SL indicates that the SLC is a roadster while the C denotes the class to which it belongs, much like the now familiar GLC and GLE, and so forth. The AMG SLC 43 joins the SLC 200 and SLC 300 in the range and offers up more performance kicks with its 3.0-litre biturbo V6 engine. Let's see what the SLC has to offer…

Improved looks for SLC

The Mercedes-Benz SLC builds on the foundation of the SLK and brings a fresh look to the road with a new front bumper and a revised diamond-effect grille. The headlights have been restyled too and now feature integrated LED daytime running lights. The taillights are new and the rear bumper has also been revised along with the dual-outlet exhaust system. The SLC is also fitted with an improved retractable hard top that can open or close at speeds up to 40 kph.

Much of the interior is similar to that of the SLK, but you will find a new sports steering wheel and a revised instrument cluster to keep things fresh. Interior materials include aluminium trim and carbon-fibre detailing while the seats are wrapped in a combination of leather and Nappa leather. A 7-inch COMAND infotainment system is also fitted.

Engine power

At the top of the SLC perch is the new Mercedes-AMG SLC 43, which is powered by a new 3.0-litre twin turbo V6 (it replaces the previous V8 SLK 55 AMG). Although the SLC 43 is comparatively down on power and torque at 270 kW and 520 Nm, some 40 kW and 20 Nm less than the SLK 55. That’s not to say the SLC 43 is slow, quite the opposite actually. It is claimed to accelerate from standstill to 100 kph in 4.7 seconds before reaching a limited top speed of 250 kph.

We recently got behind the wheel of the Mercedes-AMG SLC 43 and found it to be immensely fun to drive. Fitted with a 9G-TRONIC transmission, shifting gears is fast and seamless and the driver can also shift gears manually using the steering wheel mounted paddles. The driver also has the choice between five driving modes including Eco, Comfort, Sport, Sport+ and Individual to suit any driving situation. With a sports exhaust fitted as standard, the AMG SLC 43 barks and pops when driven with intent in Sport or Sport+ mode, which adds to the fun of the vehicle. The optional AIRSCARF neck-level heating is a must-have feature if you drop the roof as it blows warm air on the back of your neck and greatly improves comfort while you enjoy the wind in your hair.

The entry-level SLC 200 offers 135kW and 300Nm on tap from its 2.0-litreturbo engine. In addition, theSLC 300 produces 180 kW and300 Nm from its2.0-litre turbopetrol engine.

In terms of transmissions,SLC 200 isoffered with a 6-speed manual transmission with the option of a 9-speed automatic transmission, which is fitted as standard on the rest of the SLC range.

Read our review of the Mercedes-Benz SLC 300

Mercedes-Benz SLC price in South Africa

Mercedes-Benz SLC 200 – R680 600

Mercedes-Benz SLC 300 – R753 400

Mercedes-AMGSLC 43 – R988 000