Used 2020 Mercedes-Benz SLC

First conceived as the SLK in the 1990s, back when 2-seat roadsters were all the rage, the SLC is the 3rd-generation iteration of the original concept. Surprisingly, it hasn’t changed all that much, remaining a small, sporty 2-seater powered by its rear wheels and touting a power-retractable hardtop.

With a starting price just north of $50,000, the SLC 300 is priced right, but against competitors like the Audi TT, BMW Z4, Jaguar F-Type and Porsche 718 Boxster, the SLC lacks modern engineering, technology and sophistication. However, unlike its primary competition, the SLC’s hardtop design makes the Mercedes a more practical car to live with on a daily basis. Plus, it provides the safety and security that come from having a metal, rather than cloth, folding top.

If you want a Mercedes-Benz SLC, you’d better act fast. The 2020 model year is the car’s final one.

With a turbocharged 4-cylinder engine good for 241 ponies powering the rear wheels, the 2020 Mercedes-Benz SLC 300 gets up and moves swiftly. Mercedes says it accelerates from rest to 60 mph in 5.8 seconds, which is faster than most other cars on the road.

Granted, the SLC doesn’t have the body stiffness of the new-for-2019 BMW Z4 or the razor-sharp handling of a Porsche 718 Boxster, but it has the edge in overall comfort. As an everyday driver, we think the SLC is more livable than the Porsche. Moreover, the SLC’s driving characteristics can be modified with the press of a button. Five drive modes, ranging from Eco-minded to Comfort-oriented to the aggressive Sport Plus, change characteristics such as steering feel, throttle mapping and shift points.

Speaking of shifting, the latest SLC uses a 9-speed automatic transmission. While we’re still on the fence about some of today’s 9-speeds, those used by Mercedes are among the smoothest we’ve experienced.

Take one look inside the SLC 300 and you’d never guess the design is nearly 10 years old.

There’s not a lot of headroom for taller drivers, but legroom is more than sufficient. The supportive power-adjustable bucket seats are covered in standard simulated leather, with heating a part of a Premium Package that also includes the Airscarf neck-warming feature. Optionally, real leather features sun-reflective properties to help keep surfaces cooler on sunny summer days.

Time catches up to the SLC once you glance at the audio and climate controls. The SLC lacks the large touch-screen interface and digital displays increasingly common in Mercedes-Benz vehicles. Simple knobs and buttons suffice in this case, and many people might find them preferable, especially when the top is down and bright sunlight fills the cabin. A rotary dial on the center console controls most infotainment settings and just forward of that is the small and somewhat awkward gear selector.

Trunk space with the top in place is a respectable 10.1 cubic feet, but shrinks to just 6.4 cubic feet with the top retracted.

With the hardtop up, the 2020 SLC-Class looks a lot like a coupe, albeit a somewhat awkward one thanks to the way the roof sits over the passenger compartment like a baseball cap. Still you’d be hard-pressed to tell it’s actually a convertible unless you see it with the top down, and then you’re in for more of a visual treat. That top retracts in only 20 seconds, too.

Equipped with a long hood, short trunk and wide stance, the SLC has that classic roadster look. At under 163 inches, the Mercedes SLC is tiny — just a bit bigger than a Mazda MX-5 Miata — which makes it a cinch to maneuver around town and easy to park in small spaces. Naturally, the car’s appearance improves with options such as larger wheels, metallic paint and AMG Line exterior detailing.

MAGIC SKY GLASS-PANEL ROOF
Unlike its cloth soft-top rivals, the 2020 SLC 300 has a power-retractable hardtop that includes a standard, built-in panoramic glass roof. This feature allows sunlight into the cabin in the winter, without having to drop the top. A $2,500 Magic Sky Control option allows the glass to be either clear or opaque.

AIRSCARF & AIR GUIDES
One of our favorite features, the Airscarf system blows warm air through a vent in the headrest, keeping exposed skin warm on days when the air is brisk. The adjustable Air Guide deflectors that direct air away from occupants further enhance the system.

The 2020 Mercedes-Benz SLC 300 includes an impressive roster of standard features including 17-inch aluminum-alloy wheels, rain-sensing wipers, heated power-folding side mirrors, and a panoramic glass roof panel. Inside, power-operated sport seats are covered in MB-Tex Leatherette upholstery, and the SLC features a power-adjustable steering wheel.

The infotainment system includes a 7-inch display, dual USB ports, Bluetooth connectivity, and an 8-speaker audio system with HD Radio. Safety systems include a drowsy-driver monitor, automatic emergency braking, and an emergency-calling system with automatic collision notification and manual SOS calling.

Mercedes offers a number of options for the 2020 SLC 300 roadster, most bundled into packages, but not all.

In addition to AMG Line and Night appearance packages, the Exterior Lighting package adds active LED headlights with automatic high-beam operation. The Premium package includes the Airscarf neck-warmer, heated seats, dual-zone automatic climate control, and keyless entry with infrared-remote roof control.

Apple CarPlay and Android Auto connectivity are available as part of a Smartphone Integration package or are bundled into the Multimedia package, which also adds navigation.

The Driver Assistance package equips the SLC with adaptive cruise control, lane-keeping assistance, and a Pre Safe system that prepares the car and its occupants for a potential collision.

Stand-alone options include metallic paint, larger wheels, an adjustable suspension, the Magic Sky Control darkening glass roof, and a Parktronic parking-assist system. Buyers can also upgrade the SLC 300 with leather seats, ambient cabin lighting, a Harman Kardon Logic 7 sound system, and a dash-top analog clock.

A 2.0-liter turbocharged 4-cylinder powers the 2020 Mercedes SLC 300, putting out 241 horsepower and 273 lb-ft of torque. A 9-speed automatic transmission sends it to the rear wheels. This powertrain provides a good blend of power and efficiency, propelling the SLC to 60 mph in less than six seconds while returning up to 32 mpg on the highway.

If you’re looking for a more powerful SLC, you’ll probably want to step up to the V6 in the Mercedes-AMG SLC 43, reviewed separately. Also, keep in mind that the SLC 300 drinks pricier premium unleaded gasoline.

2.0-liter turbocharged inline-4
241 horsepower @ 5,500 rpm
273 lb-ft of torque @ 1,300-4,000 rpm
EPA city/highway fuel economy: 23/32 mpg