Mercedes today launched the AMG SLC 43 in India at a price of Rs 77.5 lakh (ex showroom Delhi). Rebadged under the company’s new nomenclature, the range-topping SLC 43 is the facelifted version of the SLK roadster and first ‘43’ badged model to be introduced in the company’s India portfolio.
The SLC 43 forgoes the 5.5-litre naturally aspirated V8 motor of the Mercedes-AMG SLK55 for a smaller twin-turbocharged 3.0-litre V6. The new motor develops 367hp and 520Nm of torque and comes paired to the company’s new nine-speed automatic gearbox. Mercedes claims a 0-100kph sprint time of 4.7 seconds with the top speed restricted to 250kph.
The SLC gets a fresh front fascia with a new bumper and revised headlamps with LED daytime running lamps. The side profile continues near unchanged from the SLK while the rear features a new exhaust, new bumper and reprofiled tail-lamps with LED detailing.
The Mercedes-AMG SLC 43's folding hard top operates at speeds of up to 40kph, rather than at a standstill, as with the older SLK.
There are changes inside the cabin too with the most notable being a larger COMAND system display, a new steering and instrument cluster, key-less go and revised trim inserts across the cabin. Additionally, the roof mechanism is now wholly automatic and doesn’t require the manual operation of the luggage cover.
As an AMG model, the SLC 43 features AMG sports seats, AMG steering and instrument cluster and a more aggressive body kit from the standard SLC along with tweaks to the chassis and suspension to improve performance.
The SLC goes up against the likes of the BMW Z4 roadster, upcoming Porsche Boxster and the Jaguar F-Type. Mercedes is also expected to rebadge the GLE 450 AMG Coupe as the Mercedes-AMG GLE 43 under its new AMG badging system at a later stage.