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New name, new dynamic ... The new Mercedes-Benz SLC


Mercedes-Benz SLC 300 exterior_ designo cerrusit grey magno, AMG Line; interior_ bengal red_black

Mercedes-Benz SLC 300 exterior_ designo cerrusit grey magno, AMG Line; interior_ bengal red_black

 

Stuttgart, 4 April, 2016

To coincide with its 20-year anniversary, the archetypal compact roadster is to be relaunched in April 2016 with a new name – the SLC – as well as significantly optimised technology and an enhanced look. The name change acknowledges the close relationship with the C-Class. There are new additions to the model line-up – the sporty top-of-the-line Mercedes-AMG SLC 43 and the entry-level SLC 180. In visual terms, stand-out features include the standard-fit diamond radiator grille and the LED Intelligent Light System (optional extra). Prices now start at €34,926.50
[1] for the new SLC 180 entry-level model with an output of 115 kW (156 hp).



The new Mercedes-Benz SLC has an impressive heritage to live up to: its predecessor, the SLK, which was launched in 1996, won fans around the world and achieved sales of around 670,000 units. Comprehensively refined and with a model line-up ranging from the high-torque and economical SLC 250 d to the sporty, high-performance Mercedes-AMG SLC 43, the new model has what it takes to build on that success. The SLC 250 d, SLC 300 and SLC 43 feature the sport/comfort-oriented 9G-TRONIC automatic transmission as standard, while it is available as an option for the new 115 kW (156 hp) SLC 180 and for the SLC 200.

Ola Källenius, Member of the Board of Management of Daimler AG, Mercedes-Benz Cars Sales & Marketing: "In 1996 Mercedes-Benz redefined the roadster with its innovative vario-roof, and combined open-air driving pleasure with uncompromised comfort in poor weather. The renamed compact roadster remains the ideal combination of passion and rational common sense, appealing to both the heart and the mind".

As part of the facelift, the Mercedes-Benz designers have further honed the cult roadster's sporty look. The new front section, where the steeply raked radiator grille elongates the appearance of the arrow-shaped bonnet, is particularly striking.   All SLC models feature a diamond radiator grille as standard. Its interior, post facelift, has an even higher-quality look. Highlights include new light (standard) or dark aluminium trim parts with a carbon-fibre finish. The instrument cluster has a new design too.

With DYNAMIC SELECT the vehicle characteristics can be adjusted instantly at the touch of a button, as the system modifies the engine, transmission, steering and suspension at the driver's behest.

The new model line-up at a glance:

 

SLC 180

SLC 200

SLC 300

SLC 250 d

SLC 43

Number of cylinders/ arrangement

4/in-line

4/in-line

4/in-line

4/in-line

6/V

Displacement (cc)

1595

1991

1991

2143

2996

Rated output (kW/hp at rpm)

115/156 at 5300

135/184 at 5500

180/245 at 5500

150/204 at 3800

270/367 at 5500-6000

Rated torque (Nm at rpm)

250 at 1200-4000

300 at 1200-4000

370 at 1300-4000

500 at 1600-1800

520 at 2000-4200

NEDC consumption (l/100 km) urban/extra-urban/comb.

7.4/4.5/5.6(7.3/4.7/5.6)

8.1/4.9/6.1 (7.5/4.7/5.7)

(7.5/4.7/5.8)

(5.2/3.9/4.4)

(10.7/6.2/7.8)

Combined CO2 emissions (g/km)

127 (128)

142 (133)

(134)

(114)

(178)

Efficiency class

B (B)

C (B)

(B)

(A)

(D)

Acceleration 0-100 km/h (s)

7.9 (8.1)

7.0 (6.9)

(5.8)

(6.6)

(4.7)

Top speed (km/h)

226 (223)

240 (237)

(250)

(245)

(250)

Price from (euros)1

34,926.50
(37,425.50)

39,805.50
(42,304.50)

(46,380.25)

(43,524.25)

(59,886.75)

In brackets: figures for version with 9G-TRONIC. 1Recommended retail price in Germany incl. VAT

Drive system: individual driving characteristics with DYNAMIC SELECT

The new entry-level model is the SLC 180 with an output of 115 kW (156 hp). It has an NEDC consumption figure of just 5.6 l/100 km and CO2 emissions of 127 g/km. Positioned above this are the SLC 200 with an output of 135 kW (184 hp) and the SLC 300 with 180 kW (245 hp), both of which feature a 1991 cc four-cylinder engine. The efficiency champion remains the 150 kW (204 hp) diesel model, the SLC 250 d, with a CO2 figure of 114 g/km.

Driving Performance is the AMG brand promise – and the Mercedes-AMG SLC 43 lives up to it in impressive style. The new model combines a 270 kW (367 hp), 520 Nm, 3.0-litre V6 biturbo engine with a modified version of the AMG sports suspension familiar from the Mercedes-AMG SLK 55, and the combination is reflected in the sporty performance figures, with the SLC 43 accelerating from 0 to 100 km/h in 4.7 seconds.

The SLC 180 and SLC 200 are fitted with a 6-speed manual transmission. The sport/comfort-oriented 9G-TRONIC automatic transmission is available for these models as an option and fitted as standard in the SLC 250 d, SLC 300 and SLC 43.

With DYNAMIC SELECT the vehicle characteristics can be adjusted instantly at the touch of a button, as the system modifies the engine, transmission and steering at the driver's behest. The five modes – "Comfort", "Sport", "Sport+", "Eco" and "Individual" – are easy to select using the DYNAMIC SELECT button in the upper control panel on the dashboard console. The selected mode is shown on the colour multifunction display and also appears as a pop-up message on the head unit display. DYNAMIC SELECT is a standard feature in the SLC 300 and SLC 250 d. In the SLC 180 and SLC 200, transmission mode selection is available in conjunction with the optional 9G-TRONIC.

Drivers who choose the Dynamic Handling package (optional extra), which features a 10 mm lower chassis, an adaptive damping system, the Direct-Steer system and ESP® Curve Dynamic Assist, can also use DYNAMIC SELECT to specify the damping force in Comfort, Sport and Sport+ mode. Here the damping force at each individual wheel is automatically and continuously adapted to the current driving conditions.

Assistance and safety systems: a comprehensive range

A new feature for the SLC is the standard-fit Active Brake Assist, known until now as COLLISION PREVENTION ASSIST PLUS. In addition to a visual proximity warning and an additional audible collision warning, it includes Adaptive Brake Assist, which can help prevent collisions by boosting the brake pressure to suit the situation. Should the risk of collision remain and the driver fails to react, the system can trigger autonomous braking.

Blind Spot Assist and Active Lane Keeping Assist also remain available.

For optimum visibility on country roads and motorways, when cornering and on bends, the optional LED Intelligent Light System automatically adapts to all light and driving conditions. Adaptive Highbeam Assist Plus is also available for dazzle-free continuous high beam usage. This system always automatically sets the optimum headlamp range. The driver can concentrate on the traffic and does not have to continually switch between low beam and high beam.

If the front passenger seat is unoccupied or a child seat is detected, the front passenger airbag is automatically deactivated. This helps prevent small children from being injured by the front passenger airbag deploying. The reliable recognition function uses a pressure sensor.

Comfort appointments: vario-roof now even easier to operate

The SLC's vario-roof combines open-top driving pleasure with uncompromised comfort in poor weather. Operating the electrohydraulic roof is now even more straightforward. If while the roof is opening or closing the vehicle has to move off due to the traffic conditions, the process which was started when at a standstill can be continued up to a speed of approx. 40 km/h. Another new feature is the semi-automatic boot separator (in conjunction with the optional vario-roof convenience feature or optional KEYLESS-GO): if the separator is in the upper position for increased boot capacity, it automatically moves down when the roof is opened.

Even with the top down, optional features ensure that the SLC is able to offer the perfect on-board climate. These features include heated seats and AIRSCARF, the neck-level heating system for the driver and passenger, ideally in combination with one of the two available draught-stops. The small side window behind the door can now be closed separately when the top is down, reducing wind noise.

A feature that continues to be unique to the SLC is the panoramic vario-roof with MAGIC SKY CONTROL – this glass roof is lightened or darkened at the touch of a button. This means that it provides an open-air feeling at any time, but when required gives welcome shade under a hot sun.

The classic strengths of the SLC also include its well-designed boot, which at 335 litres has easily the highest capacity in this segment.

Infotainment: extended functions for COMAND Online

As a control and display system for navigation, phone, audio, video and internet, the COMAND Online infotainment system offers a wide range of new and extended features. These include the 7-inch (17.8 cm) high-resolution TFT display and internet access from the stationary vehicle, plus unrestricted use of the Mercedes-Benz Apps when on the move too (in conjunction with an appropriate mobile phone).

The new SLC is intelligently networked and "always on". This is ensured by the standard-fit communications module (on-board SIM card) which enables the use of Mercedes me connect services. The available Standard Services currently include Accident Recovery, Breakdown Management and Maintenance Management, as well as Telediagnostics, for example.

The Audio 20 CD entertainment system has also been upgraded. It now features a larger 7-inch (17.8 cm) display and can be combined with the Garmin® MAP PILOT navigation system; the navigation data here is input using an SD card. Optimised route guidance is also available via Live Traffic Information.