2020 Mercedes-AMG SLC 43

If you've always wanted a brand new Mercedes-AMG SLC43, we won't judge you or assume that you're on the verge of turning 16, but you should know that 2020 is the last time you'll have the opportunity to buy one brand new off the showroom floor. Mercedes is finally killing the evolved version of its SLK roadster, a car that is virtually unchanged from the 2011 model. This year, a new trim level is offered as a celebration of the time the SLC has had with us, but the powertrain remains the same. A 3.0-liter twin-turbo V6 powers the rear wheels via a nine-speed automatic transmission. Output is rated at a respectable 385 horsepower with 384 lb-ft of torque. While enthusiasts will likely not be sad to see the back of this car, it does mean that the cheapest convertible Mercedes-AMG offers will soon be slightly less affordable.

The SLC43 is an AMG product and as such features subtle enhancements over the regular SLC. These include quad-exit tailpipes, a subtle trunk spoiler, 18-inch AMG wheels, and slightly flared arches. Other features include LED headlights with DRLs, LED taillights, a panoramic glass sunroof in the folding hard-top, and silver roll hoops. The Final Edition has no new body styling elements but gains gloss black mirrors and trim accents on the exterior. Helping it stand out further are 18-inch wheels finished in matte black.

The diminutive roadster has compact proportions, and that is part of what made it a hit when its original iteration hit the scene. It's easy to park and not too intimidating for the first-time sports car driver. Length measures 163.1 inches with a wheelbase of just 95.7 inches. Width is similarly narrow, measuring a total of 79 inches including the mirrors and 71.2 with them folded. Height is just 51.3 inches, while the curb weight is measured at 3,527 lbs. It's not a car that you're likely to see a bodybuilder feeling comfortable in, but that is part of its charm.

That Final Edition we mentioned earlier is exclusively available in Sun Yellow, a bright paint that is unlikely to win any awards for subtlety. The regular SLC43, on the other hand, comes in more traditional colors that include Black and Polar White at no charge. For $720, you can spec metallic colors like Graphite Grey, Obsidian Black, Iridium Silver, Brilliant Blue, Indium Grey, or Selenite Grey. Alternatively, you can splash out on designo Patagonia Red metallic at $1,080, or designo Shadow Grey Magno, a matte finish that costs $2,020.

The Mercedes-AMG SLC43 comes in just one configuration: a 3.0-liter twin-turbo V6 in the front, output sent to the rear wheels, and a nine-speed automatic in the middle. The engine produces 385 hp and 384 lb-ft of torque, and although that is rather low for your typical AMG sports car, the SLC still manages a 0-60 mph time of 4.6 seconds. Top speed is limited to 155 mph, as is typical for most vehicles in this sort of segment.

Now that the BMW Z4 is available in M40i trim, the figures of the SLC43 are less impressive, as the Bimmer manages the sprint from 0-60 in 3.9 seconds, although top speed is the same at 155. As with everything else in this Mercedes, it seems that a lack of updates has resulted in a car that is no longer as exciting as it once was, and is now rather average. Naturally, for those who are not used to more exhilarating options, the SLC43 is plenty fun enough, and thanks to that rear-wheel-drive setup, it can be made to step its tail out too, unlike the Audi TT which is AWD-only, and a front-biased system at that.

The 3.0-liter twin-turbocharged V6 from the 2019 model carries over unchanged from last year when it received a mild boost in power. Generating 385 hp and 384 lb-ft of torque, the engine is not neck-breaking but manages to blend into the background when the mood for hooning has passed. This makes it a better cruiser than the V8 of days gone by and the additional advantage is an increase in economy over that glorious old-school engine.

From the line, burying your right foot will result in good, strong acceleration, but it is not the kind of whiplash-inducing performance that scares you. In-gear acceleration on the highway is also impressive but not mind-blowing. The gearbox, however, is one of the things that wasn't broken and didn't need fixing, and that is still the case. In relaxed driving, the shifts are smooth and almost imperceptible, but when the urge to ruffle your perm takes you, the transmission comes alive and delivers quick, sharp, and refined shifts.

While a car like this is not aimed at the track-day enthusiast, stepping out of a Z4 and into the SLC43 gives one the impression that Mercedes hasn't tried to make this thing particularly responsive to aggressive driving either. This is a car that you buy to cruise in, with the bonus of generous performance when you want it - at least if you compare it to a regular non-AMG version. The result is that the SLC43 is a car that you can enjoy on a mountain road but not really be challenged by, and hardcore enthusiasts who expect the C63 experience in a smaller package will be disappointed. The turn-in is accurate, but not class-leading. The steering feel is similarly average, and the chassis will allow you to play a little but the short wheelbase doesn't lend itself to the long smoky drifts that AMG models are renowned for. When it comes time to brake, the pedal inspires confidence but doesn't respond so sharply that you feel the urge to push harder and brake later. The advantage is that the car is easy to use in traffic, and while we're on the subject of daily driving, the SLC43 is comfortable despite its stiffer suspension when compared to lesser models. Essentially, this is a car that you can have fun with on the open road and never want for more power, but it won't set a racer's soul on fire either.

The SLC43 returns official EPA estimates of 20/29/23 mpg on the city/highway/combined cycles. Thanks to a 15.9-gallon gas tank, the result is an estimated range of around 366 miles with mixed driving. Interestingly, the BMW Z4 M40i, a more powerful car, returns considerably better figures of 24/31/26 mpg on the same cycles. With a smaller gas tank of 13.7 gallons, however, mixed range on the Bimmer is estimated to be around 10 miles less than that of the Merc.

Of late, Mercedes interiors have gotten more and more pretty and luxurious, but it seems that the guys putting the 2020 SLC43 together missed the meeting where all the new tech at Merc's disposal was discussed. A year after a light refresh that wasn't quite good enough, the new SLC43 looks older than ever. That's because it still has an ancient and frustrating infotainment system that Fred Flinstone would view as outdated. Although we often criticize newer cars for not having enough buttons, this Merc swings the other way and has too many. On the plus side, the tiny interior at least boasts comfortable and supportive seats with heating, and Nappa leather is standard, provided you're small enough to actually fit.

The SLC43 is a strict two-seater, but that may be stretching the term a bit. If you're over five-foot-eight, the cabin is claustrophobically tiny. Ingress and egress are decent if you measure below the aforementioned height, and the view out is not what any reasonable person would call expansive. Legroom, however, is good, and the steering wheel does allow you to keep your knees out of the way. With a small cabin, at least all controls are easily within reach. Another saving grace is the standard fitment of the Airscarf neck-level heating system on the AMG model, which isn't standard on lesser derivatives.

As standard, the Mercedes-AMG tradition of Nappa leather and DINAMICA faux suede is upheld, with the aforementioned material coming in black with red seatbelts. On the Final Edition, you get Black/Silver Pearl leather with grey contrast stitching and grey seatbelts. A 12 o'clock stripe in grey is also added to the steering wheel. On regular models, a lot more choice is available, but only Sahara Beige leather is a free option beyond the standard black Nappa with red stitching. Other color options range from full black Nappa to Saddle Brown Nappa and Bengal Red/Black Nappa. Adventurous individuals can also opt for Platinum White/Black Nappa, with these options adding $630 to your bill. If you want to splash out further, designo leather in variations of the same colors or Auburn or Curcuma can be had for $2,030. In terms of the interior trim, aluminum with dark carbon grain is standard, Black Ash wood is $325, designo Black Piano lacquer is $950, and AMG carbon fiber costs $1,750.

The SLC43 is far from practical, with top-down cargo volume pegged at 6.5 cubic feet. Put the top down, and you will open up a new way of frustrating yourself when you pop down to the local Target for your organic, free-range, excessively priced make-up products. Keep the roof up and you may be able to squeeze a pair of overnight bags in there, as you now have 10.1 cubic feet of volume, but honestly, some supercars are more useful than this.

In the cabin, two medium cupholders are supplemented by small door pockets and a tiny glovebox. There is a spot that you can put your phone in, but your wallet and house keys may have to stay in your pockets.

As standard, the SLC43 gets a panoramic glass roof in an effort to create the illusion of space, and you can opt for Mercedes' auto-tinting feature if you like. Also standard are heated seats with power-adjustment, although ventilation is not offered. Fortunately, in such a small cabin the dual-zone climate control cools the atmosphere down quickly. If you like driving with the top down at night, the standard - and admittedly excellent - AIRSCARF system wafts warm air down the back of your neck. Other standard features include adaptive LED headlights with automatic high beams, rain-sensing wipers, ambient lighting, a brake hold feature, a drowsy-driver monitor, blind-spot monitoring, and keyless entry/start. Optionally available are adaptive dampers, lane-keep assist, adaptive cruise control, PRE-SENSE collision preparation, and front and rear parking sensors.

The archaic infotainment system that we'd rather not use while driving makes a return. Featuring a seven-inch non-touch display, the system is hooked up to a Harman Kardon LOGIC 7 10-speaker sound system as standard and features SiriusXM satellite radio, Bluetooth streaming, HD Radio, a pair of USB ports, and an SD card reader. However, you still have to pay extra for systems like Apple CarPlay, Android Auto, COMAND navigation, Wi-Fi hotspot, traffic and weather updates, and voice control. Considering how Mercedes is axing this vehicle very soon, you'd think they'd want us to remember living with it in a fond light.

The SLC43 has been mercifully free of recalls since 2017, when an issue with brakes dragging was announced. Other than that, no issues have come through, which is not a surprise since nothing much has changed on the vehicle either in nearly a decade.

In terms of coverage, no complimentary scheduled maintenance is offered but you do get four years/50,000 miles of limited and powertrain warranty coverage.

The SLC43 has not been submitted to either the IIHS nor the NHTSA for crash testing, and therefore, no results are available. That said, the standard and optional safety features are not poor and would be expected to hold up well in a crash.

Standard safety features on the SLC43 include a drowsy driver alert, blind-spot monitoring, adaptive LED headlights with auto high beams, and forward-collision warning with automatic emergency braking. Seven airbags and a rearview camera are also included along with a brake assist system. For full peace of mind, options like lane-keep assist, adaptive cruise control, collision preparation, and front and rear parking sensors are available as options.

If the words preceding this section of the review have been too subtle, the short answer to the above question is a resounding no. The AMG SLC43 is not slow and its folding hard-top is a rarity in this segment that adds to the comfort of owning a car like this, while a decent list of standard features looks good on paper. However, it's simply not modern enough anymore. The infotainment system is a pain in the ass and you have to pay extra for basic smartphone integration services that are standard on products that cost far less. With too many buttons and no touchscreen capability, the system pumps music loudly and clearly, but finding what you're looking for is frustrating. Nevertheless, this car bears an AMG badge and it is to be judged most harshly on its ability to perform. Sadly, now that BMW offers an M40i variant of the Z4, Merc can no longer boast about beating their rivals from Munich. In addition, the chassis is not geared towards spirited driving and is meant more for comfort. That would be all good and well if this car was useful as a mini-GT, but the trunk is practically a place to put your laptop and the cabin is too confined. Whether you're looking at a base model Porsche 718 Boxster or even a less powerful BMW Z4, you'll enjoy either of those cars more than this relic.

The Mercedes-AMG SLC43 is available in two trims, with the regular 43 being joined by a Final Edition later in 2020. While we don't have pricing for the Final Edition yet, you can expect it to cost more than the regular SLC43, which starts at a base price of $64,650 before taxes and a $995 destination charge. That's an increase of $750 over last year's model's base price, although we can't quite understand what the justification for that is. Unsurprisingly, a fully loaded version of the SLC43 will not be cheap and will inch towards the $85,000 mark before you're done.

The 2020 Mercedes-AMG SLC43 arrives in two variants: SLC43 and SLC43 Final Edition.

The regular SLC features a 3.0-liter twin-turbo V6 with 385 hp and 384 lb-ft of torque. This is sent to the rear wheels via a nine-speed automatic transmission, allowing it to accelerate from 0-60 in around four and a half seconds. Standard features include a panoramic glass roof encapsulated in a folding hard-top that can be raised or lowered at a glacial pace of 25 mph. This takes an eon, or 20 seconds to be precise. Black Nappa leather with grey Dinamica faux suede, red contrast stitching, and red seatbelts are standard, along with adaptive LED headlights with auto high beams, dual-zone automatic climate control, a neck-heating vent on each seat, ambient lighting, and keyless entry and ignition. Other standard equipment includes a 10-speaker Harman Kardon sound system with SiriusXM satellite radio, Bluetooth connectivity, and HD Radio. This is controlled via a button-frenzied infotainment system with a seven-inch screen.

The Final Edition is exactly the same as the regular SLC43 but has various aesthetic changes. These include exclusive (and eye-searing) Sun Yellow paint, numerous gloss black accents, matte black AMG wheels, a special upholstery configuration with Black/Silver Pearl leather and grey stitching, and grey seatbelts. You also get a grey centering stripe and an 'AMG Edition' badge on the steering wheel.

If your want to be able to automatically tint your panoramic glass roof, Mercedes offers Magic Sky Control for $2,500. If you're appalled at that price as we are, you can spend a lot less and add a couple of subtle gloss black accents to your exterior with the AMG Night Package for $400. Apple CarPlay and Android Auto can be added as part of the Smartphone Integration package for $350, but if you want navigation as well, you can have the Multimedia package for $2,250. Adding a dashtop analog clock costs 250 bucks and the AMG Handling package is $3,700. This adds adaptive sport suspension, an AMG limited-slip differential, an AMG Performance steering wheel, red brake calipers, an IWC Ingenieur dash-top clock, and an additional engine water cooler.

Unless you're a total brand loyalist who likes getting suckered out of your money in exchange for a limited edition that is no more special than a car painted by a kindergartener, avoid the Final Edition. It makes no more power, has lurid paint that no longer suits the image of someone who can afford an AMG product, and allows no options in terms of upholstery. Rather blow your hard-earned cash on a regular SLC43 that you can customize yourself, thereby letting your neighbors know that YOU make the bad decisions around here. To help drag the car through the 21st century, opt for the Smartphone Integration package and also consider the Driver Assistance package with its adaptive cruise control, lane-keep assist, and crash preparation system.

When we reviewed last year's SLC43, Mercedes-AMG only had a 2.0-liter four-pot Z4 to contend with, and we still leaned towards the soft-top. Now that the M40i is available, the geriatric SLC43 can't even boast quicker acceleration than its rival. The 3.0-liter turbocharged inline-six in the M40i produces 385 hp and 369 lb-ft of torque, but because it's lighter, it's a quicker car. This also makes it far more fun to drive, and with a modern cockpit boasting a 12.3-inch digital driver display, a 10.25-inch touchscreen infotainment display, and standard CarPlay. The more intuitive and contemporary iDrive system in the Z4 makes it easier to live with every day too. We wish that there was a good reason to pick the Merc over the Bimmer, but none spring to mind and the base price of the Z4 M40i even betters that of the Merc. Sorry, old-timer, it's over.

Since its release, the Boxster has been a revelation to all that have driven it, showing that a drop-top can still handle like an out-and-out sports car. In 2020, the 718 Boxster is no different. At a base price of $59,600, it starts off cheaper than the 65-grand Merc, but with less power from a 2.0-liter turbo flat-four. The Boxster only produces 300 horses and 280 lb-ft of twist, but it is still thankfully available with a sweet-shifting six-speed manual, and when you drive it, the way it takes bends will change how you view every other cabriolet. Yes, Porsche is notorious for charging ridiculous amounts for an immeasurable number of options, but even in base form, the 718 Boxster is comfortable and invigorating to drive in equal measure. It also helps that it doesn't look like a cave on the inside.