Mercedes-Benz has announced it will end production of its SLC convertible later this year, and has revealed the SLC Final Edition to commemorate its end. The special edition two-seat roadster will make its debut at the upcoming Geneva motor show next month, nearly 23 years after the model first made an appearance in international markets as the SLK. There are currently no plans for a direct successor to the SLC.
The Mercedes SLC Final Edition will be offered with a choice of four petrol engines – a 156hp, 1.6-litre four-cylinder in the SLC 180, a 184hp, 2.0-litre four-cylinder in the SLC 200, a 245hp, 2.0-litre four-cylinder in the SLC 300 and a 388hp 3.0-litre V6 in the Mercedes-AMG SLC 43.
The SLC 180 and SLC 200’s motors will be mated to a 6-speed manual gearbox, while the SLC 300 and SLC 43 will receive a 9-speed automatic. Mercedes claims a 0-100kph time of 4.7 seconds and an electronically limited top speed of 250kph.
To mark out the special edition model, Mercedes will offer the SLC Final Edition is a special optional yellow paint finish, along with the standard black and grey options; the former replicates one of the colours used on the original SLK at launch.
The SLC Final Edition is based on the SLC AMG Line trim, but differs on the outside thanks to uniquely styled bumpers and 18-inch five-spoke alloy wheels. The interior sports changes too with previously available options – like the Airscarf neck heaters – now coming as standard.
The Mercedes C-class-based roadster was produced in three model generations over its 23-year life span. The original R170 model, which was showcased at the 1996 Paris motor show, was succeeded by the R171, which debuted at the Geneva motor show in 2004. The current R172 was revealed back in 2011 and was known as the SLK until the facelift model arrived in 2016, after which it was named the SLC. The German luxury brand claims total sales of the SLK and SLC exceed 7.1 lakh units.
The Mercedes-AMG SLC 43 is on sale in India at Rs 94.86 lakh (on-road, Delhi), with a 367hp, 3.0-litre V6 engine.
Also see:
2016 Mercedes-AMG SLC 43 review, test drive
Mercedes-AMG SLC 43 video review