Item: Mercedes SLC
Rating: 2
Author: What Car? Team

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Introduction

Performance & drive

Interior

Passenger & boot space

Costs & verdict

If your heart is set on an SLC, then we’d opt for the mid-range SLC 180. Okay, so that doesn't get you the quickest, most refined or best-sounding model, but a decent mix of performance and running costs at least makes it the cheapest to run for private and company buyers, and there's enough agility to keep the majority of buyers happy.

It’s worth remembering, though, that the SLC is significantly more expensive than an <a href="https://www.whatcar.com/audi/tt/sports/review/n13">Audi TT Roadster</a> to buy, and it’s the TT that offers a more rounded driving experience, alongside a higher-quality interior, improved infotainment and more space for your luggage.

Most SLC buyers will choose a PCP finance deal and, in this respect, if you stick with the SLC 180 we recommend, the Mercedes in fact cheaper than both the TT and <a href="https://www.whatcar.com/mazda/mx-5/coupe/review/n17366">Mazda’s MX-5 RF</a>.

The list of standard equipment on AMG Line models covers the basics, including air conditioning, cruise control, sports seats and 18in alloy wheels, but you’ll still have to pay extra for sat-nav or heated seats.

The entry-level petrol option is the SLC 180, which features a turbocharged 1.6-litre engine producing 154bhp. ‘Entry-level’ is a subjective term here, because the SLC 180 can still propel you to 62mph in 7.9sec and on to a top speed of 140mph. It can also return a claimed 48.7mpg – although you’ll struggle to get close to that in real-world conditions. Even with those rather brisk performance statistics, this SLC doesn’t feel especially fast and, when you put your foot down, there’s a noticeable delay while the engine gets its house in order. The standard six-speed manual gearbox is good, though, offering smooth and fast shifts.

For greater performance, it’s worth looking at the SLC 200, which offers 181bhp. Even with the extra power, though, the SLC can’t match an equivalent Audi TT for outright pace and its engine note is dreary rather than sporty.

With 242bhp on offer, the SLC 300 feels decidedly more sprightly, although it doesn’t sound much better than its lesser counterparts. That issue is sorted by upgrading to the SLC 43, which gets a 3.0-litre turbocharged V6 engine with 362bhp. This offers proper sports car performance combined with an engine note to keep enthusiasts happy.

Like the old SLK, the SLC still struggles to remain decently composed across potholes or broken asphalt at low speeds, no thanks to its standard-fit sports suspension and 18in alloy wheels.

It grips well, mind, but doesn’t let you enjoy a meandering B-road as much as you would in, say, an <a href="https://www.whatcar.com/audi/tt/sports/review/n13">Audi TT Roadster</a>. True, the TT isn't the last word in handling finesse either, but the SLC's steering simply doesn't offer as much consistency as the TT's, while the SLC's standard Dynamic Select function made the steering overly heavy in its sportier settings.

Its Sport and Sport+ modes stiffen the suspension, too, if you spec the Dynamic Handling Package. Set accordingly, the adaptive dampers keep the SLC's body better controlled, but mid-corner intrusions still force it off course over particularly bad surfaces.

You need to come to a complete stop to raise or lower the SLC's metal folding roof but, once the process is under way, it is possible to drive to up to around 25mph while the job finishes. Boot space is severely reduced with the metal folding roof down, though.

Roof down and side windows up, both passengers are protected well from wind bluster, with only the top of a tall adult's head being ruffled. Even so, Mercedes' neck-warming Airscarf option is reasonably priced and recommendable. With the roof in place, road and wind noise are mostly kept outside, although there's a fair amount of creaking during hard cornering as the heavy glass and metal roof is forced this way and that by the shimmering chassis.

So, you're looking for a two-seat convertible to enjoy the UK's erm, frequent sunny weather? Logic would lead you naturally to the door of the <a href="https://www.whatcar.com/mazda/mx-5/sports/review/n17349">Mazda MX-5</a> and you'd be jolly happy. But if you also want a premium badge, then your choice is more limited – welcome, then, to the Mercedes-Benz SLC.

The SLC is a refresh of the SLK roadster and faces off against rivals including the <a href="https://www.whatcar.com/audi/tt/sports/review/n13">Audi TT Roadster</a> and upcoming <a href="https://www.whatcar.com/bmw/z4/sports/review/n64">BMW Z4</a>. It also needs to justify itself, though, against much cheaper alternatives such as the aforementioned MX-5 and <a href="https://www.whatcar.com/fiat/124-spider/sports/review/n17213">Fiat 124 Spider</a> – cars that show you don’t need to spend a lot of money to enjoy open-top driving thrills.

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Simplicity is the order of the day with the SLC – there are four petrol engines to choose from, no diesel alternatives and only one trim level.

Is the SLC still an attractive choice in this market, then? Over the next few pages, we’ll tell you what the SLC is like to drive, how spacious it is inside and which version we think you should buy.

Perceived quality lags behind that of an <a href="https://www.whatcar.com/audi/tt/sports/review/n13">Audi TT</a>, although there are nice touches including soft leather on the upper dashboard and a sports steering wheel. The SLC's buttons and rotary climate control dials don't feel as nicely damped and much of its dash plastics neither look nor feel very plush.

The SLC’s infotainment system is also looking very old hat next to more modern Mercedes models. Mercedes' own Comand set-up offers neither the intuitiveness or graphical slickness of rival systems from BMW and Audi, and is in places clunky and irksome to use. Drivers get a second smaller screen between the two front dials to show speed and other information, which is handy when you’re on the move.

The driver is treated to widely adjustable sports seats and steering wheel, plus well-aligned pedals, while the view forward is good thanks to the SLC’s narrow A-pillars. The view backwards isn’t as good with the roof in place, because its large folding metal structure is quite an obstruction.

Sports

Mercedes’ line-up is vast – ranging from the A-Class family hatchback through to staple saloons such as the C-Class and E-Class, and onwards towards multiple SUVs, luxury saloons and even sports cars. Coupés and convertibles are thrown into the mix as well.

As one of the ‘big three’ German brands, Mercedes most often finds itself competing with Audi and BMW but more recently has found itself fending off Jaguar and Volvo, too.

Mercedes models are known for comfort. One example of this is the E-Class, because while the Audi A6 has a plusher interior and the BMW 5 Series handles better, the E-Class is probably the most comfortable for a long motorway journey.

MERCEDES-BENZ

A refresh of the SLK model, the two-seat, open-top Mercedes-Benz SLC is refined and well equipped, but not much fun to drive

Mercedes-Benz SLC

Two tall adults will find a great amount of head and leg room roof up or down in their two seats, although this is a strictly two-seat open-top. Behind the seats sits an easily accessible, decently proportioned 335-litre boot with the roof up and separator lifted, making a load space that is easily big enough to take two or three large, soft weekend bags.

That space drops to 225 litres when having to store the bulky roof and getting at it also becomes more difficult; there’s more space in an <a href="https://www.whatcar.com/audi/tt/sports/review/n13">Audi TT Roadster</a> with the roof retracted.

A refresh of the SLK model, the two-seat, open-top Mercedes-Benz SLC is refined and well equipped, but not much fun to drive

What we're looking for:<ul><li>Wind-in-the-hair excitement</li> <li>Roof that’s quick and easy to raise and lower</li> <li>Comfortable seating for four adults</li> <li>Sufficient practicality for everyday use</li> <li>Little wind buffeting</li> <li>Quietness, whether the roof is up or down</li> <li>Minimal shaking and shimmying over bumps</li></ul>

Despite the British weather, UK car buyers are among the biggest enthusiasts for wind-in-your-hair motoring, so convertibles have always been surprisingly popular here. It’s best to be able to react to the fickle climate, though, so we’re after a roof that opens (and closes) slickly and quickly and good top-down cruising refinement.

There are precious few bespoke drop-tops these days, so your choice of models is generally limited to soft-top&nbsp;versions of existing models. Mini will sell you a drop-top version of its style-focused hatchback, if you’re after a bit of flair. The Audi A5&nbsp;Cabriolet, meanwhile, brings all of the benefits of the regular A5&nbsp;– refined engines and a beautifully finished interior. Alternatively, the much more expensive Mercedes-Benz S-Class Cabriolet is one of the most luxurious convertibles on sale.

Mercedes SLC review

Introduction

What Car? says...