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Mercedes-Benz SLC: Trims, Generations & Buyer's Guide
Last updated August 4, 2026
The Mercedes-Benz SLC is a compact two-seat luxury roadster with rear-wheel drive and a power-folding hardtop. It is known for combining top-down fun and classic long-hood styling with more everyday comfort than a pure sports car.
The SLC carried on the small Mercedes roadster formula established under the SLK name, then adopted the SLC badge for 2017. Its enduring appeal is a mix of compact size, open-air driving, and the added quiet and security of a folding hardtop. It remained the smaller, more approachable alternative to the larger Mercedes-Benz SL through its final U.S. model year in 2020.
Strengths
- The power-folding hardtop gives the SLC a quieter, more secure feel than a typical fabric-roof convertible.
- Its compact size makes it a more approachable Mercedes roadster than the larger SL.
- It blends open-air enjoyment with the comfort and usability expected from a luxury car.
- The gas-powered 2020 SLC 300 was rated at 32 mpg on the highway, making it reasonably efficient for a sporty luxury roadster.
- Its rear-wheel-drive layout and classic long-hood shape give it the traditional proportions many roadster buyers want.
Who it's for
The SLC suits someone who wants a stylish two-seat weekend car that is still comfortable and civilized enough for regular use. It is a good fit for solo drivers or couples who value open-air driving and a premium feel more than passenger space or family practicality.
Mercedes-Benz SLC lineup
The SLC 300 is the more everyday-oriented version, balancing roadster style with useful fuel economy and manageable performance. Pick the AMG SLC 43 when stronger performance matters more; since the 2017 rename, it has used a twin-turbo V6 and served as the sportier member of the pair. Final Edition versions of both models marked the SLC’s 2020 farewell, but they were commemorative editions rather than fundamentally different versions.
Mercedes-Benz SLC generations
From 2017 to 2020, the SLC spans 1 generation. The current 3rd Generation — R172 arrived for 2017.
3rd Generation — R172 (2017–2020)
The SLC is the renamed and refreshed version of the third-generation SLK. It kept the compact two-seat layout and folding hardtop, while bringing updated styling, a refreshed cabin, and revised engines for its 2017 debut under the SLC name.
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2020
Final Edition versions of the SLC 300 and AMG SLC 43 marked the last U.S. model year. Blind-spot monitoring became standard.
2019
The AMG SLC 43 gained more power, and some options changed. The rest of the lineup largely carried over.
2018
The lineup carried over without a major redesign or equipment update.
2017Mid-cycle update
The SLK became the SLC with updated exterior styling, refreshed cabin details, a larger 7-inch center display, and revised engines. The AMG SLC 43 replaced the V8-powered SLK55 with a twin-turbo V6.
What's new by year
See what changed in a specific model year of the Mercedes-Benz SLC.
Frequently asked questions
What kind of car is the Mercedes-Benz SLC?
The Mercedes-Benz SLC is a compact two-seat luxury convertible. It pairs rear-wheel drive with a power-folding hardtop, giving it more weather protection and cabin quiet than a typical fabric-roof roadster.
Is the Mercedes-Benz SLC the same car as the SLK?
Essentially, yes. The SLC is the updated and renamed version of the third-generation SLK. Mercedes changed the name for 2017 during a mid-cycle refresh rather than introducing a completely new generation.
How is the SLC different from the Mercedes-Benz SL?
The SLC is the smaller Mercedes roadster. It is a compact two-seater aimed at easy top-down driving, while the SL is the larger grand tourer. The SLC makes more sense for someone who wants a less bulky convertible.
Does the Mercedes-Benz SLC have a soft top or a hardtop?
The SLC has a power-retractable hardtop, not a fabric roof. It folds away for open-air driving and gives the car a quieter, more secure feel when raised. The SLC 300 also uses a panoramic roof panel.
Is the Mercedes-Benz SLC practical enough for everyday driving?
Yes, for one or two people. Its folding hardtop, automatic transmission, power seats, and everyday-focused SLC 300 trim make it easier to live with than a track-focused sports car. It still has only two seats, so passenger space is limited.
Is the Mercedes-Benz SLC a hybrid or all-wheel-drive car?
No. The SLC lineup covered here uses gasoline engines and rear-wheel drive. There is no hybrid or all-wheel-drive version in the provided U.S. lineup.
Who is the Mercedes-Benz SLC a good fit for?
The SLC suits a driver who wants a small luxury convertible with two seats, classic roadster styling, and a roof that feels substantial when closed. It favors relaxed top-down touring and everyday usability over maximum cabin space.
Mercedes-Benz SLC Reviews
What owners are saying about the Mercedes-Benz SLC.
4.3
Mercedes-Benz SLC
(295 reviews)
“This is a fun car to drive. The convertible aspect of the car is dynamic! It's an extremely good looking car and a great value. I feel extremely safe driving this car and will enjoy it for years and years.”
“I LOVE my car! I would like for everyone to enjoy driving as much as I do! My car matches my personality! Sporty, sexy and powerful!”
“Great vehicle that could use updating on interior features- cup holders hold only tiny bottles. Touch screen would be excellent.”
“I love my Mercedes SLC! The vehicle was purchased as a summer car and it is SO fun to drive! I love the ease of the convertible roof and it is such a cool, sporty car! I get tons of compliments on it when I'm driving!”
“Get the red alert edition, it's a masterpiece, great handling for the price and wonderful styling.”