Used 2019 Mercedes-Benz SLC

Great designs withstand the test of time, often lapsing into the realm of eternal classic. That’s the case with the 2019 Mercedes-Benz SLC roadster. First conceived as the SLK back in 2011, the SLC hasn’t changed all that much. It remains a small, sporty 2-seat coupe powered by its rear wheels and touting a retractable hardtop. With a starting price around $50,000, the SLC300 is priced right, but against new competitors like the BMW Z4, Jaguar F-Type and Porsche 718 Boxster, the SLC lacks newer features such as the latest infotainment and driver assists. However, unlike all the above, its hardtop design makes the SLC a more practical car to live with, not to mention the safety and security that come from having a metal, rather than cloth, folding top.

With a turbocharged 4-cylinder engine worth 241 ponies powering the rear wheels, Mercedes’ compact roadster gets up and moves swiftly. The SLC300’s 0-60-mph time is clocked at 5.8 seconds, which is still faster than most other cars on the road. The SLC doesn’t have the razor-sharp handling of a Porsche 718 Boxster, but it has the edge in overall comfort. As an everyday driver, we think the SLC is more livable. Moreover, the SLC’s driving characteristics can be modified with the press of a button. Five drive modes, ranging from eco-minded to comfort-oriented to the aggressive Sport Plus, change characteristics such as steering feel, throttle mapping and shift points. Speaking of, the latest SLC uses a 9-speed automatic transmission. While we’re still on the fence about some of today’s 9-speeds, those used by Mercedes are among the smoothest we’ve experienced.

One look inside the SLC300 and you’d never guess the design is nearly 10 years old. The supportive power-adjustable bucket seats can be covered in faux leather or real hides and made heated for cold-weather driving. There’s not a lot of headroom for taller drivers, but legroom is more than sufficient. However, time catches up to the SLC once you glance at the audio and climate controls that lack a large touch-screen interface and digital displays. Simple knobs and buttons suffice in this case, and many might find them preferable, especially with top down and bright sunlight filling the cabin. A rotary dial on the console controls most infotainment settings and just above is the small and somewhat awkward gear selector. Trunk space with the top in place is a respectable 10.1 cubit feet, but shrinks to just 6.4 cubic feet with the top retracted.

With the hardtop up, the 2019 SLC-Class looks a lot like a coupe, albeit a somewhat awkward one thanks to the cap-like way the roof sits over the passenger compartment. Still you’d be hard-pressed to tell it’s actually a convertible unless you see it with the top down, and then you’re in for more of a visual treat. Its long hood, short trunk and wide stance give the SLC that classic roadster look. That top retracts in only 20 seconds, too. At under 163 inches, the Mercedes SLC is tiny — just a bit bigger than a Mazda MX-5 Miata — which makes it a cinch to maneuver around town and easy to park in small spaces.

GLASS-PANEL ROOF
Unlike its cloth soft-top rivals, the 2019 SLC 300 has a power-retractable hardtop that includes a built-in panorama glass roof. This feature allows sunlight into the cabin in the winter, without having to drop the top. A $2,500 Magic Sky Control option allows the glass to be either clear or opaque.

AIRSCARF & AIR GUIDES
One of our favorite features, the Airscarf system blows warm air through a vent in the headrest, keeping exposed skin warm on days when the air is brisk. The adjustable Air Guide deflectors that deflect air away from occupants further enhance the system.

The 2019 Mercedes-Benz SLC300 includes a nice roster of standard features including power-operated seats with memory function, power-adjustable steering wheel, HomeLink universal garage remote, 17-inch wheels and panorama roof. The infotainment system includes a 7-inch display, dual USB ports, Bluetooth connectivity, and 8-speaker AM/FM/CD audio system with HD Radio receiver. Apple CarPlay and Android Auto connectivity are available as part of an options package or bundled together for an extra $350. The SLC’s safety systems include one that monitors for driver drowsiness, and another that can automatically apply the brakes if a collision appears imminent.

In addition to the aforementioned Magic Sky Control roof, the SLC300 offers a number of options, most bundled into packages, but not all. The Premium Package, for example, includes the Airscarf neck-warmer, heated seats, blind-spot monitoring, dual-zone climate control and Keyless Go with infrared-remote roof control. The Multimedia package adds navigation, Apple CarPlay and Android Auto. The Driver Assistance package adds adaptive cruise control, lane-keeping assistance, and a system that helps you parallel park. Stand-alone options include the Harman Kardon Logic 7 sound system, a dash-top analog clock, an adjustable suspension, Parktronic park assists and blind-spot warning as well as 18- and 19-inch wheels.

The Mercedes-Benz SLC300 is powered by a 2.0-liter turbocharged 4-cylinder that puts out 241 horsepower and 273 lb-ft of torque, sending it to the rear wheels through a 9-speed automatic transmission. This powertrain provides a good blend of power and efficiency. It is strong enough to propel the SLC to 60 mph in less than six seconds while returning up to 32 mpg on the highway. If you’re looking for a more powerful SLC, you’ll probably want to step up to the V6 in the Mercedes-AMG SLC43, reviewed separately. Keep in mind that the Mercedes drinks the pricier premium unleaded gasoline.

2.0-liter turbocharged inline-4
241 horsepower @ 5,500 rpm
273 lb-ft of torque @ 1,300-4,000 rpm
EPA city/highway fuel economy: 23/32 mpg