“Fun car, enough room for a weekend getaway or just running errands with the top down.”
Mercedes-Benz AMG SLC: Trims, Generations & Buyer's Guide
Last updated August 4, 2026
The Mercedes-Benz AMG SLC is a compact two-seat luxury convertible known for its power-folding metal roof, strong twin-turbo V6, and rear-wheel-drive performance. It blends open-air fun with the quieter, more secure feel of a coupe when the roof is closed.
The AMG SLC was the performance version of Mercedes-Benz’s small luxury roadster, renamed from SLK for 2017. Its defining theme was simple: serious power and agile road manners without giving up everyday comforts such as heated seats and neck-level heating. It remained largely consistent through its final 2020 model year, with a power increase arriving for 2019.
Strengths
- The power-folding metal roof gives it open-air appeal with more security and quietness when closed than a traditional soft top.
- Its twin-turbo V6 delivers strong performance, rising to 385 horsepower for 2019 and 2020.
- Its compact size and everyday road manners make it easier to live with than a more extreme sports car.
- Heated seats and neck-level heating help make top-down driving comfortable in cooler weather.
- The rear-wheel-drive layout gives the AMG SLC the classic feel of a small performance roadster.
Who it's for
It suits someone who wants a small, quick weekend car but still values comfort and the year-round practicality of a folding metal roof. It makes the most sense for one or two people who pack lightly and prefer relaxed open-air drives mixed with lively back-road performance.
Mercedes-Benz AMG SLC lineup
The SLC 43 AMG was the only trim in this performance-focused lineup. Every model paired a twin-turbo V6 with a nine-speed automatic transmission and rear-wheel drive, so the decision is mainly about model year rather than trim level. The 2017 and 2018 cars produced 362 horsepower, while 2019 and 2020 models stepped up to 385 horsepower. Later years also brought more standard driver-assistance and lighting equipment.
Mercedes-Benz AMG SLC generations
From 2017 to 2020, the AMG SLC spans 1 generation. The current 3rd Generation — R172 arrived for 2017.
3rd Generation — R172 (2017–2020)
The AMG SLC was the facelifted, renamed version of the R172 SLK roadster. It paired a power-retractable hardtop with rear-wheel drive, a twin-turbo V6, and a nine-speed automatic.
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2020
Blind Spot Assist became standard across the SLC range. This was the AMG SLC’s final model year.
2019
V6 output increased from 362 to 385 horsepower. Dual-zone climate control and adaptive LED headlights also became standard.
2018Trim changes
Blind Spot Assist became standard on the AMG SLC 43.
2017Mid-cycle update
The SLK was refreshed and renamed SLC, with smoother front styling, revised lighting, a larger 7-inch display, and updated instruments. The AMG SLC 43 replaced the SLK55 AMG, switching from a V8 and seven-speed automatic to a 362-hp twin-turbo V6 and nine-speed automatic.
What's new by year
See what changed in a specific model year of the Mercedes-Benz AMG SLC.
Frequently asked questions
Is the Mercedes-AMG SLC a convertible or a coupe?
It is a two-seat convertible with a power-folding metal roof. With the roof raised, it has the quieter, more secure feel of a small coupe, while the panoramic roof panel lets more light into the cabin.
How many people does the Mercedes-AMG SLC seat?
It seats two people. Its compact cabin and small 6.5-cubic-foot trunk suit solo drives or trips for two better than family duty or carrying bulky luggage.
Is the Mercedes-AMG SLC a hybrid?
No. The AMG SLC uses a gasoline twin-turbo 3.0-liter V6. No hybrid version appears in its 2017–2020 U.S. run.
Does the Mercedes-AMG SLC have all-wheel drive?
No. Every AMG SLC covered here is rear-wheel drive, with power sent through a nine-speed automatic transmission.
Is the AMG SLC related to the Mercedes-Benz SLK?
Yes. The SLC is the facelifted and renamed version of the third-generation SLK roadster. The SLC name arrived for 2017, and the model ended after 2020 with no 2021 successor.
What makes the Mercedes-AMG SLC different from soft-top roadsters?
Its defining feature is a power-retractable metal roof. It gives the car a more coupe-like cabin when closed while preserving open-air driving, all in a compact two-seat package.
Is the Mercedes-AMG SLC practical enough for everyday driving?
It can work as a two-person daily driver if limited cargo room is acceptable. The metal roof, heated power seats, neck-level heating, automatic transmission, and everyday road manners make it less demanding than a stripped-down sports car.
Mercedes-Benz AMG SLC Reviews
What owners are saying about the Mercedes-Benz AMG SLC.
4.2
Mercedes-Benz AMG SLC
(90 reviews)
“this car is a real treat. not cheap at all. I work 7 days a week and I wanted something nice and rewarding. Very proud to have this car.”
“I'd tell them to not wait till they are 70+ years old go but a sports car / convertible.”
“The Mercedes AMG SLC43 is a fun high quality car with excellent performance and luxury. Its performance is under rated by Mercedes Benz a car with excellent economy and unbelievable power .”
“Be prepared to lose any storage capacity on the inside of this vehicle versus your previous vehicle”
“Thrilling vehicle especially when pushed to its limits. Open road driving is like none other; you feel like you are literally transferred to another world and the it is your personal race track. Would get this car again in a heartbeat. Tons of available power, performance, reliability, and luxurious at the same time.”