Mercedes SLC bows out with run-out Final Edition for 2020
Two-seat compact Mercedes drop-top to be taken off sale next year with no plans to replace it
Mercedes has called time on the SLC roadster - its rival for everything from the Mazda MX-5, to the Audi TT and entry level versions of the Porsche 718 Boxster - by announcing a run-out Final Edition version of its smallest drop-top, on sale now and on roads next spring.
On sale since 2011 in one form or another, the SLC is the oldest Mercedes still on sale, and Auto Express understands a replacement is not planned, with the German marque to leave the small roadster market for the foreseeable future.
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All three versions of the SLC - the 200, 300 and AMG 43 - will be available in Final Edition specification. The 200 and 300 versions of the car both use turbocharged 2.0-litre four-cylinder petrol engines, developing 181bhp and 300Nm and 242bhp and 370Nm respectively. The SLC 200 is equipped with a six-speed manual gearbox as standard, but a nine-speed automatic gearbox, as found by default on the more powerful 300, is optional.
The AMG fettled, Audi TT RS convertible rivalling AMG 43 uses a 3.0-litre turbocharged petrol V6 developing 385bhp and 520Nm torque. 0-62mph takes 4.7 seconds, with top speed electronically limited to 155mph, and the nine-speed automatic transmission is mated to paddle shifters mounted on the steering wheel.
As per run-out special convention, the SLC Final Edition is a heavily stocked model in terms of standard equipment. All versions ride on 18-inch five spoke alloy wheels and feature Airscarf neck level heaters, electrically adjustable steering column and heated sports seats with memory function, rain sensing wipers, navigation, compatibility with Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, Mercedes Parktronic parking assistance and on AMG 43 models, a HArmon Kardon sound system. \
A First Edition Premium trim level is also offered, adding extras such as a reversing camera, wind deflectors, electrically folding mirrors, LED headlights with high beam assist and a panoramic sunroof.
Prices for the SLC 200 Final Edition begin from £37,120, with the Final Edition Premium model commanding a £40,916 price tag. More powerful SLC 300 variants cost £41,440 and £45,236, while the two run-out AMG 43 versions of the SLC are chalked up at £48,945 and £52,741 for the Final Edition Premium version.
Read our in-depth review of the Mercedes SLC…
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