Exploring the Mercedes-Benz SLC Roadster: Models, Features, and the Final Edition

The Mercedes-Benz SLC Roadster, an iconic vehicle that builds upon a rich heritage, continues to captivate enthusiasts with its blend of optimized technology, striking aesthetics, and the thrill of open-top driving. This article delves into the details of the SLC models, highlighting the features, specifications, and the special Final Edition that marks the culmination of its current generation. For those seeking a sophisticated and sporty roadster, understanding the nuances of the Slc Mercedes is essential.

Mercedes-Benz SLC Models and MSRP

The SLC Mercedes range offers two distinct models, each catering to different performance preferences and driving experiences:

Mercedes-Benz SLC 300 Roadster: Starting at $49,950
Mercedes-AMG SLC 43 Roadster: Starting at $64,650

Note: Prices exclude a $995 destination and delivery charge.

These Manufacturer’s Suggested Retail Prices (MSRP) reflect the base cost of each model, providing a starting point for prospective buyers interested in owning an SLC Mercedes.

What’s New for the 2020 Model Year: The Final Edition

The 2020 model year introduced the highly anticipated Final Edition for both the SLC 300 and AMG SLC 43, celebrating the legacy of the SLC Mercedes with exclusive enhancements and distinctive styling cues.

SLC 300 Final Edition Highlights:

The SLC 300 Final Edition elevates the standard model with a range of visual and equipment upgrades:

Exclusive Selenite Grey Paint: A sophisticated and modern exterior color.
AMG Line Styling: Incorporates AMG styling bumpers for a more aggressive look.
Sport Suspension: Lowered by 10mm for enhanced handling and a sportier stance.
Larger Braking System: Perforated brake discs and front calipers with “Mercedes-Benz” lettering for improved stopping power and visual appeal.
Two-Tone Nappa Leather Interior: Luxurious Black/Silver Pearl Nappa leather upholstery with grey topstitching and grey seat belts.
Carbon-Fiber Look Leather Inserts: Unique carbon-fiber look leather accents on head restraints and seatbacks.
SLC Final Edition Badging: Distinctive badging to highlight the special edition status.
Black Floor Mats with Embroidered Logo: Premium floor mats with edition-specific embroidery.
18” AMG Light-Alloy Wheels: 5-spoke AMG wheels in high-gloss black, enhancing the sporty aesthetic.

These enhancements make the SLC 300 Final Edition a truly special and collectable version of the SLC Mercedes.

AMG SLC 43 Final Edition Highlights:

The AMG SLC 43 Final Edition takes performance and exclusivity to the next level with unique AMG-specific upgrades:

Exclusive Sun Yellow Paint: A vibrant and eye-catching exterior color, exclusive to the Final Edition.
Gloss Black Trim Elements: Gloss black accents for a more aggressive and sporty appearance.
18” AMG Wheels in Matte Black with Yellow Accents: Distinctive AMG wheels with matte black finish and yellow rim accents, complementing the exclusive paint.
AMG Sport Seats: AMG Sport Seats in Black / Silver Pearl Nappa Carbon Leather / DINAMICA with contrasting stitching for enhanced support and sporty style.
SLC Final Edition Logo on Headrests: Embossed Final Edition logos on the headrests, further emphasizing the special edition nature.
Grey Seatbelts: Grey seatbelts to complement the interior color scheme.
AMG Gear Lever with Carbon-Look Leather: AMG gear lever with carbon-look leather trim for a sporty touch.
Floormats with Edition Badge: Premium floor mats with edition-specific badging.
AMG Performance Steering Wheel: AMG Performance Steering Wheel with Carbon-look leather and edition badging for enhanced driving feel and exclusivity.
AMG Sport Suspension with Handling Package (Optional): Available AMG Sport Suspension with the AMG Handling Package for even sharper handling dynamics.

The AMG SLC 43 Final Edition is designed for drivers who demand the ultimate in performance and exclusivity from their SLC Mercedes.

Standard Feature Highlights Across the SLC Range

Both SLC Mercedes models come generously equipped with a range of standard features designed for performance, comfort, and safety:

Sport Exhaust System: Provides a more engaging and sporty engine sound.
9G-TRONIC 9-Speed Automatic Transmission: Delivers smooth and efficient gear changes for optimal performance and fuel economy.
7’’ COMAND Display: Central infotainment display for accessing vehicle functions and entertainment.
17” Wheels: Standard alloy wheels providing a balance of style and ride comfort.
DYNAMIC SELECT: Allows drivers to choose between different driving modes to tailor the vehicle’s performance to their preferences.
Summer Performance Tires: Optimized for dry and warm weather conditions, providing enhanced grip and handling.
Pre-wiring for Garmin® MAP PILOT®: Enables easy integration of navigation functionality.
ATTENTION ASSIST®: Monitors driver drowsiness and provides alerts to promote safer driving.
Rearview Camera: Assists with parking and maneuvering in reverse.
Blind Spot Assist: Alerts the driver to vehicles in their blind spots, enhancing safety during lane changes.
Active Brake Assist: Can automatically apply the brakes to mitigate or prevent collisions.
Dual Integrated Roll Bar: Provides added safety in the event of a rollover.
Diamond Grille: A distinctive and sporty front grille design.
Mirror Logo Lamps: Projects the Mercedes-Benz logo onto the ground from the side mirrors.
Opening of Retractable Hardtop While Driving (up to 25 mph): Allows for convenient top operation at lower speeds, adding to the spontaneity of open-top driving in the SLC Mercedes.

AMG Standard Feature Highlights (Building upon Standard Features)

The AMG SLC 43 Roadster includes all the standard features listed above, along with a host of AMG-specific enhancements that amplify performance and luxury:

AMG-enhanced 3.0L V6 Biturbo Engine: Produces 385 hp and 384 lb-ft of torque, delivering exhilarating performance.
AMG-enhanced 9G-TRONIC 9-Speed Transmission with Paddle Shifters: Offers faster and more responsive gear changes, with manual control via paddle shifters.
AMG Sport Exhaust System®: Specifically tuned for a more aggressive and powerful AMG sound.
AMG DYNAMIC SELECT: Includes additional AMG-specific driving modes for optimized performance.
AMG Performance Steering Wheel: Designed for enhanced grip and feedback, contributing to a more engaging driving experience.
AMG High-Performance Braking System: Provides superior stopping power and fade resistance under demanding driving conditions.
Active LED Headlamps and Adaptive Highbeam Assist: Offers enhanced visibility and automatically adjusts high beams for optimal nighttime driving.
18” AMG Wheels: AMG-specific wheel designs that complement the vehicle’s performance character.
AIRSCARF®: Neck-level heating system for comfortable open-top driving in cooler weather, a signature feature for the SLC Mercedes roadster experience.
Heated Seats: Adds comfort in colder climates.
Harmon/Kardon Logic7® Sound System: Premium audio system for a superior listening experience.
Dual-zone Climate Control: Allows for individual temperature settings for driver and passenger.
KEYLESS-GO including Infrared Remote Top Operation: Keyless entry and start, with remote operation of the retractable hardtop.

Optional Feature Highlights for Personalization

The SLC Mercedes models offer a range of optional features to further personalize your vehicle and enhance your driving experience:

Smartphone Integration Package: Includes Apple CarPlayTM and Android Auto for seamless smartphone connectivity.
Active LED Headlamps: (Available as optional on SLC 300, standard on AMG SLC 43) Upgrade to Active LED Headlamps for enhanced lighting performance.
Adaptive Highbeam Assist: (Available as optional on SLC 300, standard on AMG SLC 43) Further enhances nighttime visibility.
Ambient Lighting: Customizable interior lighting to create a personalized cabin atmosphere.
Parking Assist: Makes parking easier with automated steering assistance.
KEYLESS-GO®: (Standard on AMG SLC 43) Adds keyless convenience features.
AIRSCARF®: (Standard on AMG SLC 43) Enhance open-top comfort.
Panorama roof with MAGIC SKY CONTROL®: Electrochromic sunroof that can switch between transparent and opaque at the touch of a button, adding a unique touch to the SLC Mercedes experience.
COMAND® Infotainment System: (Upgraded from standard 7″ display) Larger and more feature-rich infotainment system.
Night Package: Adds gloss black exterior accents for a more aggressive and sporty appearance.
AMG Line Exterior: (Standard on SLC 300 Final Edition) Further enhances the sporty exterior styling.

AMG Optional Feature Highlights for Enhanced Performance

For the AMG SLC 43, a selection of AMG-specific optional features are available to further sharpen performance and exclusivity:

AMG Night Package: Adds gloss black AMG-specific exterior elements.
AMG Handling Package: Further enhances driving dynamics with performance-oriented suspension and chassis components.
AMG Performance Steering Wheel: (Standard on AMG SLC 43) Offers different trim and material options for the AMG Performance Steering Wheel.
IWC Analogue Clock on Dash Top: Adds a touch of luxury and refinement to the interior.
AMG Limited Slip Differential: Improves traction and handling, particularly during spirited driving.
AMG Ride Control Sport Suspension: Adjustable damping suspension for customizable ride and handling characteristics.
AMG Red Painted Brake Calipers: Adds a visual pop of color and signifies the high-performance braking system.

Model Positioning: The Legacy of the SLC Roadster

The SLC Mercedes Roadster carries forward the esteemed legacy of its predecessors, embodying the spirit of open-top driving with refined technology and captivating design. The Final Edition models represent the zenith of the current generation, showcasing an extensive array of equipment and unique interior appointments. For those seeking a roadster that blends luxury, performance, and heritage, the SLC Mercedes remains a compelling choice.

Mercedes-Benz SLC: At a Glance

	SLC 300 Roadster	AMG SLC 43 Roadster
MSRP	$49,950	$64,650
Length	162.8”	163.1”
Width (w/ mirrors)	79.0” (71.5” w/o mirrors)	79.0” (71.5” w/o mirrors)
Height	51.3”	51.3”
Wheelbase	95.7”	95.7”
Curb Weight (lbs)	TBA	TBA
Fuel Economy (city/hwy/comb)	23 / 32 / 27 MPG	TBA
Engine	2.0L inline-4 turbo	AMG-enhanced 3.0L V6 biturbo
Displacement	1,991 cc	2,996 cc
Drive Configuration	Rear-Wheel Drive	Rear-Wheel Drive
Performance	241 hp @ 5,500 rpm 273 lb-ft @ 1,300–4,000 rpm	385 hp @ 6,100 rpm 384 lb-ft @ 2,500–5,000 rpm
Transmission	9G-TRONIC	AMG-enhanced 9G-TRONIC
0-60 mph (sec)	5.8	4.6 est.
Top speed (mph)	155 (electronically limited)	155 (electronically limited)
Main Competitors	BMW Z4, Audi TT / TT Roadster	BMW Z4 M40i, Audi TTS / TT RS Roadster