The Mercedes-Benz SLC marks the culmination of a remarkable journey that began with the SLK in 1996, a vehicle that redefined the roadster segment. When the SLK debuted, it wasn’t just another convertible; it was a sensation. It pioneered the vario-roof, a groundbreaking innovation that offered open-top thrills without compromising on comfort and security during inclement weather – a feature previously unheard of in roadsters. Adding to its initial impact, the SLK was launched in an eye-catching Yellowstone hue, a bold departure from Mercedes-Benz’s traditional color palette. Now, as the sun sets on the SLC era, Mercedes-Benz commemorates this legacy with the Final Edition of the AMG SLC 43, cloaked in an exclusive Sun Yellow finish, echoing that original daring choice. This special edition, brimming with enhanced features and distinctive interior touches, represents the zenith of the current SLC generation, offering a fitting farewell to a celebrated model. The 2020 Mercedes-Benz and Mercedes-AMG SLC Final Edition models are poised to grace U.S. dealerships in 2020, offering enthusiasts one last chance to own a piece of this iconic lineage.
SLC 300 Final Edition: Subtle Sophistication
The Mercedes-Benz SLC 300 Final Edition, presented in a sophisticated Selenite Grey, exudes understated elegance with sporty accents. Its AMG Styling front bumper immediately catches the eye, featuring trim strips finished in silver chrome on the lower section, adding a touch of brilliance. High-gloss black door handles, side mirrors, and rear brace create a striking contrast against the grey paintwork, enhancing its dynamic profile. Exclusive “SLC Final Edition” badges are subtly placed on the front fenders, just below the refined chromed fin, signaling its special status. Completing the exterior look are the standard-fit 18-inch AMG 5-spoke light-alloy wheels, finished in high-gloss black, further amplifying the vehicle’s sporty yet sophisticated character.
This special edition model builds upon the AMG Line, incorporating a host of performance-oriented features as standard. These include AMG Styling bumpers at both the front and rear, a sport suspension lowered by 10 mm for enhanced handling, and an upgraded braking system. The braking system boasts perforated brake discs and front calipers proudly displaying “Mercedes-Benz” lettering, ensuring confident stopping power to match its sporty aesthetics.
Stepping inside the SLC 300 Final Edition reveals an interior that is both luxurious and sporty. A striking combination of two-tone Nappa leather in Black/Silver Pearl with elegant grey topstitching defines the cabin’s ambiance. This exquisite leather combination is featured on the standard-fit sport seats, door trim, and door center panels, creating a cohesive and premium feel throughout.
The grey seat belts subtly echo the topstitching, further harmonizing the interior color scheme. Adding another layer of refinement, carbon-fiber look leather inserts are incorporated into the head restraints and the upper sections of the seatbacks, elevating the interior design with a touch of modern sportiness.
Further enhancing the cabin’s exclusivity, the head restraints and the selector lever of the automatic transmission are meticulously covered in carbon leather and adorned with silver SLC lettering. The trim elements on the instrument panel and the center console feature a bright aluminum finish, providing a contemporary and sophisticated touch. The standard-fit multifunction sport steering wheel is a tactile delight, combining carbon leather in the upper and lower segments with smooth nappa leather in the grip area. Sporty design cues include a flat bottom, a 3-spoke design, black paddle shifters for engaging driving dynamics, and a spoke faceplate proudly displaying “Mercedes-Benz” lettering.
Additional standard features in the Final Edition elevate comfort and convenience to new heights. Black floor mats with an embroidered logo add a touch of bespoke detail, while the AIRSCARF neck-level heating system ensures open-top driving pleasure even on cooler days. Seat heating further enhances comfort, and the Memory package for the seats, steering column, and exterior mirrors allows for personalized settings for multiple drivers. The package also includes 4-way lumbar support for both the driver and front passenger, ensuring optimal comfort on longer journeys.
Mercedes-AMG SLC 43 Final Edition: Unleashed Performance
The Mercedes-AMG SLC 43 Final Edition takes the sporty character of the roadster to an even more thrilling level. Its exclusive Sun Yellow paint finish immediately commands attention, while a plethora of high-gloss black elements amplify its aggressive stance. These black accents include the front splitter, the fins of the air intakes and fenders, the base of the centrally positioned star, trim elements in the rear fascia, the side mirror caps, and door handles, creating a visually striking contrast against the vibrant yellow. The matte black 18-inch AMG 5-spoke light-alloy wheels, featuring a distinctive yellow rim flange and performance tires (size 235/40 R 18 at the front and 255/35 R 18 at the rear), further emphasize the roadster’s athletic capabilities.
Mirroring the SLC 300 Final Edition, the interior of the AMG SLC 43 Final Edition features the striking two-tone leather appointments in Black/Silver Pearl with grey topstitching and seatbelts, along with carbon-fiber look leather applications, creating a consistent and premium cabin ambiance. The AMG Performance steering wheel is a highlight, featuring carbon-embossed leather in the upper and lower segments and nappa leather in the grip area, ensuring both sporty aesthetics and comfortable ergonomics. A crystal grey 12-o’clock marker adds a subtle racing-inspired detail, while an additional “AMG EDITION” badge on the steering-wheel trim proudly proclaims its special edition status.
The AMG Final Edition of the SLC 43 is generously equipped with comfort features carried over from series production, including the AIRSCARF neck-level heating, seat heating for both driver and front passenger, and the Memory package for the exterior mirror, seat, and steering column settings, ensuring a luxurious and comfortable driving experience even in a high-performance roadster.
Here’s a concise comparison of the Final Edition models:
| SLC 300 | Mercedes-AMG SLC 43 | |
|---|---|---|
| Number of cylinders/arrangement | 4/in-line | 6/V |
| Displacement (cc) | 1,991 | 2,996 |
| Rated output (hp) | 241 | 385 |
| Rated torque (lb-ft) | 273 | 384 |
| Acceleration 0-60 mph (s) | 5.8 | 4.6 |
| Top speed (mph) (electronically limited) | 155 | 155 |
A Legacy of Open-Top Innovation: Over Two Decades of Mercedes-Benz SLK and SLC
The introduction of the SLK in 1996 marked a pivotal moment for Mercedes-Benz, signaling a new era for the brand. Its innovative vario-roof design served as a blueprint for numerous open-top vehicles that followed, setting a new standard in the industry.
In January 2011, Mercedes-Benz unveiled the third generation of this iconic roadster, internally designated as the R 172, which remains in production until this final edition. This generation masterfully blends agile sportiness with refined comfort, encapsulating striking sports car design with everyday usability. The SLC, introduced in April 2016, represented a technically and visually enhanced evolution of this third generation. The name change itself signified its closer relationship to the C-Class, sharing many technical foundations. This model series has garnered a global community of enthusiasts, achieving remarkable sales figures of over 710,000 units since 1996, a testament to its enduring appeal.
Key Milestones in the Model History:
- 1994: Design studies unveiled in Turin and Paris, hinting at the future roadster.
- 1996: World premiere of the original SLK (R 170) at the Turin Motor Show, captivating the automotive world.
- 2000: Comprehensive model update for the SLK, keeping it fresh and competitive.
- 2004: World premiere of the second-generation SLK (R 171) at the Geneva Motor Show, advancing the model’s design and technology.
- 2008: Model update for the second-generation SLK, further refining its appeal.
- 2011: Launch of the third generation SLK (R 172), embracing modern design and engineering.
- 2016: Model update for the third-generation model, rebranded as the Mercedes-Benz SLC generation, reflecting its C-Class lineage.
- 2019: Premiere of the Final Edition special models of the third generation, marking the end of an era.
The Mercedes-Benz SLC Final Edition models are not just cars; they are a celebration of innovation, luxury, and driving pleasure. They represent a fitting farewell to a model that has left an indelible mark on the roadster segment, offering enthusiasts a final opportunity to experience the unique blend of performance and open-top freedom that the Mercedes-Benz SLC embodies.
