No vehicle makes a better excuse for taking long, twisty roads on weekend adventures than a two-door convertible. Ideally, you want a combination of nimble handling and compliant road manners, and the 2018 Mercedes-Benz SLC Roadster absolutely meets those requirements.
This compact Mercedes convertible was first called the SLK-Class when it originally went on sale in the 2011 model year. Beyond the name, much has changed since then. Today, the 2018 SLC Roadster comes in two versions: the more affordable and fuel-efficient SLC 300 and the performance-oriented AMG SLC 43.
The SLC 300 packs a turbocharged four-cylinder engine whose 241 horsepower provides acceleration that's adequate for a small sports car with a base engine. Though previous performance AMG models featured a muscle-car-sounding V8, the SLC 43 makes do with a twin-turbocharged V6 that offers an entertaining 362 hp.
The SLC Roadster hasn't received the interior updates you'll find elsewhere in the lineup, such as a large digital instrument cluster, but the look and feel remain unmistakably Mercedes-Benz. There are echoes of the top-tier SL-Class and flagship sports car AMG GT despite the sizable difference in cost.
Also, like the SL-Class, the SLC Roadster uses a similar glass roof. It's attractive, but it can let in a lot of heat on sunny days, making the optional Magic Sky Control — which darkens the glass at the press of a button — a highly recommended addition. On cooler days, the optional Airscarf system, which blows warm air from seat-mounted vents, means that drivers can enjoy top-down motoring without shivering.
The materials quality is top-notch and nothing short of what you'd expect from the German luxury brand. Although a little cozier in the cockpit than some other competitors, the SLC should still serve as an effective grand tourer on longer-distance trips. And the surprisingly ample trunk space makes the SLC a perfect vehicle for intimate road trips.
Though competitors may offer more muscle, more agility or even a couple more seats, if a perfect marriage of luxury and sporty roadster is what you are looking for, the 2018 Mercedes-Benz SLC Roadster needs to be on your list. Be sure to read the full review on Edmunds and let us help find the perfect SLC Roadster for your needs.
2018 Mercedes-Benz SLC-Class Overview
The 2018 Mercedes-Benz SLC-Class is offered in the following submodels: Convertible, AMG SLC 43. Available styles include SLC 300 2dr Convertible (2.0L 4cyl Turbo 9A), and AMG SLC 43 2dr Convertible (3.0L 6cyl Turbo 9A). SLC-Class models are available with a 0-liter gas engine, with output up to 0 hp, depending on engine type. The 2018 SLC-Class comes with rear wheel drive. Available transmissions include: 9-speed shiftable automatic. The 2018 SLC-Class comes with a 4 yr./ 50000 mi. basic warranty, a unlimited yr./ unlimited mi. roadside warranty, and a 4 yr./ 50000 mi. powertrain warranty.
Is the 2018 Mercedes-Benz SLC-Class a good car? Edmunds experts have compiled a robust series of ratings and reviews for the 2018 Mercedes-Benz SLC-Class and all model years in our database. Our rich content includes expert reviews and recommendations for the 2018 SLC-Class featuring deep dives into trim levels and features, performance, mpg, safety, interior, and driving. Edmunds also offers expert ratings, road test and performance data, long-term road tests, first-drive reviews, video reviews and more.
Our Review Process All of our reviews are written by a member of Edmunds' editorial team of expert car reviewers. Our team drives every car you can buy. We put the vehicles through rigorous testing, evaluating how they drive and comparing them in detail to their competitors.
We're also regular people like you, so we pay attention to all the different ways people use their cars every day. We want to know if there's enough room for our families and our weekend gear and whether or not our favorite drink fits in the cupholder. Our editors want to help you make the best decision on a car that fits your life.
What do people think of the 2018 Mercedes-Benz SLC-Class? Consumer ratings and reviews are also available for the 2018 Mercedes-Benz SLC-Class and all its trim types. Overall, Edmunds users rate the 2018 SLC-Class a 5 on a scale of 1 to 5 stars. Edmunds consumer reviews allow users to sift through aggregated consumer reviews to understand what other drivers are saying about any vehicle in our database. Detailed rating breakdowns (including performance, comfort, value, interior, exterior design, build quality, and reliability) are available as well to provide shoppers with a comprehensive understanding of why customers like the 2018 SLC-Class.
How can Edmunds help? Edmunds has deep data on over 6 million new, used, and certified pre-owned vehicles, including rich, trim-level features and specs information like: MSRP, average price paid, warranty information (basic, drivetrain, and maintenance), features (upholstery, bluetooth, navigation, heated seating, cooled seating, cruise control, parking assistance, keyless ignition, satellite radio, folding rears seats ,run flat tires, wheel type, tire size, wheel tire, sunroof, etc.), vehicle specifications (engine cylinder count, drivetrain, engine power, engine torque, engine displacement, transmission), fuel economy (city, highway, combined, fuel capacity, range), vehicle dimensions (length, width, seating capacity, cargo space), car safety, true cost to own. Edmunds also provides tools to allow shopper to compare vehicles to similar models of their choosing by warranty, interior features, exterior features, specifications, fuel economy, vehicle dimensions, consumer rating, edmunds rating, and color
