2017 MERCEDES-BENZ SLC-CLASS | WDDPK6GA6HF137047

Body Styles

The SLC-Class was available exclusively as a two-door, two-seat hardtop convertible, built on a compact rear-wheel-drive platform. Its most distinctive feature was the “vario-roof” retractable hardtop, which folded into the trunk in under 20 seconds, allowing the car to transform between coupé and roadster on demand. Some models included the MAGIC SKY CONTROL glass roof, which could tint electronically at the press of a button.

Its proportions were classic long-hood, short-deck roadster, with a compact rear end, tight overhangs, and a sculpted waistline. The front fascia evolved in the facelifted 2016–2020 SLC, adopting the diamond-pattern grille, sharper headlights, and larger intakes — especially on AMG variants.

The SLC sat low and wide, offering a planted stance despite its modest footprint (around 4.1 meters in length). AMG models gained more aggressive bumpers, quad exhaust outlets, rear diffuser, 19-inch wheels, and red brake calipers, visually distinguishing them from the more elegant base trims.

Model Name Meaning (Manufacturer)

“SLC” stands for “Sportlich Leicht Coupé” (Sport Lightweight Coupé), aligning the roadster with the C-Class platform on which it was based. The renaming from SLK to SLC in 2016 followed Mercedes-Benz’s revised naming strategy, which grouped roadsters by size and platform (e.g., SL = S-Class, SLC = C-Class).

Body & Interior Colors and Rims

The Mercedes-Benz SLC-Class (2011–2020), including its earlier SLK branding, was offered in a wide spectrum of exterior colors that ranged from elegant and understated to bright and energetic — reflecting the dual identity of the model as both a luxury roadster and a compact sports car. Standard colors included Polar White, Obsidian Black Metallic, Iridium Silver, and Selenite Grey, while more expressive hues such as Fire Opal Red, Brilliant Blue, and Designo Hyacinth Red Metallic were available for those seeking visual drama. The AMG SLC 43 variant offered exclusive finishes like Sun Yellow and Designo Selenite Grey Magno (matte), emphasizing its dynamic presence.

The hallmark of the SLC’s exterior was its power-folding hardtop roof, which could be body-colored or optionally fitted with the MAGIC SKY CONTROL glass panel — allowing drivers to adjust roof transparency at the push of a button. This feature added a technical and futuristic element to the car’s visual identity.

Interior configurations included Black, Sahara Beige, Crystal Grey, and Saddle Brown, available in both MB-Tex synthetic leather and Nappa leather upholstery. AMG models featured sport seats with contrast piping, red or silver stitching, and optional DINAMICA microfiber inserts. The SLC 43 AMG also introduced unique color themes such as Black with Cranberry Red stitching, and AMG Carbon Look trim or Brushed Aluminum inlays were standard in high-spec variants. The overall cabin layout remained driver-centric, with round air vents, a three-spoke multifunction steering wheel, and piano black or wood finishes in higher trims.

Wheel options reflected the car’s compact proportions and sporting intent. Standard SLC trims typically came with 17-inch 5-spoke alloy wheels, while higher-line and AMG Night Package models featured 18-inch or 19-inch AMG twin 5-spoke or multispoke designs. Available finishes included Tremolite Grey, Gloss Black, Titanium Silver, and Diamond-Cut Bicolor combinations. AMG SLC 43 models were fitted with high-performance tires, optional staggered-width fitments, and unique designs with visible brake hardware.

Behind the wheels, silver-painted calipers were standard, while the SLC 43 AMG upgraded to larger, ventilated disc brakes and optionally red-painted AMG calipers for added presence. Wheel arches remained tight and clean, giving the SLC a neatly planted stance, further emphasized by the optional lowered sport suspension and AMG Styling Package, which added aerodynamic bodywork and gloss black trim elements.

Top Expensive Options

• AMG Night Package with Black Styling Elements: $2,000
• MAGIC SKY CONTROL Glass Roof: $2,500
• Airscarf Neck-Level Heating System: $800
• AMG Performance Exhaust with Variable Flaps: $1,200
• AMG Ride Control Sport Suspension with Adjustable Dampers: $1,500
• Designo Nappa Leather Interior Package: $3,000
• Navigation with COMAND Online and Voice Control: $1,800
• Harman Kardon Logic 7 Surround Sound: $900
• LED Intelligent Light System with Adaptive High Beam: $1,300
• Active Safety Assist Package (Blind Spot, Lane Keep, Pre-Safe): $1,700

vs Competitors

The SLC competed directly with the BMW Z4, Audi TT Roadster, and Porsche 718 Boxster. While the Porsche offered sharper dynamics and the BMW more tech, the SLC’s strengths lay in luxury-grade refinement, a fully retractable hardtop, and brand heritage. The SLC 43 provided a unique middle ground — more powerful than a Z4 30i, more affordable than a Boxster S, and more usable year-round thanks to its insulated hardtop and comfort-oriented features.

Though it lacked the raw handling edge of the Porsche or the cabin modernity of the BMW, the SLC delivered a classic roadster experience with AMG charisma, solid build quality, and unmistakable presence.

Fun Fact

The SLC 43 AMG was one of the first AMG models to wear the “43” badge under Mercedes’ new performance naming system, signifying “entry-level AMG” beneath the full “63” lineup. It was also the final evolution of the SLK/SLC lineage, marking the end of a 25-year run of compact roadsters from Mercedes. The last-ever SLC produced in 2020 was a Final Edition finished in Sun Yellow, paying tribute to the launch color of the original SLK in 1996.