2017 Mercedes-Benz SLC (Malaysia)
Mercedes-Benz Malaysia has launched two new
convertible models at Zouk Club this evening. Leading the charge is the
Mercedes-Benz SLC, which takes over the mantle from the SLK as the
three-pointed star’s offering in the small roadster segment.
Pricing for the baby SL starts at RM 398,888 for the
SLC 200 and RM468,888 for the SLC 300 AMG Line. Both prices are on-the-road
without insurance, inclusive of a four-year, unlimited-mileage warranty.
Because the SLC is
essentially an extensive facelift of the SLK, with the new moniker the result
of a range-wide restructuring of model nomenclatures. The front end has been
redesigned with reshaped headlights (LED Intelligent headlights on both models,
with twin projectors) flanking a new “diamond” grille, while a more aggressive
triple air intake arrangement has sprouted underneath.
At the back, there are LED tail lights and a new
rear valence insert with integrated exhaust exits. Both models get 18-inch
alloy wheels – five split-spoke rollers on the SLC 200, two-tone AMG multispoke
items on the SLC 300 – but only the SLC 300 gets the sportier AMG front and
rear bumpers, the Night Package with gloss black trim and chrome pins on the
grille.
Not much has changed inside, with the addition of a
larger COMAND central display (from 5.8 inches to 7.0 inches), a new AMG-style
flat-bottomed steering wheel, a new colour multi-info display and a stubby
gearlever from the AMG A 45 being the only discernible changes. The SLC 200
receives dark aluminium trim with a carbon fibre-like pattern, while the SLC
300 gets gloss black interior trim panels.
Elsewhere, the folding metal roof has been revised
and now operates at speeds of up to 40 km/h, and there’s also a new semi-automatic
boot separator that works with the Keyless-GO system on the SLC 300 – the
latter automatically goes into the lower position when the roof is being
stowed, if it was left in the upper position for increased luggage space before
setting off.
Standard equipment on the SLC 200 include a sports
package with sports suspension, an AMG Line leather upholstery, a memory
package for the seats, steering column and mirrors, manual air-con and Airguide
wind deflectors. Other features include Audio 20 CD infotainment with Garmin
Map Pilot navigation and Apple CarPlay, a reverse camera, Adaptive Highbeam
Assist Plus, Pre-Safe and Active Brake Assist.
The SLC 300 adds Keyless-GO entry, Nappa leather
upholstery, Thermotronic dual-zone automatic climate control, Magic Sky Control
electrochromic panoramic roof, a Harman Kardon Logic 7 surround sound system
and COMAND Online navigation.
Both cars are powered by a 2.0 litre turbocharged
four-cylinder engine, mated to a nine-speed 9G-Tronic automatic transmission.
In the SLC 200, the blown mill makes 180 hp at 5,500 rpm and 300 Nm of torque
between 1,200 and 4,000 rpm (0-100 km/h in 6.9 seconds, 237 km/h top speed);
the SLC 300 gets the full 245 hp and 370 Nm (5.8 secs, 250 km/h).