X

Mercedes-Benz goes out with the old SLK and in with the new SLC (pictures)

The 2017 Mercedes-Benz SLC-Class updates more than just its name, packing some light aesthetic enhancements, new powertrains and a dash of new tech.

Andrew Krok
Cars are Andrew's jam, as is strawberry. After spending years as a regular ol' car fanatic, he started working his way through the echelons of the automotive industry, starting out as social-media director of a small European-focused garage outside of Chicago. From there, he moved to the editorial side, penning several written features in Total 911 Magazine before becoming a full-time auto writer, first for a local Chicago outlet and then for CNET Cars.
Andrew Krok
2017 Mercedes-Benz SLC-Class
1 of 20 Mercedes-Benz

The Mercedes-Benz SLC-Class is the official replacement for the outgoing SLK-Class.

2017 Mercedes-Benz SLC-Class
2 of 20 Mercedes-Benz

SLC falls in line with Mercedes-Benz's new taxonomic structure. SL denotes that it's a roadster, and the C refers to its size relative to the automaker's lineup. The SLC is the smallest roadster, and should stay that way -- we doubt the company will build an SLA-Class.

2017 Mercedes-Benz SLC-Class
3 of 20 Mercedes-Benz

The rear end doesn't get too much updating in the move to the 2017 model year. The taillights have new innards, and they appear slightly thinner, although that might just be due to the pictures.

2017 Mercedes-Benz SLC-Class
4 of 20 Mercedes-Benz

Up front, the SLC's grille is featured more prominently, and the headlights have been reworked to better resemble those featured on other new Mercedes vehicles.

2017 Mercedes-Benz SLC-Class
5 of 20 Mercedes-Benz

The SLC-Class still features a retractable folding hardtop. Now, though, it can be raised or lowered at speeds up to 25 mph. Another new hardtop feature is a built-in luggage separator that keeps the roof and trunk items separate when both are stowed in the trunk.

2017 Mercedes-Benz SLC-Class
6 of 20 Mercedes-Benz

The panoramic glass roof in the hardtop can be optioned to include Magic Sky Control, an electrochromatic finish that allows the glass to darken or lighten based on the driver's preference.

2017 Mercedes-Benz SLC-Class
7 of 20 Mercedes-Benz

Another bit of optional equipment is Airscarf, which adds heater vents to the seatbacks, keeping your neck nice and toasty on an early-winter, top-down cruise.

2017 Mercedes-Benz SLC-Class
8 of 20 Mercedes-Benz

Two trims will be available -- SLC300 and SLC43. The SLC300 packs a 2.0-liter, turbocharged four-cylinder engine, good for 241 horsepower.

2017 Mercedes-Benz SLC-Class
9 of 20 Mercedes-Benz

The interior features minimal updates, mostly related to infotainment and display screens.

2017 Mercedes-Benz SLC-Class
10 of 20 Mercedes-Benz

The Mercedes-AMG SLC43 sports a 3.0-liter, twin-turbocharged six-cylinder engine, good for 362 horsepower.

2017 Mercedes-Benz SLC-Class
11 of 20 Mercedes-Benz

Both the SLC300 and the SLC43 come with a single choice of transmission: a nine-speed automatic.

2017 Mercedes-Benz SLC-Class
12 of 20 Mercedes-Benz

The SLC43 features several small aesthetic tweaks over the SLC300, including more aggressive fasciae elements.

2017 Mercedes-Benz SLC-Class
13 of 20 Mercedes-Benz

Also unique to the SLC43 is its suspension tuning.

2017 Mercedes-Benz SLC-Class
14 of 20 Mercedes-Benz

The SLC43 comes with two options not available on the SLC300 -- a mechanical limited-slip differential and adjustable dampers.

2017 Mercedes-Benz SLC-Class
15 of 20 Mercedes-Benz

Naturally, AMG's signature quad tailpipes are along for the ride, as well.

2017 Mercedes-Benz SLC-Class
16 of 20 Mercedes-Benz

The most obvious change in the SLC's interior is the COMAND infotainment screen, which grows from 5.8 inches to 7.

2017 Mercedes-Benz SLC-Class
17 of 20 Mercedes-Benz

The SLC also receives autonomous emergency braking for the first time in the model's history (SLK included).

2017 Mercedes-Benz SLC-Class
18 of 20 Mercedes-Benz

Another screen-related update is the addition of a 4.5-inch display nestled between the tachometer and speedometer.

2017 Mercedes-Benz SLC-Class
19 of 20 Mercedes-Benz

Mercedes believes the SLC-Class will launch in spring 2016.

2017 Mercedes-Benz SLC-Class
20 of 20 Mercedes-Benz

The company did not mention specifics regarding market availability and pricing.

More Galleries

My Favorite Shots From the Galaxy S24 Ultra's Camera
A houseplant

My Favorite Shots From the Galaxy S24 Ultra's Camera

20 Photos
Honor's Magic V2 Foldable Is Lighter Than Samsung's Galaxy S24 Ultra
magic-v2-2024-foldable-1383

Honor's Magic V2 Foldable Is Lighter Than Samsung's Galaxy S24 Ultra

10 Photos
The Samsung Galaxy S24 and S24 Plus Looks Sweet in Aluminum
Samsung Galaxy S24

The Samsung Galaxy S24 and S24 Plus Looks Sweet in Aluminum

23 Photos
Samsung's Galaxy S24 Ultra Now Has a Titanium Design
The Galaxy S24 Ultra in multiple colors

Samsung's Galaxy S24 Ultra Now Has a Titanium Design

23 Photos
I Took 600+ Photos With the iPhone 15 Pro and Pro Max. Look at My Favorites
img-0368.jpg

I Took 600+ Photos With the iPhone 15 Pro and Pro Max. Look at My Favorites

34 Photos
17 Hidden iOS 17 Features You Should Definitely Know About
Invitation for the Apple September iPhone 15 event

17 Hidden iOS 17 Features You Should Definitely Know About

18 Photos
AI or Not AI: Can You Spot the Real Photos?
img-1599-2.jpg

AI or Not AI: Can You Spot the Real Photos?

17 Photos