2020 Mercedes-Benz SLC-Class Review

Name: 2020 Mercedes-Benz SLC-Class Review
Brand: Mercedes-Benz

Price Range: $29,998 - $45,998

2020 Mercedes-Benz SLC-Class AMG SLC 43 Convertible Exterior

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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.

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Mercedes-Benz SLC-Class model years

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Mercedes-Benz SLC-Class types

Convertible
AMG SLC 43

2020 Mercedes-Benz SLC-Class Review

byReese Counts^{Vehicle Test Editor
Reese Counts has worked in the automotive industry since he started as an intern at Edmunds in 2015. He has written or edited thousands of car-related articles and tested and reviewed hundreds of vehicles over the course of his career. Reese is a vehicle test editor at Edmunds and has also contributed to Autoblog. Reese has also been featured on Yahoo! Finance, Engadget and AOL reviewing cars and covering automotive technology, auto shows and more. Reese learned to drive in his father's C4 Chevrolet Corvette and now owns his grandfather's 1999 Mercedes-Benz C43 AMG. A love for cars runs deep in his family.}

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.

Cost to Drive^{Cost to drive estimates for the 2020 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 $3.79 per gallon for premium unleaded in Virginia.}

Monthly estimates based on costs in Virginia

$175/mo

$152/mo

Avg. Compact Car

Calculate my fuel costs

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

Our Verdict^{The Edmunds Vehicle Testing Team evaluates a fresh batch of vehicles every week, pairing objective assessments at our test track with real-world driving on city streets, freeways and winding roads. The data we gather results in our Expert Ratings. They’re based on 30-plus scores that cover every aspect of the automotive experience.}

Below Average

6.2

out of 10

edmunds TESTED

Rated for you by America's best test team.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

Which SLC-Class 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.

Compare 2020 Mercedes-Benz SLC-Class trim levels

Helpful trims summary and side-by-side comparison chart

2020 Mercedes-Benz SLC-Class models

The 2020 SLC comes in two basic flavors: the standard SLC 300 and the sporty AMG SLC 43. Feature highlights include:

SLC 300
Come standard with:

241-horsepower four-cylinder engine
Power-retractable hardtop roof with glass panel
17-inch wheels with summer performance tires
Blind-spot monitoring
Automatic emergency braking

AMG SLC 43
Adds to the SLC 300 with:

A 385-hp V6 engine
AMG sport exhaust
18-inch wheels with summer performance tires
LED headlights
Harman Kardon audio system
Heated seats with Mercedes' Airscarf neck warmer
Dual-zone climate control
Keyless entry and ignition

Main options for the SLC:

Driver Assistance package (extra driver safety aids)
Multimedia package (navigation and Apple CarPlay and Android Auto)
AMG Handling package (sport suspension and limited-slip rear differential)
Magic Sky Control roof (adjusts the tinting of the roof-panel glass)

To celebrate the end of production, Mercedes-Benz is offering a limited-run SLC Final Edition for both the SLC 300 and the AMG SLC 43. Features include:

Final Edition badges inside and out
Unique paint and wheel options
A few otherwise optional features as standard

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Mercedes-Benz SLC-Class Reviews

Owner Reviews

4.9

14 reviews

5(86%)

4(14%)

3(0%)

2(0%)

1(0%)

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Most Helpful Owner Reviews

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 …

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.

Fabulous Fun!

Maggie 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. …

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, …

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.

See all 14 reviews of the Mercedes-Benz SLC-Class

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2020 SLC-Class Highlights

Type:

Convertible

Trim:

SLC 300

Base MSRP Excludes Destination Fee	$49,950
Engine Type	Gas
Combined MPG	27 MPG
Cost to Drive	$175/month
Seating	2 seats
Cargo Capacity All Seats In Place	10.1 cu.ft.
Drivetrain	rear wheel drive
Warranty	4 years / 50,000 miles

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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.

2020 Mercedes-Benz SLC-Class Review

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Certified 2020 Mercedes-Benz SLC-ClassSLC 300 Convertible

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2020 Mercedes-Benz SLC-ClassSLC 300 Convertible

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2020 Mercedes-Benz SLC-ClassSLC 300 Convertible

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2020 Mercedes-Benz SLC-Class Review

Pros

Cons

What's new

Overview

Edmunds Expert Rating

Performance

Comfort

Interior

Technology

Storage

Fuel Economy

Value

Wildcard

Which SLC-Class does Edmunds recommend?

2020 Mercedes-Benz SLC-Class models

Mercedes-Benz SLC-Class Reviews

Owner Reviews

Most Helpful Owner Reviews

Not a hairdresser's car.

Switched from years of owning 370Z Roadsters

Fabulous Fun!

2018 Merc SLC300 a traditional oldschool roadster

2020 SLC-Class Highlights

Safety

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