Used Mercedes SLC 2016-2020 review
What's the used Mercedes SLC sports like?
Beneath its handsome skin, the Mercedes SLC was a mildly facelifted version of the third-generation Mercedes SLK, a successful two-seat roadster that brought enjoyable open-air motoring to those desirous of low-cost fun but still wanting a premium badge.
Like the SLK, the 2016 to 2020 SLC looked the part; pert, pretty and suitably sporty, as much at home outside the casinos of Monte Carlo as the supermarkets of Macclesfield.
In corners, the SLC grips well, but it’s not quite as pleasant to drive as you might hope. Its steering is quite heavy, with the handling safe, secure and predictable. However, it doesn’t have the levels of fun offered by rivals such as the Audi TT and BMW Z4 or even, for that matter, smaller and cheaper roadsters including the Mazda MX-5.
On top of that, like the SLK, the SLC rides badly and 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.
Wind and road noise are fairly well contained with the roof up, but there is a certain amount of shake and shimmy and the odd creek from the bodywork.
The driver is treated to a comfortable sports seat – although taller drivers will find it simply doesn’t go back far enough – and there’s a neat sporty steering wheel. The SLC's buttons and rotary climate control dials don't feel that nicely damped and a lot of its dash plastics neither look nor feel very plush.
The SLC’s infotainment system is also looking very old next to more modern Mercedes models. Mercedes' Comand set-up offers neither the intuitiveness nor graphical slickness of rival systems from BMW and Audi, and is clunky and irksome to use in places.
The boot is a healthy size, though, and should hold enough luggage for a week away for two. The only problem is that the space available drops considerably with the roof down.
