Mercedes-Benz SLC

The Mercedes-Benz SLC is the successor to the SLK two-door. Revealed in 2015, the SLC is offered with a range of petrol and diesel engines, but Mercedes-Benz India will start right at the top, by launching the AMG SLC43. The roadster is the first AMG model to have the ‘43’ label in its name and while the design is essentially a facelift of the SLK, there’s more than meets the eye.

The primary change is the SLC’s new engine. In keeping with the era of downsizing, the model gets a 3.0-litre twin-turbo V6 that replaces the naturally aspirated V8 that was used in the SLK. The new motor produces 367PS of power and a peak torque of 520Nm, all of which, is sent to the rear wheels. 0-100kmph comes up in a claimed 4.7 seconds, with the top speed rated at 250kmph (electronically-limited). The SLC43 comes with a 9-speed automatic gearbox as standard and the transmission gets paddle shifters as well.

For improved handling and stability, the SLC43 gets a steel suspension that has been optimised to reduce body roll and you also get the AMG ‘Dynamic Select’ function, which enables the driver to alter the suspension’s behavior, based on the driving scenario. Additionally, you can opt for a ‘handling package’, which gives you a mechanical limited-slip differential for the rear axle.

The SLC43 is a thing of beauty with the compact proportions complementing the car’s understated styling. Highlights on the exterior include a new front bumper with large air intakes, a muscular bonnet, 18-inch alloy wheels and a new rear bumper with integrated tailpipes.

On the inside, the car features a multifunction, flat-bottomed steering wheel draped in nappa leather, with red contrast stitching for a premium ambience. The sports seats get AMG nappa leather/Dinamica microfibre upholstery and in the driver’s line-of-vision is an AMG instrument cluster that includes a 4.5-inch multi-information display (MID) with a race-timer provided as well. For entertainment, the car is offered with a 7-inch infotainment system that supports Bluetooth connectivity, a DVD player, Internet radio and the ‘Linguatronic’ voice command system.

The SLC has quite a legacy to live up to. The SLK nameplate was introduced in 1996, and since its introduction, it scored a sales tally of 6.7 lakh units worldwide. With the SLC43, though, Mercedes-Benz India will cater to a very niche audience and while it won’t rock the sales charts, it will offer a stylish, compact and agile rival to models like the Audi TT and BMW Z4.

Mercedes-Benz SLC price