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2018 Mercedes-Benz SLC Reviews, Pricing & Specs
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The fascinating life of the Mercedes-Benz SLC-Class began in the late 1990s as the original SLK-Class. This diminutive roadster, which slotted below the stately SL-Class, was distinguished by its trick-folding hardtop and genuine performance characteristics. Throughout its three generations, the SLK-Class has maintained those attributes, and for the 2017 model year, Mercedes-Benz tweaked the model visually, gave it new running gears, and revised its name to the SLC-Class. For 2018, this baby roadster remains fundamentally unchanged.
The general shape of the SLC-Class has remained consistent for the past decade, but everything beyond the windshield was redesigned during the 2017 facelift, which brought the headlamps, grille, and lower front fascia up to Mercedes-Benz’s current school of design. The redesign also altered the rear fascia, adding jeweled LED taillamps and emphasizing horizontal lines. Otherwise, the simply elegant SLC-Class features classic long-hood/short-deck proportions along with a low and wide stance that sets it apart from other modern vehicles.
The SLC-Class has two major models that both employ a 9-speed automatic and rear-wheel drive, and both versions have a number of incredibly attractive features.The base version, the SLC 300, has a 2.0-liter turbocharged inline four-cylinder engine with 241 horsepower and 273 lb-ft of torque. This powerful engine can move the vehicle to 60 MPH in only 5.8 seconds. The SLC 300 features five standard drive modes - “comfort,” “sport,” “sport+,” “eco,” and “individual” - that make the 300 a well-rounded small luxury roadster.
The more advanced model, the SLC 43 AMG, can be distinguished from the 300 by its full-width lower intakes and quad rear exhausts, but it continues the SLC-Class tradition of subtlety. However, despite its sleek look, the SLC 43 AMG comes with a powerful engine upgrade: a 3.0-liter twin-turbocharged V6 delivering 362 horsepower, 384 lb-ft of torque, and a zero-to-sixty time of 4.6-seconds. The 43 AMG also features an upgraded suspension, bigger brakes, and AMG-tuned exhaust that adjusts with the driving mode. The 43 AMG’s stiffer suspension places it on par with competitors like the Porsche 718 Boxster S and V6-powered Jaguar F-Pace, which cost far more than the SLC 43 AMG.
However, the SLC-Class’s interiors aren’t Mercedes-Benz’s latest wares. Both models have new steering wheels and instrument clusters, but the switchgear looks and feels dated. The infotainment system also appears small and insignificant, and push-button start is not standard, which is puzzling at this price point. The standard carbon-look aluminum trim is a bit garish for this class of car, but the optional wood trim upgrades appear deep and rich. Similar models from Porsche and Audi employ cold, mechanical philosophies for their interiors, making them difficult to compare with the SLC-Class. Jaguar, however, similarly prioritizes classic luxury and achieves them to a greater effect.
Despite these drawbacks, the SLC-Class gets the basic design right, and has the unique distinction of being one of the few cars still available with a wide array of interior colors, ranging from sand white to wine red and even saddle brown. The SLC-Class also has AIRSCARF, which is composed of vents at neck-level in the seats that blow warm air on the occupants’ upper bodies even with the hardtop folded down. The hardtop can also fold and unfold at speeds of up to 25 miles per hour, and most importantly, every part of the interior still feels substantial and high-quality.
Additionally, the Mercedes-Benz bundles the SLC-Class’s technology options into convenient packages. The Premium 1 package includes AIRSCARF, heated seats, push-button start, blind spot monitoring, infrared-remote hardtop operation, an upgraded Harmon Kardon sound system, and SiriusXM radio. Premium 2 adds Apple CarPlay, Android Auto, LED headlamps, automatic high-beams, voice control, and navigation. Premium 3 comes with all of Premium 2’s features along with adaptive cruise control, lane-keeping assist, and parking assist. Otherwise, buyers can choose a few standalone options, such as multi-colored ambient LED lighting, a panoramic sunroof, a trunk-mounted rear spoiler, and an AMG Line exterior style package for the base SLC 300.
The Insurance Institute for Highway Safety (IIHS) has yet to test the SLC-Class. However, both models come with the full suite of basic safety precautions. There are driver and passenger frontal, side-seat, side-curtain, and knee airbags as well as a seat sensor for the front passenger seat that deactivates relevant airbags if a child seat is present. The SLC-Class even has a camera that provides an audible and visual warning if it detects that the driver is unfocused. With these systems and its wide array of optional safety aids, the SLC-Class should fare well in any future collision or collision-avoidance tests.
As the fundamentally oldest car in its segment, the SLC-Class has lost some of its luster, and even the recent facelift hasn’t completely addressed particular issues. However, the SLC-Class is more balanced and livable than its competitors. The interior is all-day comfortable, aided in part by the folding hardtop. With either powertrain, the SLC-Class still knows how to have fun while being practical for everyday driving. Those factors, coupled with its handsome proportions, mean the SLC-Class continues to be a solid choice among luxury convertibles.
Published May 31, 2022 by Kyree Rollerson
User reviews for 2018 Mercedes-Benz SLC
Write a reviewUser rating:
by Alejandro N
Jul 30, 2023
The AMG-43 has a lot of power and beauty inside and outside. If you have the extra money it is worth to drive this 6 cylinder engine with two turbos.Jul 30, 2023
by Anonymous
Nov 10, 2022
Its a Solid Classic Coupe that will never go out of style!Nov 10, 2022
by Borna S
Dec 19, 2021
Car had accident and the dealer was hiding it and advertised it as a no accident carDec 19, 2021
User rating:
by Alejandro N
Jul 30, 2023
The AMG-43 has a lot of power and beauty inside and outside. If you have the extra money it is worth to drive this 6 cylinder engine with two turbos.Jul 30, 2023
by Anonymous
Nov 10, 2022
Its a Solid Classic Coupe that will never go out of style!Nov 10, 2022
by Borna S
Dec 19, 2021
Car had accident and the dealer was hiding it and advertised it as a no accident carDec 19, 2021
by Dat T
Oct 02, 2021
I like this model SLC 300 AMG 43 and the white color Oct 02, 2021
by Carolyn K
May 31, 2021
Very fast and responsive. Love it! Great transaction onlineMay 31, 2021
by Anonymous
Oct 09, 2020
Great car. Purchased AMG version. Well equipped and great styling. Lots of safety and comfort features. Plenty of horsepower. Awesome handling and ride. Was able to assure that the price paid was benchmarked against market value. Car gurus provided significant options and information that proved invaluable when negotiating the purchase agreementOct 09, 2020
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2018 Mercedes-Benz SLC Pricing
Original MSRP
$48,400 to $61,350Price range
N/AAverage price on CG
N/AYoY price change
N/ATrims & specs
Air Conditioning
Active charcoal air filtration · Single front air conditioning zones
Airbags
Dual front airbags · Dual front knee airbags · Passenger airbag deactivation: occupant sensing deactivation · Front side airbags
Audio System
Antenna Type: diversity · USB auxiliary audio input · Single disc in-Dash CD · MP3 player: CD MP3 Playback · HD radio · Satellite Radio: SiriusXM · Total Number of Speakers: 8
Brakes
ABS: 4-wheel · Braking assist: hill start assist · Front brake diameter: 12.7 · Front brakes: ventilated disc · Rear brake diameter: 11.8 · Rear brakes: disc
Comfort Features
Center console trim: aluminium · Door trim: aluminum · Floor Mat Material: carpet · Floor Material: carpet · Floor Mats: front · Foot pedal trim: aluminum · Shift knob trim: leather · Steering wheel trim: leather
Convenience Features
Center console: front console with armrest and storage · Cupholders: front · Dimming rearview mirror: auto-dimming · Memorized settings: 3 driver · Multi-function remote: trunk release · One-touch windows: 2 · Power outlet(s): 12V front · Power steering: speed-proportional · Reading lights: front · Steering wheel: power tilt and telescopic · Steering wheel mounted controls: cruise controls · Storage: door pockets · Universal garage door opener: Homelink · Vanity mirrors: dual illuminating
Driver Seat
Adjustable lumbar support: 4-way power · Power adjustments: 8
Drivetrain
Axle ratio: 3.27
Engine
Battery: maintenance-free
Exterior Features
Door handle color: body-color · Exhaust: dual exhaust tips · Exhaust tip color: stainless-steel · Front bumper color: body-color · Grille color: black · Mirror color: body-color · Rear bumper color: body-color · Window trim: black
Headrests
Front headrests: adjustable · Number of front headrests: 2
In Car Entertainment
Infotainment screen size: 7 in.
Instrumentation
Fuel economy display: MPG · Warnings and reminders: maintenance reminder
Lights
Daytime running lights: LED · Exterior entry lights: puddle lamps · Headlights: auto delay off · Tail and brake lights: LED
Mirrors
Exterior mirrors: driver side auto-dimming
Passenger Seat
Power adjustments: 8
Roof
Convertible rear window: glass · Convertible roof: power retractable hard top · Moonroof: sliding sunshade · Sunroof: panoramic
Safety
Active head restraints: driver · Camera system: rearview · Crumple zones: rear · Impact sensor: post-collision safety system · Pre-Collision Warning System: visual warning · Rearview monitor: in dash
Seatbelts
Emergency locking retractors: front · Front seatbelts: 3-point · Seatbelt force limiters: front · Seatbelt pretensioners: front · Seatbelt warning sensor: driver and passenger
Seats
Driver seat power adjustments: height · Front seat type: sport bucket · Passenger seat power adjustments: 4-way power lumbar · Upholstery: leatherette
Spare Tire
Kit: tire sealant
Suspension
Front Shock Type: twin-tube gas shock absorbers · Front Spring Type: coil springs · Front Suspension Classification: independent · Front Suspension Type: multi-link · Rear Shock Type: gas shock absorbers · Rear Spring Type: coil springs · Rear Suspension Classification: independent · Rear Suspension Type: multi-link · Stabilizer bar(s): rear
Telematics
Driver assistance app: roadside assistance · Phone: voice activated · Phone wireless data link: Bluetooth · Satellite communications: mbrace · Smart device app function: horn/light operation
Tires
Type: summer performance
Tires and Rims
Wheel type: aluminum alloy
Windows
Front wipers: rain sensing · Power windows: with safety reverse
Air Conditioning
Active charcoal air filtration · Single front air conditioning zones
Airbags
Dual front airbags · Dual front knee airbags · Passenger airbag deactivation: occupant sensing deactivation · Front side airbags
Audio System
Antenna Type: diversity · Auxiliary audio input: jack · Single disc in-Dash CD · MP3 player: CD MP3 Playback · AM/FM radio · Satellite Radio: SiriusXM · Total Number of Speakers: 8
Brakes
ABS: 4-wheel · Braking assist: hill start assist · Front brake diameter: 12.7 · Front brakes: ventilated disc · Rear brake diameter: 11.8 · Rear brakes: disc
Comfort Features
Center console trim: aluminium · Door trim: aluminum · Floor Mat Material: carpet · Floor Material: carpet · Floor Mats: front · Foot pedal trim: aluminum · Shift knob trim: leather · Steering wheel trim: carbon
Convenience Features
Center console: front console with armrest and storage · Cupholders: front · Dimming rearview mirror: auto-dimming · Memorized settings: 3 driver · Multi-function remote: trunk release · One-touch windows: 2 · Power outlet(s): 12V front · Power steering: speed-proportional · Reading lights: front · Steering wheel: power tilt and telescopic · Steering wheel mounted controls: cruise controls · Storage: door pockets · Universal garage door opener: Homelink · Vanity mirrors: dual illuminating
Driver Seat
Adjustable lumbar support: 4-way power · Power adjustments: 8
Drivetrain
Axle ratio: 3.27
Engine
Battery: maintenance-free
Exterior Features
Door handle color: body-color · Exhaust: dual exhaust tips · Exhaust tip color: stainless-steel · Front bumper color: body-color · Grille color: black · Mirror color: body-color · Rear bumper color: body-color · Window trim: black
Headrests
Front headrests: adjustable · Number of front headrests: 2
In Car Entertainment
Infotainment screen size: 7 in.
Instrumentation
Fuel economy display: MPG · Warnings and reminders: lamp failure
Lights
Daytime running lights: LED · Exterior entry lights: puddle lamps · Headlights: LED · Tail and brake lights: LED
Mirrors
Exterior mirrors: power
Passenger Seat
Power adjustments: 8
Roof
Convertible rear window: glass · Convertible roof: power retractable hard top · Moonroof: sliding sunshade · Sunroof: panoramic
Safety
Active head restraints: driver · Camera system: rearview · Crumple zones: rear · Impact sensor: post-collision safety system · Pre-Collision Warning System: audible warning · Rearview monitor: in dash
Seatbelts
Emergency locking retractors: front · Front seatbelts: 3-point · Seatbelt force limiters: front · Seatbelt pretensioners: front · Seatbelt warning sensor: driver and passenger
Seats
Driver seat power adjustments: reclining · Front seat type: sport bucket · Passenger seat power adjustments: reclining · Upholstery: premium leather
Spare Tire
Kit: tire sealant
Suspension
Front Shock Type: twin-tube gas shock absorbers · Front Spring Type: coil springs · Front Suspension Classification: independent · Front Suspension Type: multi-link · Rear Shock Type: gas shock absorbers · Rear Spring Type: coil springs · Rear Suspension Classification: independent · Rear Suspension Type: multi-link · Stabilizer bar(s): rear
Telematics
Driver assistance app: roadside assistance · Phone: voice activated · Phone wireless data link: Bluetooth · Satellite communications: mbrace · Smart device app function: lock operation
Tires
Type: summer performance
Tires and Rims
Wheels: painted aluminum
Wheels
Wheel spokes: 10
Windows
Front wipers: rain sensing · Power windows: with safety reverse
Air Conditioning
Active charcoal air filtration · Single front air conditioning zones
Airbags
Dual front airbags · Dual front knee airbags · Passenger airbag deactivation: occupant sensing deactivation · Side airbags: front with head protection chambers
Audio System
Antenna Type: diversity · Bluetooth auxiliary audio input · Single disc in-Dash CD · MP3 player: CD MP3 Playback · Premium Brand: Harman-Kardon · HD radio · Satellite Radio: SiriusXM · Surround audio: 7.1 · Total Number of Speakers: 10 · 500 watts
Brakes
ABS: 4-wheel · Braking assist: hill start assist · Front brake diameter: 14.2 · Front brakes: ventilated disc · Rear brake diameter: 13.0 · Rear brakes: ventilated disc
Comfort Features
Center console trim: aluminium · Door trim: aluminum · Floor Mat Material: carpet · Floor Material: carpet · Floor Mats: front · Foot pedal trim: aluminum · Shift knob trim: leather · Steering wheel trim: leather
Convenience Features
Center console: front console with armrest and storage · Cupholders: front · Dimming rearview mirror: auto-dimming · Memorized settings: 3 driver · Multi-function remote: proximity entry system · One-touch windows: 2 · Power outlet(s): 12V front · Power steering: speed-proportional · Reading lights: front · Steering wheel: power tilt and telescopic · Steering wheel mounted controls: audio · Storage: door pockets · Universal garage door opener: Homelink · Vanity mirrors: dual illuminating
Driver Seat
Adjustable lumbar support: 4-way power · Power adjustments: 8
Drivetrain
Axle ratio: 2.82
Engine
Battery: maintenance-free
Exterior Features
Door handle color: body-color · Exhaust: quad exhaust tips · Exhaust tip color: stainless-steel · Front bumper color: body-color · Grille color: black · Mirror color: body-color · Rear bumper color: body-color · Rear spoiler: lip · Rear spoiler color: body-color · Window trim: black
Headrests
Front headrests: adjustable · Number of front headrests: 2
In Car Entertainment
Infotainment screen size: 7 in.
Instrumentation
Fuel economy display: MPG · Warnings and reminders: lamp failure
Lights
Daytime running lights: LED · Exterior entry lights: puddle lamps · Headlights: Auto on/off · Tail and brake lights: LED
Mirrors
Exterior mirrors: driver side auto-dimming
Passenger Seat
Power adjustments: 8
Roof
Convertible rear window: glass · Convertible roof: power retractable hard top · Moonroof: sliding sunshade · Sunroof: panoramic
Safety
Active head restraints: driver · Camera system: rearview · Crumple zones: front · Impact sensor: post-collision safety system · Pre-Collision Warning System: audible warning · Rearview monitor: in dash
Seatbelts
Emergency locking retractors: front · Front seatbelts: 3-point · Seatbelt force limiters: front · Seatbelt pretensioners: front · Seatbelt warning sensor: driver and passenger
Seats
Driver seat power adjustments: reclining · Front seat type: sport bucket · Passenger seat power adjustments: reclining · Upholstery: premium leather
Spare Tire
Kit: tire sealant
Suspension
Front Shock Type: twin-tube gas shock absorbers · Front Spring Type: coil springs · Front Suspension Classification: independent · Front Suspension Type: multi-link · Rear Shock Type: gas shock absorbers · Rear Spring Type: coil springs · Rear Suspension Classification: independent · Rear Suspension Type: multi-link · Stabilizer bar(s): front
Telematics
Driver assistance app: roadside assistance · Phone: voice activated · Phone wireless data link: Bluetooth · Satellite communications: mbrace · Smart device app function: lock operation
Tires
Type: summer performance
Tires and Rims
Wheel type: aluminum alloy
Windows
Front wipers: variable intermittent · Power windows: with safety reverse