Mercedes reaffirms its reigns

Emirates Business

The new Mercedes-Benz SLC (previously SLK) takes the roadster’s driving pleasure to a new level thanks to an unrivalled combination of sportiness and comfort. Just in time for the 20th birthday of its segment, the archetypal compact roadster enjoys a new evolution — with a new name, optimised technology and an enhanced look. Comprehensively refined, and with a model line-up ranging from the entry level SLC 200 to the top-of-the-line Mercedes-AMG SLC 43, the renamed compact roadster will appeal to today’s confident individualist determined to experience life’s exclusive pleasures.
“Compact, powerful and economical, the new SLC offers drivers pure AMG driving pleasure in a compact and stylish open-top two-seater,” said Lennart Mueller-Teut, Head of Marketing & Communications, Mercedes-Benz Cars Middle East. “Having been a technology leader in its segment since it first introduced the innovative vario-roof, the new SLC combines open-air driving pleasure with uncompromised comfort in poor weather, to unite the classic virtues of a roadster with exemplary efficiency.”
The new SLC 43 represents the entry point into the current roadster world of AMG. Apart from the renaming of the SLK to SLC, the open-top two-seater also comes with a new AMG nomenclature. With its overall “engineered in Affalterbach” package of typical AMG driving dynamics, engine response and high efficiency, the SLC 43 is competitively positioned in the segment. The 43 stands for the further-developed AMG 3.0-liter V6 biturbo engine. The Mercedes-AMG SLC 43 is therefore the first V6 model from Affalterbach to feature the new nomenclature.

HIGH ON POWER, LOW ON CONSUMPTION
Thanks to the combination of a 3.0-liter V6 biturbo engine and a 9G- TRONIC sport transmission, the 362 hp roadster is more fuel-efficient than its predecessor, the SLK 55 with a naturally aspirated V8 engine. The new Mercedes-AMG SLC 43 is also the most efficient six-cylinder performance roadster on the market. The specially developed suspension and model-specific mountings for the engine and rear-axle gear unit are designed for high lateral acceleration and low roll. Even greater driving dynamics are optionally available with the AMG RIDE CONTROL suspension with adaptive adjustable damping, and the Handling package with mechanical limited-slip differential on the rear axle.
The 3.0-liter V6 biturbo engine offers impressive performance with its 362 hp maximum power and peak torque of 384 lb-ft: sprinting from 0 – 60 in 4.6 seconds, its top speed is electronically limited at 155 mph. With newly developed front and rear axles, new engine/rear-axle gear unit mountings, stiff elastokinematics and highly precise steering.

DYNAMIC SELECT: FIVE MODES
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 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. Drivers who choose the Dynamic Handling package, which features a 10 millimetre lower chassis, an adaptive damping system, direct steering and ESP® Dynamic Cornering Assist, can also use DYNAMIC SELECT to specify the damping force in “Comfort”, “Sport” and “Sport+” modes. Here the damping force at each individual wheel is automatically and continuously adapted to the current driving conditions. With the sports exhaust system the sound experience can be intensified as the acoustics can be adjusted via an integral exhaust flap in conjunction with the DYNAMIC SELECT transmission modes.

ASSISTANCE AND SAFETY SYSTEMS
A new feature for the SLC is the standard-fit Active Brake Assist, known in other model series as COLLISION PREVENTION ASSIST PLUS. In addition to radar-based proximity warning and braking assistance by Adaptive Brake Assist, this Active Brake Assist system carries out autonomous braking to reduce the danger of rear-end collisions. If the driver fails to act when a risk of a collision is detected, despite the warning lamp in the instrument cluster and the intermittent audible alert, the system will initiate automatic braking. This significantly reduces the vehicle speed. At low relative speeds, this intervention may be sufficient to prevent a rear-end collision with slower-moving, stopping or stationary vehicles. Blind Spot Assist and Lane Keeping Assist also remain available.

TECHNOLOGY LEADER
The SLC’s vario-roof combines open-top driving pleasure with uncompromised comfort, with an even smoother electrohydraulic roof that allows easy opening or closing, even while driving at speeds up to 40 km/h.
Even with the top down, optional features ensure that the SLC is able to offer the perfect on-board climate, while 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 – a glass roof that lightens or darkens at the touch of a button – providing 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.

EXTERIOR DESIGN
As part of the facelift, the Mercedes-Benz designers have further honed the 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. The side view of the SLC reveals the typical features of a roadster with a long bonnet, a passenger compartment that is set back and a short rear. The silhouette is defined by the gently rising beltline and the sweeping curve of the roof, the powerfully moulded wheel arches, sporty 16 to 18-inch light-alloy wheels and the ventilation grilles in the front wing, echoing the legendary Mercedes-Benz 300 SL.
Powerful proportions define the rear section with its muscular wings. The rear bumper with its black diffuser, chrome touches and integral tailpipe trim signal the dynamic potential of
the SLC. The tail light units, which now have a narrower design, feature LED technology and are divided horizontally: the top and middle lights are the brake and tail light, and below them are the direction indicator and reversing light. The boot lid has a pronounced arrow shape and the third brake light is positioned in the spoiler lip. The LED daytime running lamps are integrated into the headlamp units. The lenses are made from clear polycarbonate and have a scratchproof coating. With the LED Intelligent Light System the edges and other parts of the headlamp housing are finished in black – conveying a high-level of perceived quality and an effective sense of depth.

THE INTERIOR
The interior of the facelifted SLC Highlights include new light or dark aluminium trim parts with a carbon fibre finish. The instrument cluster has a new design too. The two tubular instrument surrounds now feature black dials.
Red needles also add to the sporty, contemporary design. A large, multifunction, colour TFT display with a screen diagonal of 4.5 inches (11.4 cm) is incorporated between the two dials as standard. An alogue clock with a black dial is available as an option. The display between
the two ventilation outlets in the centre console has been significantly increased in size: in conjunction with Audio 20 it now has a diagonal of 7 inches (17.8 cm) instead of 5.8 inches (14.7 cm). The screen surround is in high-gloss black. Additional displays for vehicle parameters underline the sporty feel – as do the dials showing the engine data.