Mercedes SLC vs SLK: facelift comparison

Mercedes was one of the first brands to produce a folding hardtop convertible – the SLK. The German brand has heavily facelifted the car and, under its new naming strategy, has rechristened it the SLC. Read on to discover exactly what’s changed…

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Mercedes SLC vs SLK styling

At first glance, both models look very similar – you still get the long bonnet and rear-mounted cabin expected of a sports car. Look closer, however, and you notice that nearly every surface has been reshaped on the SLC. The front grille now has more rounded edges and the lower air intake is both broader and simpler. The SLK’s chiselled jawline has been smoothed on the SLC along with its flanks, making the car look lighter.

New headlights, inspired by the E-Class, are fitted and feature prominent LED signature lights – previously mounted on the lower bumper. The rear bumper has, like the rest of the body, been smoothed and now houses two slim exhaust finishers. The changes might appear subtle but help bring the SLC into line with the rest of Mercedes’ lineup.

Mercedes SLC vs SLK interior

Very few changes have taken place in the cabin. In fact, you’re only likely to notice the new, shorter automatic shift knob similar to the one found in the AMG GT supercar. Elsewhere, the steering wheel has been redesigned with a more rounded centre portion similar to the one found on the new C-Class.

Otherwise, it’s the same as before. You still get a centrally mounted infotainment display controlled by a knob found behind the gearstick and the climate controls have been moved over effectively unchanged. A newer colour screen can be seen nestled between the dials relaying speed and navigation instructions to the driver’s eye line.

Mercedes SLC vs SLK engines

The engine range is mostly unchanged barring the introduction of a new high performance AMG model. Buyers are still offered the entry level 184hp SLC 200 petrol with the choice of a six-speed manual or nine-speed automatic gearbox. Above that sits the SLC 300 which uses a 245hp version of the same engine – it hits 62mph from rest in 5.8 seconds.

Those with one eye on efficiency are, like before, offered the SLC 250d. This 204hp diesel unit propels the SLC from 0-62mph in a respectable 6.6 seconds yet returns 64.2mpg on average. Unfortunately, the old SLK 55’s V8 has gone but is replaced by the SLC 43. This new speedy convertible uses a 367hp 3.0-litre turbocharged V6 to hit 62mph from rest in 4.7 seconds – just 0.1 seconds slower than the outgoing model.

Mercedes SLC vs SLK price

Despite the new technology and updated styling, Mercedes isn’t expected to increase the SLC’s prices compared to the SLK. In fact, if the larger SL’s recent facelift is anything to go by, the SLC could even see a marginal price drop compared to the old model. This means entry level models could cost just over £30,000 and the AMG version just under £55,000.

Save money on your new Mercedes

Spec up the outgoing Mercedes SLK in our deals page to see the discounts carwow can help you get. If you need more help picking your next car, check out our car chooser.