Used 2019 Mercedes-Benz Mercedes-AMG SLC

As the sportier and more powerful version of the aging Mercedes-Benz SLC roadster, the 2019 Mercedes-AMG SLC 43 offers the same smart styling, comfy cabin and retractable hardtop roof, only with a lot more venom. Said roof gives the SLC 43 a distinct advantage over soft-top rivals like the Porsche 718 Boxster, Audi TT and Jaguar F-Type, all of which still use a more traditional cloth top.

With 385 horsepower from its AMG-built twin-turbo V6, the SLC 43 roadster also has the muscle to keep up with these cars, able to reach 60 mph in just 4.6 seconds. However, when it comes to moves, the SLC’s aging platform isn’t as agile or responsive, something to think about if you’re a die-hard driving enthusiast.

While the standard SLC 300 is quick and fun, the higher-performance SLC 43 is far more satisfying if you’re looking for a power trip. That’s what an extra 144 horsepower will do. In addition to its blistering straight-line performance (the Mercedes-AMG SLC 43 rips from 0-60 mph in 4.6 seconds, compared to the 5.8 of the standard version), the AMG treatment also gifts this Mercedes convertible with better handling, improved braking and a more guttural sound. Various drive modes such as Eco, Comfort, Sport and Sport+ can instantly change the SLC 43’s personality from coastal cruiser to asphalt bruiser.

That said, it still weighs about 500 pounds more than a Porsche Boxster S. That means it’s not as lithe, nor does it have the track-star status of a Porsche. The flip side is the Mercedes is more comfortable and more pleasant to drive in the daily commute. And when the weather turns foul or you must park outside, it’s reassuring to have a metal roof at the ready.

The SLC 43’s 2-passenger cockpit remains quite elegant despite this design’s age compared to the rest of Mercedes’ fresher lineups. So while you won’t find the massive screens of the E-Class or even C-Class, you’ll still get a 7-inch display that works with Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, and supportive seats made with Nappa leather.

Space is at a premium, especially for taller drivers, which shouldn’t be a surprise given this compact roadster’s tidy size. Switchgear and controls for the climate system are easy to see and use, but audio controls are rather busy. The nub of a gear selector also takes some getting used to initially. Below that is a rotary dial that controls the functions on the center display.

With the top up, the trunk boasts 10.1 cubic feet of space, but that shrinks to 6.4 with the top down.

In the 2019 AMG SLC 43 roadster, the convertible hardtop provides an added measure of safety and security not offered by similar cars with cloth roofs. Over time, the SLC 43’s roof will remain fresh and new, unlike a cloth top that can fade, tear or shrink. In just 20 seconds, the SLC 43 goes from cool coupe to open-air roadster, with the top tucking itself neatly under a hard-shell cover.

Because the roof occupies the trunk, Mercedes engineers created a clever pivot mechanism for the rear window, preserving the modest luggage space when the top is retracted. Being an AMG model, the SLC 43 enhances its appearance over the standard SLC 300 with flared side sills, a large front air dam plus big 18-inch wheels and tires.

AMG V6 ENGINE
AMG works its magic on the 3.0-liter V6 in the SLC 43, adding twin turbochargers and a host of other upgrades to produce a very robust 385 horsepower. Able to rocket this 2-seat roadster to 60 mph in under five seconds, it also achieves a respectable 29 mpg on the highway.

MAGIC SKY CONTROL
As part of its standard-equipment roster, the 2019 Mercedes-AMG SLC 43 includes an integrated glass roof panel as part of its convertible top. Optional (and highly advisable) is the Magic Sky Control feature that allows the panel to go from clear to dark with just a touch of a button. Privacy and sun blocking are the two primary benefits.

For 2019 the Mercedes-AMG SLC 43 comes even better equipped than the base model, which also helps explain its roughly $15,000 premium over the SLC 300. Beyond its higher-performance engine and hardware, the SLC 43 includes features like blind-spot monitoring, heated seats and the nifty Airscarf neck-heating system, a Harman Kardon premium audio system, and keyless entry.

Other standard features include leather-appointed seats, HomeLink universal garage remote, rain-sensing windshield wipers, dual-zone automatic climate control, Active LED headlights, Dynamic Select, auto high beams and an automatic emergency-braking feature. The SLC 43’s infotainment system bundles a 7-inch screen, AM/FM/CD system with satellite radio and HD Radio receiver, dual USB ports and Bluetooth connectivity. Apple CarPlay/Android Auto integration is available for $350 extra in the Smart Phone Integration package.

A Multimedia package bundles navigation with Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, while the Driver Assist package adds adaptive cruise control and lane-keep assist. Parktronic allows the car to parallel park itself, and the AMG Handling package adds a sport suspension, limited-slip differential, a performance steering wheel and red brake calipers. Other tempting ways to part with your money and enhance this Mercedes include the Magic Sky system (see Favorite Features), Designo leather seating, a dash-top analog clock, Garmin Map Pilot and a number of Mercedes-Benz service and care plans.

The Mercedes-AMG SLC 43 gets two more cylinders than the base SLC 300, and significantly more power. Under the hood is a twin-turbo 3.0-liter V6 that makes 385 horsepower. A true roadster, the SLC 43 is rear-wheel drive. Power is routed through a 9-speed automatic transmission. And while we’ve been on the fence about some 9-speeds, those in Mercedes-Benz models are among the smoothest we’ve experienced.

In an effort to save fuel, the Mercedes uses an engine start/stop system that cuts power at idle. It may feel disconcerting at first, but it’s perfectly normal for the engine to shut off at stoplights. If you find the restarts too abrupt or aggravating, as we often do, the system can be disabled with the press of a button (it’s to the right of the hazard-lights switch). Also keep in mind that the SLC 43 drinks the pricier, premium unleaded gasoline.

3.0-liter twin-turbocharged V6
385 horsepower @ 6,100 rpm
384 lb-ft of torque @ 2,500-5,000 rpm
EPA city/highway fuel economy: 20/29 mpg