2019 Mercedes-Benz SLC-Class Review
2019 Mercedes-Benz SLC-Class Review
View more photos
View more photos
View more photos
View more photos
View more photos
+255
Used SLC-Class for sale
Appraise This CarMercedes-Benz SLC-Class model years
Mercedes-Benz SLC-Class types
- Convertible
- AMG SLC 43
See Edmunds pricing data
Has Your Car's Value Changed?
Used car values are constantly changing. Edmunds lets you track your vehicle's value over time so you can decide when to sell or trade in.
Edmunds' Expert Review
byJames Riswick
Edmunds Contributor
James Riswick is an automotive journalist at Edmunds.Pros
- Retractable hardtop reduces interior noise
- Distinctive glass roof panel
- Accident avoidance tech is standard
Cons
- Less engaging to drive than rival roadsters
- Antiquated tech interface
- Snug interior, even by roadster standards
What's new
- Revised feature availability
- The AMG model produces 385 horsepower, up from 362 hp
- Part of third Mercedes SLK generation introduced for 2011 (renamed SLC Roadster for 2017)
It's been eight years since the Mercedes-Benz SLC was completely redesigned. Back then, it was called the SLK. In that time, other automakers have re-engineered their luxury roadsters to be more compelling to drive and more luxurious. That pretty much leaves the 2019 Mercedes SLC as the old guy yelling at everyone else to get off his lawn.
Cost to DriveCost to drive estimates for the 2019 Mercedes-Benz SLC-Class SLC 300 2dr Convertible (2.0L 4cyl Turbo 9A) and comparison vehicles are based on 15,000 miles per year (with a mix of 55% city and 45% highway driving) and energy estimates of $4.45 per gallon for premium unleaded in Ohio.
Monthly estimates based on costs in Ohio
$206/mo for SLC-Class SLC 300
SLC-Class SLC 300
vs
$179/mo
Avg. Compact Car
In-car technology is one area you'll notice where the SLC comes off as a bit of an antique. Having Apple CarPlay and Android Auto to the options list helps, but the SLC is using a tech interface that's about three generations behind Mercedes' latest and greatest. Elsewhere in the cabin, the design and quality just aren't up to the current Mercedes standards.
The SLC does have one thing that has made the SLK/SLC special from the very beginning: a retractable hardtop roof. It's quieter than a fabric roof, and its standard glass panel lets in light even if you have the top up. Everything else in this roadster's price range has a fabric roof.
If a retractable hardtop is a must-have, the SLC will likely be your roadster. Otherwise, we suggest taking a look at the all-new BMW Z4 or Porsche Boxster.
Edmunds' Expert Rating
6.2 / 10Trim tested
Each vehicle typically comes in multiple versions that are fundamentally similar. The ratings in this review are based on our full test of the Mercedes-Benz AMG SLC 43 (turbo 3.0L 6-cyl. | 9-speed automatic | RWD).
Note: Since this test was conducted in 2018, the SLC has received a few minor revisions, including a power increase for the SLC 43's engine. Our findings remain applicable to this year's model, however.
Scorecard
Overall | 6.2 / 10 |
Driving | 7.5 |
Comfort | 7.0 |
Interior | 6.5 |
Utility | 5.5 |
Technology | 6.0 |
Driving
7.5The 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.
Acceleration
8.0With 385 hp, the AMG SLC has plenty of power but not so much that it makes it tricky to drive. There's a brief hesitation after pressing the pedal, but overall the engine is responsive. In our testing, it covered 0-60 mph in 4.6 seconds.
Braking
8.0Stopping from 60 mph required 108 feet, which is a short distance but what we expect from a performance car with summer-rated tires. In typical driving, the brake pedal is appropriately firm and is easy to modulate for smooth stops.
Steering
7.0At parking lot speeds, the steering effort is a bit too heavy and doesn't return to center on its own (an old Mercedes trait). Once up to speed, it feels direct and precise, and it provides a useful amount of feedback. On the highway, there's little correction needed from the driver to maintain a straight path, even on crowned roads.
Handling
7.0Under most conditions, the SLC 43's abundant grip allows for confident cornering. However, the car loses some composure when you're driving hard over broken pavement because the tires struggle to stay in contact.
Drivability
7.0The gear changes are smooth and quick in everyday driving. The auto engine stop-start system causes shudders in the cabin and is a little slow to react. It occasionally turns off the engine just before you come to a full stop, resulting in an inelegant lurch.
Comfort
7.0The folding hardtop roof helps reduce wind noise, and the powerful climate control — complete with Airscarf's breeze for your neck — is welcome. The SLC, however, could really use ventilated seats.
Seat comfort
7.0The well-shaped seats are comfortable for hours at a time, but in warm weather they can be rather stifling. Ventilated seats are not available. The side bolstering is substantial enough to keep you firmly in place while cornering but not enough to be confining.
Ride comfort
7.0The ride quality is about what you'd expect for a sportier version of the SLC. You feel every flaw in the road and there's substantial jostling over undulations, yet it doesn't feel needlessly harsh.
Noise & vibration
8.0Road noise is ever-present and can be loud on coarse asphalt. Compared to other convertibles, however, the SLC is quieter thanks to the substantial folding hardtop. With the top up, there are no squeaks or rattles.
Climate control
8.0It's easy to operate the dual-zone automatic climate control, and the system does a good job of cooling the cabin quickly. It's also powerful enough that you can feel air flow with the top down when driving on the highway. The Airscarf system keeps you pleasantly toasty, even with the top down on cold days.
Interior
6.5The SLC's interior comes across as dated. Other Mercedes vehicles have a more graceful cabin aesthetic, better materials quality and more advanced technology features.
Ease of use
5.0This old-style Benz has a lot of buttons and a small infotainment screen. The primary controls are fairly easy to use, but other systems are somewhat difficult to find and operate. The black plastic buttons are well-labeled, but the silver buttons are tough to read in daylight.
Getting in/getting out
7.5Even with the roof up, you won't have to stoop or twist much to get in or out of the SLC. The seats' side bolsters are easy to slide past, too. The top can be operated remotely via the key fob, but you have to be very near the car to make it work.
Driving position
7.0There are enough adjustments for most body types to find a comfortable position. The driver's seat is positioned a bit high, however. It'd be nice if it went lower.
Roominess
6.5It's a snug fit in the SLC, but that's typical for a roadster. The low roof and high seating position make it feel smaller on the inside than it really is.
Visibility
6.0The rearview mirror is mounted low on the windshield, and it obstructs your vision when you're trying to look through sharp right corners. Otherwise, outward visibility is acceptable for a convertible with the top up, especially over the shoulder and to the rear.
Quality
5.5By current standards, the SLC's materials and construction miss the target by a considerable margin. We expect higher interior quality for a Mercedes.
Convertible top
7.5Holding down a single switch lowers or raises the hardtop in about 20 seconds. That's slower than the operation of rival fabric roofs. But on the upside, the SLC hardtop is sturdier and quieter.
Utility
5.5It's a roadster, and the folding hardtop further cuts into cargo space with the roof lowered. Don't expect much utility with the SLC. There's just enough capacity for a weekend escape as long as you pack very light or keep the top up.
Small-item storage
5.5Space for personal items is limited to some very small pockets and cupholders. The center armrest bin is big enough to hold a smartphone but not much else. Altogether, it's a little less than other contemporary roadsters.
Cargo space
6.0The trunk isn't generous, but that's expected of a folding hardtop convertible. There's enough luggage space for a couple's weekend getaway with the top up. With the top down, only a single carry-on suitcase will fit so pack light.
Technology
6.0If there's one thing that ages quickly, it's technology. The SLC's old-generation numeric keypad and redundant menu buttons bring up nostalgia but not in a good way. At least everything works as it should. Apple CarPlay and Android Auto are available.
Audio & navigation
5.0You'll find a small display and Mercedes' outdated interface. This old version of the COMAND infotainment system isn't as intuitive as the latest iterations, but it is reliable and responsive. The upgraded Harman Kardon audio system has appropriate power to rock out with the top down.
Smartphone integration
7.0Apple CarPlay and Android Auto are optional and represent a tech Band-Aid to help mask the SLC's old technology. The response time for Apple CarPlay is relatively quick, and we experienced no glitches.
Driver aids
6.0Forward collision warning with automatic braking is standard. The available adaptive cruise control capably maintains distance and speed on steep downhills, but it frequently taps the brakes instead of downshifting. That results in some inelegant lurching.
Voice control
6.0Voice commands must follow on-screen and audible prompts and don't employ natural language. Within this structure, commands are accurately executed even with the top down. Apple CarPlay and Android Auto are useful substitutes.
Which SLC-Class does Edmunds recommend?
The SLC is at its most distinctive and characterful in AMG 43 guise. It also comes standard with the SLC 300's Premium package content, which includes worthwhile upgrades such as Airscarf neck heaters, heated seats, dual-zone climate control and satellite radio. In terms of options, Magic Sky Control is a must-have for blocking out the sun's rays through the glass roof.
2019 Mercedes-Benz SLC-Class models
The two-seat 2019 Mercedes-Benz SLC is available in two trim levels that are differentiated by their engines. The SLC 300 has a turbocharged four-cylinder (241 horsepower, 273 pound-feet of torque), while the sporting AMG SLC 43 boasts a turbocharged 3.0-liter V6 (385 hp, 384 lb-ft) among other performance enhancements. Both cars have a nine-speed automatic transmission and rear-wheel drive.
The SLC 300 comes standard with 17-inch wheels, a power-retractable hardtop with a fixed glass roof panel, xenon headlights, forward collision warning, automatic emergency braking, a drowsy driver warning system, automatic wipers, and power-folding mirrors. Inside, you'll find power-adjustable seats with memory settings, simulated leather upholstery (MB-Tex), a power-adjustable steering wheel, Bluetooth, two USB ports, an older version of Mercedes' COMAND tech interface (7-inch display, center console knob controller, dash buttons), and an eight-speaker sound system with HD radio.
The Premium package includes blind-spot warning, Mercedes' Airscarf neck-level heating system, heated seats, dual-zone automatic climate control, proximity entry and push-button start, and satellite radio. For adaptive LED headlights with automatic high-beam control, order the Exterior Lighting package. An adaptive suspension and a multitude of leather upholstery types and colors are stand-alone options.
The AMG SLC 43 gains a sport-tuned suspension, a sport exhaust, high-performance brakes, leather upholstery and paddle shifters. Also included are the contents of the Premium and Exterior Lighting packages. For the SLC 43 only, you can order an AMG Handling package that adds an AMG-tuned adaptive suspension, a limited-slip rear differential, a steering wheel wrapped in simulated suede, and an IWC Ingenieur dashtop analog clock.
A few other packages are available for either trim level, including the Driver Assistance package (adaptive cruise control and lane departure warning), the Smartphone Integration package (Apple CarPlay and Android Auto), and the Multimedia package (integrated navigation plus Apple CarPlay and Android Auto).
Notable stand-alone items include Magic Sky Control (which increases the tinting of the roof panel glass), blind-spot warning, parking sensors, multi-color interior ambient lighting, a less fancy dashtop analog clock, and a premium Harman Kardon sound system.
Consumer reviews
Read what other owners think about the Used 2019 Mercedes-Benz SLC-Class.
5 star(80%)
4 star(20%)
3 star(0%)
2 star(0%)
1 star(0%)
10 reviews
Trending topics in reviews
Most helpful consumer reviews
5 out of 5 stars
Not a hairdresser's car.
Will, 03/12/2019
2018 Mercedes-Benz SLC-Class AMG SLC 43 2dr Convertible (3.0L 6cyl Turbo 9A)
*The interior is far from cheap. Almost everything is leather, suede, soft to the touch and high quality carbon fiber. The ac temperature wheels are kinda cheap plastic but that's about the only thing that's not grade a quality, and they're really satisfying to turn.
*It has dynamic control. 4 modes, eco, comfort, sport and sport plus. In comfort it's really quiet, feels like a regular … luxury car. Sport makes it a bit louder and stiffer and somewhat more fun. Sport plus makes it really aggressive, like constantly in the boost range, crazy throttle blips while downshifting and obnoxiously loud. Super stiff and handles like it's on rails in sport plus. I'm a die hard manual guy and I fell in LOVE with sport plus.
*It's quicker than you think it is. When you get on it, it will break loose at high rpms even on dry pavement. I love that it puts you back in the seat when boost hits.
Only complaints I have are that the steering is really numb compared to how well it handles and it can be tail happy in corners.
5 out of 5 stars
Switched from years of owning 370Z Roadsters
Sharon Simmons, 03/25/2019
2019 Mercedes-Benz SLC-Class SLC 300 2dr Convertible (2.0L 4cyl Turbo 9A)
2019 - I love my new Benz!!! Switched from being a lifetime owner of 370Z Roadsters until the convertible didn't work on my last new one, so I went with the SLC 300 and never regretted it.
2022 -- STILL LOVING MY BENZ!!! My only complaint is they stopped making my gorgeous model the year after I purchased it. If they still sold this same type, I'd buy a NEW one! But I won't now.
4 out of 5 stars
2018 Merc SLC300 a traditional oldschool roadster
Brian, 03/10/2021
2018 Mercedes-Benz SLC-Class SLC 300 2dr Convertible (2.0L 4cyl Turbo 9A)
I'm a new convert to Mercedes, coming from a long line of BMW sedans and convertibles.
The interior is a pleasant place to be, getting in and out takes some gymnastics but the tradeoff is a classic british 60s roadster seating position with german engineering and quality.
The exterior improvements from the SLK gave the SLC a new lease on life, but the interior is essentially identical, … but still, average mercedes quality is better than the best Ford and Mazda can do with the mustang and Miata.
This is NOT a sports car, its got enough power to be enjoyable, but its not going to keep up with a modern BMW or Porche, it will however mess up your hair and make you smile a lot more than its german competition.
The technology in the car for a 2018 is compatible with my Ford F350, wifi hotspot, LED lights, Android Auto etc.
A hard top convertible is becoming hard to find and this car on the Californian mountain roads is its ideal home.. I can drive with the top down at anything over 55f and the neck heating keeps me warm enough to feel fine.
The car is eminently "chuckable" as you sit almost over the rear axle and is wonderful to take along the golden state's mountain roads, especially switchbacks and steep climbs in to wine country
I wouldnt own one of these without a warranty as I expect any repairs to be quite expensive and there's plenty that can go wrong with 2 turbos, a small engine and a lot of electronics, but I havent marked the car down for that.
The reason to drop a star is simply that the competition is so very strong and if youre looking for a sports car rather than a cruiser, there are better choices (BMW/Porche)
5 out of 5 stars
Great Sports Car
Connie, 01/02/2018
2018 Mercedes-Benz SLC-Class SLC 300 2dr Convertible (2.0L 4cyl Turbo 9A)
This is a very nicely appointed vechicle. Performance is really good. Not so good in snow but that's to be expected.
We have a limited number of reviews for the 2019 Mercedes-Benz SLC-Class, so we've included reviews for other years of the SLC-Class since its last redesign.
2019 SLC-Class Highlights
Convertible
SLC 300
Base MSRP Excludes Destination Fee | $48,950 |
---|---|
Engine Type | Gas |
Combined MPG | 27 MPG |
Cost to Drive | $206/month |
Seating | 2 seats |
Cargo Capacity All Seats In Place | 10.1 cu.ft. |
Drivetrain | rear wheel drive |
Warranty | 4 years / 50,000 miles |
Safety
Our experts like the SLC-Class models:
- Attention Assist
- Monitors the driver through a variety of means and provides a warning if it detects inattention or drowsiness.
- Active Brake Assist
- Monitors traffic ahead and warns of potential collisions. Can automatically apply the brakes if necessary.
- Active Lane Keeping Assist
- Warns and helps the driver with steering correction if the car unintentionally begins to drift out of its lane.
Related Used 2019 Mercedes-Benz SLC-Class info
Vehicle reviews of used models
- Used FIAT 500L 2018
- Used BMW X4 2016
- Used Nissan Quest 2012
- Used MINI Cooper Countryman 2013
- Used Lexus GS 450H 2017
Shop similar models
Shop used vehicles in your area
- Used Mercedes-Benz SLK-Class 2018 For Sale
- Used Mercedes-Benz SLC-Class 2019
- Used Mercedes-Benz SLC-Class 2020
- Used Mercedes-Benz SLK-Class 2017
Popular new car reviews and ratings
- GMC Denali Sierra 3500
- 2023 Ford F-150
- 2023 Ford Bronco
- 2023 Wrangler
- Mazda MX 5 RF
- Toyota Mirai
- Lexusnx 350
- Nissan Pathfinder 2023
- 2023 Impreza WRX
- Fiat 500E Electric Car
Research other models of Mercedes Benz
- Gla S
- Mercedes Benz Metris
- Mercedes-Benz G-Class 2024
- Mercedes GLC 300
- Mercedes Benz C Class
- Benz GLS
- G Wagon G Class
- Mercedes Maybach
- Mercedes Benz CLS Class
- Mercedes E Type
Research similar vehicles
- 2023 DB12
- 2024 S5
- 2023 Chevrolet Camaro
- Porsche Boxster
- LC500 Convertible
- Jaguar F-TYPE 2023
- BMW M4 2023
- 2023 C-Class
- 2023 Lamborghini Huracan
- 2024 Porsche 911
Other models
- New Chevrolet Trailblazer for Sale in Mckeesport, PA
- Used Pontiac Firebird in Oregon City, OR
- Used Mercedes-Benz Glk-Class in Auburndale, FL
- Used Volvo V70 in Wheeling, IL
- Used Mercury Sable in Rochester, NY
- Used Mini Cooper-Roadster in Lakeville, MN
- Used BMW X5-M in Durango, CO
- Used Lincoln Town-Car in Owasso, OK
- Used Maserati Levante in Marion, IN
- Used Ram 1500 in Coeur D Alene, ID