2017 Mercedes-Benz SLC unveiled

Mercedes-Benz has unveiled their latest iteration of the SLK-Class, now called the SLC-roadster, ahead of its debut which is slated for the North American International Auto Show in Detroit early next year.

The SLC-Class carries forward the baton for the new naming nomenclature to the ‘sports-car’ division in the Mercedes line-up, but it receives more than just a name change. The exterior will receive a thorough facelift thanks to a reworked front-fascia featuring a new and aggressive front bonnet with the added diamond grille, and headlights with integrated LED daytime running lights. The rear keeps things in check with the outgoing model though. However, there’s a new rear bumper with added chrome, new LED taillights and a revised dual exhaust system.

As of now, Mercedes say that the SLC-Class can be had with a selection of two engines. The SLC300 will be powered by a 2.0-litre turbocharged 4-cylinder engine which produces an impressive 241 hp and 369 Nm of torque, and will be mated to a 9-speed automatic transmission. Top speed for the SLC300 will be 209 kph and 0-100 kph should be dealt with in 5.7 seconds. ­The second option will be the Mercedes-AMG SLC43, which dumps the clichéd AMG-V8 for a more subtle twin-turbo 3.0-litre V6 engine that produces 362 hp and 520 Nm of torque. This should still make way for a 0-100 kph time of 4.6 seconds before hitting a limited top speed of 250 kph.

The interior remains largely unchanged expect for the addition of a new sports steering wheel, revised instrument cluster, carbon fibre-esque aluminium inserts and new leather and Nappa leather upholstery. Furthermore, the COMAND infotainment system will be fitted with a higher resolution 7-inch display. The SLC-roadster will also be equipped with a retractable hardtop that can be opened or closed at speeds up to 40 kph.

The car will benefit from a standard ‘DYNAMIC SELECT’ system which features Comfort, Sport, Sport+, Eco, and Individual modes.  This system modifies engine, transmission, steering and suspension settings according to the requirements of the driver.

The 2017 Mercedes SLC-Class is expected to enter UAE, Saudi Arabia, Qatar and rest of the GCC sometime next year, following its official launch which is due early next year.