2020 Mercedes-Benz SLC-Class Review
Price Range: $28,998 - $42,990
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Below Average
6.2
out of 10
edmunds TESTED
We tested the Mercedes-Benz AMG SLC 43. It's quick and at times engaging, but all SLC models are showing their age. This generation of Mercedes' drop-top is nearly a decade old and competitors have eclipsed it in almost every way. Even compared to other Mercedes-Benz vehicles, the SLC looks and feels dated, especially inside. The retractable hardtop is a plus for highway driving, but it's not enough to put it ahead. The game has moved on, and the SLC hasn't.
Price & Payment
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Average price: $34,661
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Pros
- Retractable hardtop reduces interior noise
- Distinctive glass roof panel
Cons
- Less engaging to drive than rival convertibles
- Antiquated technology interface
- Snug interior, even by convertible standards
What's new
- New SLC 300 and AMG SLC 43 Final Edition packages
- Part of third Mercedes SLK generation introduced for 2011 (renamed SLC Roadster for 2017)
Overview
It's fair to say that the 2020 Mercedes-Benz SLC, at least in automotive terms, is now receiving AARP enrollment letters in the mail. The current-generation car debuted all the way back for the 2011 model year. While there have been some updates over the years, it's still the same basic car underneath.
For sale near Ashburn, VA
11 listings
- $43,292good price$3,320 below market
- 8,300 miles
- No accidents, 1 owner, personal use only
- 6cyl automatic
- Faulkner BMW (95 mi away)
- Back-up camera
- Bluetooth
- Sunroof/Moonroof
- Keyless Entry/Start
- Upgraded Headlights
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Located in Lancaster, PA
2020 Mercedes-Benz SLC SLC 43 AMG® Shadow Grey (Matte Finish)Clean CARFAX. CARFAX One-Owner. Odometer is 28639 miles below market average!2D Convertib...
AutoCheck Vehicle History Summary
Accident Free Vehicle: Yes
Personal Use Only: Yes
History Provider: AutoCheck
Title Details: Clean Title
Salvage Vehicle: No
Frame Damage: No
Theft History: No
Lemon Status: No
Free History Report: No
Features and Specs:
23 Combined MPG (20 City/29 Highway)
Listing Information:
VIN: WDDPK6GAXLF167189
Stock: LF167189
Certified Pre-Owned: No
Listed since: 01-30-2026 - $28,998good price$1,964 below market
- 55,405 miles
- No accidents, 2 owners, personal use
- 4cyl automatic
- CarMax Phoenix - West Valley (1,964 mi away)
- Delivery available*
- Back-up camera
- Bluetooth
- Sunroof/Moonroof
- Upgraded Headlights
- Blind Spot Monitorin...
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Located in Tolleson, AZ
Wanna drive? CarMax puts you in the driver's seat-and that includes transparency. Certain cars may have unrepaired safety recalls, so check nhtsa.gov/...
AutoCheck Vehicle History Summary
Accident Free Vehicle: Yes
Personal Use Only: Yes
History Provider: AutoCheck
Title Details: Clean Title
Salvage Vehicle: No
Frame Damage: No
Theft History: No
Lemon Status: No
Free History Report: No
Features and Specs:
27 Combined MPG (23 City/32 Highway)
Listing Information:
VIN: W1KPK3JA4LF172296
Stock: 28397253
Certified Pre-Owned: No
Rival luxury roadsters such as the BMW Z4 and the Porsche 718 Boxster have undergone full redesigns since then. Even compared to other Mercedes-Benz cars, the SLC feels as if it was plucked from a different era.
It isn't all bad news. The SLC's styling is handsome, and its retractable hardtop design makes it quieter at freeway speeds than its soft-top rivals. It's also available with a long list of luxury features. If you really want a hardtop, check out the SLC. Otherwise we suggest looking elsewhere.
Edmunds Expert Rating
edmunds TESTED
by the Edmunds Experts
Below Average
6.2
out of 10
We drove the 2020 Mercedes-Benz SLC-Class on our test track and on real roads. Our Edmunds team conducts rigorous independent vehicle testing, driving 500,000 miles a year.
Performance
7.5/10
How does the SLC-Class drive? The AMG SLC 43 encourages spirited driving thanks to its strong turbocharged V6 engine. But the final result isn't as engaging or thrilling as an Audi TT, Jaguar F-Type or Porsche Boxster. Some of these alternatives may be slower, but the greater sensation of speed and confidence is in their favor. While the SLC 43 handles well enough on smooth pavement, it can feel a bit unsettled on broken surfaces as the tires struggle to maintain their grip.
The 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.
The 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
7/10
How comfortable is the SLC-Class? Its folding hardtop roof is quieter than competitors, and the powerful climate control — complete with a breeze for your neck — is welcome. The seats are supportive and offer enough bostering to keep you planted while cornering yet don't feel confining.
The AMG SLC 43's ride quality is about average for the class. You feel every flaw in the road and there's substantial jostling over undulations, though it doesn't feel needlessly harsh. Overall, the SLC doesn't stand out from, or trail, the segment when it comes to comfort.
The AMG SLC 43's ride quality is about average for the class. You feel every flaw in the road and there's substantial jostling over undulations, though it doesn't feel needlessly harsh. Overall, the SLC doesn't stand out from, or trail, the segment when it comes to comfort.
Interior
6.5/10
How’s the interior? The interior is showing its age. Since the SLC debuted, the entire Mercedes lineup has adopted a more graceful and upscale cabin design. The technology has become more prevalent and easier to use too. The SLC's controls aren't as intuitive as those used in newer models, and some are hard to read in daylight.
It's snug inside the SLC too, though we wouldn't call it cramped. The low roof makes it feel smaller than it is and hurts both forward and rear visibility. The top itself folds in about 20 seconds.
It's snug inside the SLC too, though we wouldn't call it cramped. The low roof makes it feel smaller than it is and hurts both forward and rear visibility. The top itself folds in about 20 seconds.
Technology
6/10
How’s the tech? If there's one thing that ages quickly, it's technology. Mercedes has updated its infotainment system multiple times since the SLC went on sale. The old-generation numeric keypad and needlessly redundant buttons bring up nostalgia, but not in a good way. At least everything works as it should, and Apple CarPlay and Android Auto smartphone integration is available.
The SLC comes with a decent level of driver safety aids. But, like the other in-car tech, they are much less refined than Mercedes' more recent products. The traffic-adaptive cruise control, for example, keeps a good gap but frequently taps the brakes instead of downshifting on a hill, causing small lurches. Other systems are difficult to operate.
The SLC comes with a decent level of driver safety aids. But, like the other in-car tech, they are much less refined than Mercedes' more recent products. The traffic-adaptive cruise control, for example, keeps a good gap but frequently taps the brakes instead of downshifting on a hill, causing small lurches. Other systems are difficult to operate.
Storage
5.5/10
How’s the storage? What did you expect? It's a roadster, and the folding hardtop further cuts into cargo space. The 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.
The interior isn't any better. You'll find few places to put items such as your smartphone or sunglasses, even fewer than in other roadsters in this class. These aren't the most practical vehicles around, but even by the class standard, the SLC falls short.
The interior isn't any better. You'll find few places to put items such as your smartphone or sunglasses, even fewer than in other roadsters in this class. These aren't the most practical vehicles around, but even by the class standard, the SLC falls short.
Fuel Economy
5/10
How’s the fuel economy? The EPA estimates fuel economy at 23 mpg in combined city/highway driving for the SLC 43. The SLC 300 is more economical at 27 mpg combined. Both numbers are below average for this class of car. Our SLC 43 test car posted a lackluster 21 mpg on our 115-mile mixed-driving evaluation route.
Value
5/10
Is the SLC-Class a good value? It's hard to justify the cost of this Mercedes considering the newer convertibles from Audi, BMW, Jaguar and Porsche. The alternatives give you more for the money, especially given the age of the tech and overall design of the SLC.
Wildcard
6/10
For the few who are considering a roadster, emotion plays a big role in this decision. While it can be fun, the SLC 43 AMG doesn't quite make the heart sing with rapture as some others do. The exterior styling has held up well, but the interior looks and feels every bit of its age. Take one look at the competition and you'll see just how far things have come since the SLC debuted.
2020 Mercedes-Benz SLC-Class trim level differences
The 2020 SLC comes in two basic flavors: the standard SLC 300 and the sporty AMG SLC 43. Feature highlights include: Compare the 2020 Mercedes-Benz SLC-Class trim levels in-depth.
Which SLC-Class trim does Edmunds recommend?
While the SLC 300 offers a decent open-air experience, we suggest stepping up to the more powerful and much more engaging AMG 43 model. In addition to the twin-turbo V6, it comes with more standard equipment than the base model.

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Cost to Drive
Monthly estimates based on costs in Virginia
$191/mo for SLC-Class SLC 300
SLC-Class SLC 300
vs
$185/mo
Avg. Compact Car
Reliability
The 2020 Mercedes-Benz SLC-Class has a 4 years / 50,000 miles basic warranty and 2 recalls. Below you’ll find our owner reviews.
Recalls
2 recalls foundChecking if a car has a recall is simple. Just type the car's VIN number into the NHTSA website (https://www.nhtsa.gov/recalls). If there's an unrepaired recall, you'll see it there.
If a recall shows up, just call your local car dealer. They'll know about the recall and will work with the car maker to fix it for free (if the recall happened within 10 years of the car being first sold).
- Recall Number:
- 22V365000
- Manufacturer Recall Number:
- 2022060005
- Number of vehicles affected:
- 234918
- Defect Description:
- Mercedes-Benz USA, LLC (MBUSA) is recalling certain 2017-2022 CLA-Class, GLA-Class, GLE-Class, GLS-Class, SLC-Class, A-Class, AMG GT-Class, C-Class, E-Class, S-Class, SL-Class, GLC-Class, CLS-Class, GLB-Class, and G-Class vehicles. Please refer to MBUSA's recall report for specific vehicle model details. An error in the communication module's SIM card software can cause a mobile network connection failure, disabling the emergency call (eCall) system.
- Defect Consequence:
- A disabled eCall system would prevent a vehicle occupant from contacting the emergency services call center in an emergency, potentially delaying emergency responders and increasing the risk of injury.
- Corrective Action:
- The communication module software will be updated through an Over-the-Air (OTA) update or by a dealer, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed July 8, 2022. Owners may contact MBUSA customer service at 1-800-367-6372. MBUSA's number for this recall is 2022060005.
- Recall Number:
- 21V058000
- Manufacturer Recall Number:
- 2021020025
- Number of vehicles affected:
- 1292258
- Defect Description:
- Mercedes-Benz USA, LLC (MBUSA) is recalling certain 2016 - 2021 CLA-Class, GLA-Class, GLE-Class, GLS-Class, SLC-Class, A-Class, GT-Class, C-Class, E-Class, S-Class, CLS-Class, SL-Class, B-Class, GLB-Class, GLC-Class, and G-Class vehicles. Please refer to the Part 573 report for specific vehicle model details. The software design of the communication module may fail to communicate the correct vehicle location for the emergency call system (eCall) in the event of a crash.
- Defect Consequence:
- Failure of the eCall system may result in emergency responders being dispatched to the wrong location, increasing the risk of injury following a crash.
- Corrective Action:
- MBUSA will notify owners, and the communication module software will be updated by a dealer, or through an over-the-air (OTA) update, free of charge. The recall is expected to begin April 6, 2021. Owners may contact MBUSA customer service at 1-877-762-8267. MBUSA's number for this recall is 2021020025.
Warranty
4 years / 50,000 miles Basic Warranty- Basic Warranty
- 4 years / 50,000 miles
- Drivetrain Warranty
- 4 years / 50,000 miles
- Rust Warranty
- 4 years / 50,000 miles
- Roadside assistance Warranty
- 4 years / 50,000 miles
Mercedes-Benz SLC-Class Reviews
Owner Reviews
5(86%)
4(14%)
3(0%)
2(0%)
1(0%)
Most Helpful Owner Reviews
Trending topics
Not a hairdresser's car.
5 out of 5 starsWill, 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.
Switched from years of owning 370Z Roadsters
5 out of 5 starsSharon 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.
Fabulous Fun!
5 out of 5 starsMaggie B., 06/18/2020
2020 Mercedes-Benz SLC-Class SLC 300 2dr Convertible (2.0L 4cyl Turbo 9A)
After owning five different Mercedes models over the past 10 years, I have returned to this one as my favorite of all time. The features that I appreciated 10 years ago are still there, but skill fully improved with updated technological capabilities. With so many vehicles growing larger and larger these days, it’s a joy to drive in the city, where parking space availability is minimal. … As important as that is, it’s also great fun to open up to the spaces of the long winding road on a warm sunny day!
2018 Merc SLC300 a traditional oldschool roadster
4 out of 5 starsBrian, 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)
We have a limited number of reviews for the 2020 Mercedes-Benz SLC-Class, so we've included reviews for other years of the SLC-Class since its last redesign.
2020 SLC-Class Features & Specs
Convertible
SLC 300
| MSRP (New) Excludes Destination Fee | $49,950 |
|---|---|
| Engine Type | Gas |
| Combined MPG | 27 MPG |
| Cost to Drive | $191/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.
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