History
Think about a compact, fashionable open-topped sportscar with a clever metal-folding roof and you tend to think of the model that, back in 1996, basically invented that concept, the Mercedes SLK. It was a car gradually improved, polished and refined over two decades and three generations that in 2016 brought us to the version we're going to look at here. It came with a new name to get used to - by 2016, Mercedes was now calling this car the 'SLC' - but the fundamentals of what was on offer were basically the same. What changed though, was the packaging and technology that made this car so appealing to target buyers - crucial upgrades for such a style-conscious market.
What you need to know up-front is that this wasn't a completely new car. Instead, the SLC was an evolution of the third generation SLK model launched back in 2011, though an extremely thorough one. Fortunately, that MK3 SLK was a very good product, the first design from this model line offering genuinely good driving dynamics. Previous to that model's introduction, the SLK may have been classed as a sportscar, but it certainly didn't drive like one, bought instead by fashion-conscious folk who liked the badge and the clever Vario roof. Forced to up its game by improving rivals like Audi's TT Roadster and BMW's Z4, the third generation SLK proved to be a big step forward, with classic looks borrowed from the iconic 190SL of the Fifties, powerful engines and a clever optional 'Dynamic Handling Package' to get the best from them.
By 2015 though, it was clear that another big step was needed. That rival Audi TT Roadster had been re-energised in third generation form and was eating into SLK sales, plus there was also the imminent prospect of a forthcoming third generation BMW Z4 model likely to do the same. To counter this threat, Mercedes ideally needed an all-new car, not a facelift package for an existing one, but it was too early in the product lifecycle for fundamental engineering changes and a completely new design. Hence the interim solution arrived at here. Give the SLK a new name, thoroughly re-engineer it and re-launch the car with a refreshed look and feel. That was the idea. It all brought us to this SLC.
The 'C'-designation apparently referenced the close engineering links this roadster has always shared with Mercedes C-Class models. Which meant that this SLC got all the latest technology found in that product range, things like the 9G-TRONIC 9-speed auto transmission, the most sophisticated set-up in the segment. And a 'DYNAMIC SELECT' driving modes system able to modify engine, transmission, steering and suspension settings to suit the driver's need. There was also a fresh high performance flagship variant, the Mercedes-AMG SLC 43, which swapped the old SLK 55 AMG's thirsty V8 for a twin-turbo 3.0-litre V6 that was almost as fast and much more efficient. Plus, across the range, there was smarter styling inside and out, along with plenty of the brand's latest technology when it comes to safety and connectivity. This SLC sold until 2020, when it left production (just after a 'Final Edition' version of the SLC 200 and SLC 300 models, launched in 2019). The SLC wasn't replaced.
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