The Mercedes Benz SLK first came out in 1996 and it took impressed a lot of people with its small compact design and a convertible hard-top roof. It offered a good amount of sportiness in its handling and performance for a fraction of the price of a proper supercar. The SLK stood for sportlich (sporty), leicht (light), and kurz (short).
Build structure of the convertible is of great quality and sturdy
Cons
Mediocre engine performance compared to competition
Dated interior
What's New?
New design elements for final edition models
Revised feature-list
Features
vehicle bio
base price
$63900
bodystyle
2dr Convertible
passenger capacity
5
drivetrain
RWD
engine type
displacement
183 cu.in.
horsepower
385 hp @ 6100 rpm
torque
384 lbs.-ft @ 2500 rpm
transmission
9-speed shiftable automatic
chassis
frame type
Unibody
suspension front
Independent front strut suspension w/anti-roll bar
suspension rear
Independent rear multi-link suspension w/anti-roll bar
brake rotors (f/r)
61/61.7
dimensions
wheelbase
95.7 in.
length
163.1 in.
width
71.5 in.
height
51.3 in.
curb weight
3541 lbs.
ground clearance
4.1 in.
capacity
passenger volume
48.8 cu ft.
cargo volume
10.1 cu ft.
performance
zero to 60 mph
4.7 sec.
fuel economy
city/combined/highway
20/23/29 mpg
highway range
461.1 mi.
warranty
basic warranty
4 yr. / 50000 mi.
drivetrain warranty
4 yr. / 50000 mi.
powertrain warranty
4 yr. / 50000
corrosion warranty
4 yr. / 50000 mi.
roadside assistance
4 yr. / 50000 mi.
Pictures
exterior
interior
Colors and Styles
Selenite Grey Metallic
Vehicle images are guides only and may not reflect the model's exact specifications/features– exact specifications/features should be confirmed with the seller.
Powering the rear wheels of the hardtop is a Bi-turbo 3.0L V6 engine married to an AMG-enhanced 9-speed automatic transmission. This combination churns out a powerful 385 hp and 384 lb.-ft. of torque. Costing 63,900, the convertible dashes the 0-60 mph in 4.7s. The sports convertible comes with a host of luxury and athletic features by the manufacturer. The hardtop sees a tough competition with its English snob counterpart, the costlier Jaguar F-Type Convertible, and its German rival, the Porsche 718 Boxster. Where does the SLK, err, SLC stand in the competition? Read on the review to find out.
2020 Mercedes AMG SLC 43 front three quarters
2020 Mercedes AMG SLC 43 rear three quarters
8.1/10 Engine and Performance
6.0/10 Interior
2020 Mercedes-Benz AMG SLC 43 Features
Trim
Mercedes Benz SLC 43 AMG Roadster
MSRP
63900
Key Features
Eco Start/Stop
7" Infotainment system
Brake Assist
Heated Seats
Multicolour LED ambient lighting
Rearview Camera
Power Seats with Memory
Black Nappa Leather/DINAMICA Upholstery
4-way power steering column
Offered in a single configuration, the SLC 43 AMG Roadster costs $63,900 and comes powered by a 3.0L Biturbo engine configured in V6 form. Mated to a 9-speed automatic transmission, the Mercedes hardtop powers the rear wheels and is offered in a host of features kitted by the marquee in Stuttgart. The SLC 43 is in fact an AMG-enhanced convertible, rather than a fully crafted machine by the performance division.
We recommend
Get the Dynamic Handling Package. It drops the SLC 43’s suspension even lower, adds adaptive dampers and stiffer steering components for better grip and handling. Albeit it only betters a little bit over the stock car. If you want complete media package with the likes of harmon/Kardon sound system and Apple Carplay and Android Auto, invest $4500 in the Premium Package.
2020 Mercedes-Benz AMG SLC 43 Engine and Performance
8.1/10
"The SLC 43 (and the SLC 300) encourages spirited driving, and it's suitably quick. However, it isn't as engaging or as thrilling as an Audi TT, BMW Z4, Jaguar F-Type or Porsche Boxster. Some of these alternatives may be slower, but the sensation of speed and confidence is in their favor." -edmunds
Propelling the convertible is a Biturbo 3.0L 6-cylinders engine. Mated to a 9-speed automatic transmission, the convertible throws all that power through its rear wheels. Being only a tuned powertrain by the performance division, the AMG power unit under the hood is still a quick and athletic machine. Its performance is impressive for daily driving and sonorous pops and hustles of the V6 come to forefront. The gear shifts are similar to its engine counterpart along with butter smooth and quick shifts.
Its rivals are a mix breed sat in the pit with a V8 in the Chevrolet Stingray, a 4-cylinder in the 718 S Roadster, and the rest house a V6. In terms of output, the SLC 43 AMG is right in the middle of its rivals.
Models
Mercedes Benz SLC 43 AMG Roadster
BMW M4 Convertible
Jaguar F Type R Dynamic Convertible
Chevrolet
Corvette Stingray w/1LT convertible
Porsche 718 S Roadster
MSRP
$63,900
$77,650
$87,445
$60,590
$71,400
Engine
3.0L V6 Biturbo engine
3.0L I-6 Twin Turbo Premium Unleaded
3.0L V6 Intercooled Supercharger Premium Unleaded
6.2L V8 Gas
2.5L H4 Intercooled Turbo Premium Unleaded
Transmission
9 Speed automatic
6 Speed manual
8 Speed automatic
7 Speed manual
6 Speed manual
Horsepower
384 hp@ 6100rpm
425 hp@ 5500rpm
380 hp@ 6500rpm
455 hp@ 6000rpm
350 hp@ 6500rpm
Torque
384 ft-lbs@ 2500 rpm
406 ft-lbs@ 1850 rpm
339 ft-lbs@ 3500rpm
460 ft-lbs@ 4600rpm
309 ft-lbs@ 1900rpm
Acceleration
The AMG under the Silver Arrow can zip it from 0-60 mph in 4.7s while crossing the quarter mile in 14s. Clearly, while the convertible is relatively quick, it is just not the quickest in the lot. Its rivals zip pass the German 2-seater with the unexpected 718 Boxster and the M4 Convertible leading the competition, then comes the F-Type. Except for the Stingray's V8 and Porsche's 4-cylinders, the entire field houses a similar powertrain but due different weight and ofcourse, tuning, you'd find different results for each manufacturer.
Models
Mercedes Benz SLC 43 AMG Roadster
BMW M4 Convertible
Jaguar F Type R Dynamic Convertible
Chevrolet
Corvette Stingray w/1LT convertible
Porsche 718 S Roadster
0-60 MPH
4.7s
4.3 sec
4.9 sec
3.6 sec
3.9 sec
Quarter mile
14.0
12.4 sec
13.4 sec
N/A
12.4 sec
Engine
3.0L V6 Biturbo engine
3.0L I-6 Twin Turbo Premium Unleaded
3.0L V6 Intercooled Supercharger Premium Unleaded
6.2L V8 Gas
2.5L H4 Intercooled Turbo Premium Unleaded
Emission
(Tons/yr of CO2 Emissions @ 15K mi/year)
N.A
N/A
N/A
N/A
N/A
Handling and Braking
The Mercedes SLC AMG is a great sports car. While not relatively as engaging as its rivals, the SLC 43 AMG does however handle with poise and nimbleness. The enthusiast machine is anything but that when taken over stiff or uneven tarmac where it begins to feel less composed.
Fitted with a firm suspension, the convertible offers sufficient grip when taking chicanes or corners while its steering has precision and accurate feedback. Otherwise the electromechanical wheel feels rather heavy. Tweak up the available driving modes to Sport or Sport+, the SLC 43 AMG tends to get more aggressive with stiffer suspension and steering feedback.
Fitted with high performance AMG sports brakes system on the SLC 43, the front and rear discs do a great job in stopping this almost-4000-pound-heavy convertible. Even in its driving dynamics, the brakes coupled with torque vectoring help braking with stability even in corners.
Model
Mercedes Benz SLC 43 AMG Roadster
BMW M4 Convertible
Jaguar F Type R Dynamic Convertible
Chevrolet
Corvette Stingray w/1LT convertible
Porsche 718 S Roadster
Brake Front (in.)
14.2
15
15
12.6
13
Brake Rear (in.)
13
14.6
12.8
13.3
11.8
Curb Weight (lbs.)
3541
4055
3558
3362
2988
60-0 MPH (ft.)
108
N/A
N/A
N/A
N/A
2020 Mercedes-Benz AMG SLC 43 Fuel Economy
With the SLC 43 AMG, the convertible drives with a decent fuel economy with 23 mpg in the city, 29 mpg on the highway, and a combined mpg of 20. Alongside its rivals, the Mercedes SLC is quite an efficient sports hardtop. However its arch-nemesis, the Porsche comes close to it in its frugality race.
Model
Mercedes Benz SLC 43 AMG Roadster
BMW M4 Convertible
Jaguar F Type R Dynamic Convertible
Chevrolet Corvette Stingray w/1LT convertible
Porsche 718 S Roadster
MPG (city)
23
17
19
16
20
MPG (highway)
29
25
27
25
26
MPG (combined)
20
20
22
19
22
2020 Mercedes-Benz AMG SLC 43 Interior
6.0/10
"The SLC's interior comes across as dated. Other Mercedes vehicles have a more graceful cabin aesthetic, better materials quality and more advanced technology features." -edmunds
Inside this convertible, the Mercedes SLC 43 packs comfortable and heated seats wrapped in black nappa leather while moulding the cabin with opulence and luxury. Seating only 2, the convertible houses spacious and contoured seats with generous headspace and legroom but as a wide car, you'd feel a tad stuffed due to less shoulder room.
Tall passengers would thank a bit of extra headroom when the roof is put down. Trimmed with gracious quality and high materials, the SLC 300 would surely put a smile on your face when seated inside the cabin.
Model
Mercedes Benz SLC 43 AMG Roadster
BMW M4 Convertible
Jaguar F Type R Dynamic Convertible
Chevrolet Corvette Stingray w/1LT convertible
Porsche 718 S Roadster
Passenger capacity
2
4
2
2
2
Front (Head/Shoulder/Leg) (In.)
38/52.2/42.5
40.4/55.3/42.2
37.0/56.5/43.0
37.9/55.2/43.0
N/A
Second (Head/Shoulder/Leg) (In.)
-
37.1/49.8/33.1
-
-
-
Interior Features
Get into the SLC 300 roadster and some list of interior features you'd find are -
Power seats with Memory
Dual-Zone Climate Control
4-way Power Steering Column
Electric Trunk Partition
Integrated Compass
Power windows with express open/close
Brake HOLD Feature
Infotainment System
Featuring an Mbrace 7" infotainment system and COMAND online navigation, the SLC 43's system houses a clean and crisp display with clarity even in the sun. Controlled via the rotary knob on the center console, the system is intuitive and gets the job done with ease. But the system needs a revamp as seen on the other Mercedes vehicles.
Cargo volume
With the Ford Mustang equipping the best cargo capacity in the competition, the Mercedes SLC 43 AMG comes second with 10.1 cubic feet, with the Stingray sharing the podium with it. The Silver Arrow's trunk has decent amount of luggage volume for a convertible and the rest of the rivals see a tough competition in this segment.
Model
Mercedes Benz SLC 43 AMG Roadster
BMW M4 Convertible
Jaguar F Type R Dynamic Convertible
Chevrolet
Corvette Stingray w/1LT convertible
Ford Mustang Ecoboost Convertible
Porsche 718 S Roadster
Cargo Volume with rear seats up (ft.3)
10.1
7.9
7.3
10.0
13.5
9.7
2020 Mercedes-Benz AMG SLC 43 Exterior
"The Mercedes-Benz SLC gets the sports-car essentials right." -thecarconnection
Having carried over untouched from its 2019 variant, the 2020 Mercedes SLC 43 AMG Roadster is a fine, thin and edgy looking sports convertible. Well-proportioned with straight lines, a long bonnet and short rear overhangs, the hardtop takes 20 seconds to either drop, becoming a coupe or fold to the beauty of a sexy roadster.
The short and wide roadster drives with 18" 10-spoke AMG titanium wheels rolling on all fours, and appears sleek and modern. Its chrome-accented diamond grille alongside the large Silver Arrow insignia, and LED headlamps compose the front fascia; come to the sides and the curves show up their prominence with sporty air-intakes by the fenders. Rear? A nostalgic classic bulbous Mercedes of the last generation.
Model
Mercedes Benz SLC 43 AMG Roadster
BMW M4 Convertible
Jaguar F Type R Dynamic Convertible
Chevrolet Corvette Stingray w/1LT convertible
Porsche 718 S Roadster
Curb weight (lbs.)
3541
4055
3558
3362
2988
Length(in)
163.1
184.5
176.0
176.9
172.4
Width(in)
71.5
73.6
74.2
73.9
70.9
Height(in)
51.3
54.6
51.5
48.9
50.4
Ground clearance (in)
4.1
N/A
4
N/A
4.3
Wheelbase (in)
95.7
110.7
103.2
106.7
97.4
Track width (in) F/R
61/61.7
62.2/63.1
62.4/64.1
63/61.7
59.6/60.6
Exterior Features
Some exterior features on the SLC 43 AMG roadster are as follows -
Retractable Hardtop
Chrome-tipped diamond-block grille
Dual Roll Bars
LED Daytime running lamps and LED taillamps
Heated side mirrors with power fold-in
2020 Mercedes-Benz AMG SLC 43 Safety
With a host of safety features kitted in the SLC 43 AMG by the Silver Arrows, the convertible should keep you protected from disaster if struck. While not being tested by IIHS or NHTSA, it does however come with a rigid structure and as aforementioned features to prevent collisions or reduce its impact. Some of the features include -
Anti-lock Braking System (ABS)
Electronic Stability Program (ESP)
Adaptive Braking Technology
Rearview Camera
Rain-sensing windshield wipers
NECK-PRO head restrains
Dual Roll Bars
Advanced Tire Pressure Monitor System
2020 Mercedes-Benz AMG SLC 43 Competition
Mercedes SLC 43 AMG vs Jaguar F-Type Convertible
The English Feline costs substantially more than the Mercedes SLC 43 AMG Roadster but it also is a more luxurious and similarly powered convertible. With the Jaguar F-Type's exotic and beautiful design, the Mercedes also loses out to the English snob in terms of equipment and overall driving dynamics. However the price difference may put you off and if you don't mind having just a tad less at such a difference, the Silver Arrow should be your choice of poison.
Mercedes SLC 43 AMG Roadster vs Porsche 718 Boxster
The Mercedes does not even come close to the athleticism and opulence of the Porsche. While costing 10k more than the SLC 43 AMG Roadster and fitted with a 4-cylinders, the 718 Boxster still makes sure that price difference is worth it by kitting the Boxster with almost everything a sports convertible should house. The German rivals truly have no comparison and if you can afford a further ten grand, Porsche's racing heritage should appeal more than the Silver Arrow.
2020 Mercedes-Benz AMG SLC 43 Final Verdict
The rebadged SLC over the SLK from the previous generation does not really promise anything revamped except for its nomenclature. Both, the relatively ageing exterior design and interior, are better in most competitors out there. While having decent driving dynamics, its performance lacks the punch. In this review, we found there is absolutely limited reasons as to why you should buy an otherwise good SLC 43 AMG Roadster when you have much better rivals out there.