Beautiful bodywork is a given for Mercedes roadster, but the SLC’s designers have outdone themselves with the new model’s diamond radiator grille, imposingly large air intakes, and a sculpted bonnet lying between prominent shoulders and wheel arches. At the rear, a revamped bumper with integrated tailpipes and an emphasised diffuser adds to the effect of the LED rear lights. Five-spoke 17” alloy wheels only add to the dramatic looks. Mercedes’ hydraulic Vario Roof can be opened or shut whilst travelling at speeds of up to 25mph, enclosing the driver and passenger in a well-insulated and spacious cabin. Occupants are faced with elegantly designed and easily understandable dials and instruments, with controls easily within reach on the three-spoke leather steering wheel and “floating” transmission tunnel. Air conditioning and a DAB digital radio are standard technology on all models.
TECHNOLOGY
The 2.0-litre petrol engines and 2.1-litre diesel units available with the SLC are hard to match for power or responsiveness – and that is not to mention the 3.0-litre V6 powerhouse exclusively available with the SLC 43 AMG models. Available in 184hp and 245hp variants, the petrol units can thrust the SLC from stationary to 62mph in 7.0 or 5.8 seconds, respectively. The SLC 250 d diesel edition can achieve the same feat in 6.6 seconds, whilst at the same time returning combined fuel consumption of 70.6mpg and carbon emissions of 114g/km. Both the six-speed manual and 9G-Tronic automatic gearbox are smooth and finely calibrated, complementing the versatile driving dynamics enabled by the five Dynamic Select driving modes.* As befits a vehicle with its level of style, luxury and power, the SLC also presents a host of driver-convenience systems. In addition to such amenities as a fabric wind deflector and halogen headlamps with daytime running lights, optional extras include ambient lighting, heated seats, an “Airscarf” neck-level heating system, and rain-sensing windscreen wipers
SAFETY
The standard safety equipment on new Mercedes models continues to become more proactive and sophisticated – and the protective measures of the new SLC are no exception to this rule. Potentially catastrophic errors are made less likely by the addition of autonomous Active Brake Assist, which automatically brings the car to a halt when a collision appears imminent, and Attention Assist, which responds to signs of driver fatigue with an audible warning. If a collision does occur then a full complement of airbags, crash-responsive head restraints, and an Active Bonnet (which pops up to minimise injuries to pedestrians) protects you and other road users from physical harm.
FEATURES
The 2.0-litre petrol engines and 2.1-litre diesel unit available with the SLC are hard to match for power or responsiveness – and that’s not to mention the 3.0-litre V6 powerhouse exclusively available with the SLC 43 AMG models. Available in 184hp and 245hp variants, the petrol units can thrust the SLC from stationary to 62mph in 7.0 or 5.8 seconds, respectively. The SLC 250 d diesel edition can achieve the same feat in 6.6 seconds, whilst at the same time returning combined fuel consumption of 70.6mpg and carbon emissions of 114g/km. The six-speed manual and 9G-Tronic automatic gearbox are smooth and finely calibrated, complementing the versatile driving dynamics enabled by the five Dynamic Select driving modes.
