The Mercedes-Benz SLK, later rebranded as the SLC, has long been synonymous with open-top driving pleasure combined with Mercedes-Benz luxury and innovation. When the SLK debuted in 1996, it revolutionized the roadster segment with its groundbreaking vario-roof, offering the best of both worlds: open-air exhilaration and coupe-like comfort in inclement weather. To commemorate this legacy and the end of the current model generation, Mercedes-Benz has released the stunning Mercedes-AMG SLC 43 Final Edition, along with the SLC 300 Final Edition. These special models represent the pinnacle of the SLC’s evolution, boasting exclusive design elements, enhanced features, and a nod to the iconic SLK’s vibrant launch color.
Mercedes-Benz SLC 300 Final Edition: Elegant Sophistication
The Mercedes-Benz SLC 300 Final Edition is painted in Selenite Grey and immediately captivates with its refined sporty appearance. The AMG Styling front bumper is a key highlight, featuring trim strips finished in silver chrome on the lower section, adding a touch of brilliance. High-gloss black accents accentuate the door handles, mirrors, and rear brace, creating a striking contrast against the Selenite Grey paint. Exclusive “SLC Final Edition” badges adorn the front fenders, positioned elegantly below the chromed fin, signaling the special nature of this model. Completing the exterior aesthetic are the standard 18-inch 5-spoke AMG light-alloy wheels, finished in high-gloss black, further enhancing the sporty yet sophisticated stance.
The SLC 300 Final Edition builds upon the AMG Line, incorporating a range of performance and style enhancements. This includes AMG Styling bumpers at both the front and rear, a sport suspension lowered by 10 mm for enhanced agility, and an upgraded braking system. The braking system features perforated brake discs and front calipers proudly displaying “Mercedes-Benz” lettering, ensuring confident stopping power to match the sporty character.
Stepping inside the SLC 300 Final Edition reveals an interior defined by luxurious materials and meticulous craftsmanship. A striking combination of two-tone Nappa leather in Black/Silver Pearl with grey topstitching creates a sophisticated and sporty ambiance. This exquisite leather treatment extends to the standard sport seats, door trim, and door center panels, enveloping occupants in premium comfort.
Further enhancing the interior coherence, the seat belts are finished in grey, echoing the topstitching detail found throughout the cabin. Carbon-fiber look leather inserts on the head restraints and the upper section of the seatbacks add a modern, sporty touch, completing the refined interior design. The head restraints and the selector lever of the automatic transmission are also covered in carbon leather and feature embossed silver SLC lettering, a subtle yet distinctive detail. Bright aluminum trim elements on the instrument panel and center console provide a contemporary contrast to the dark leather. The standard multifunction sport steering wheel combines carbon leather in the upper and lower segments with smooth nappa leather in the grip area, ensuring a premium feel and sporty functionality with its flat bottom, 3-spoke design, black paddle shifters, and “Mercedes-Benz” lettering on the spoke faceplate. Additional standard features for the Final Edition include black floor mats with an embroidered logo, AIRSCARF neck-level heating for open-top comfort in cooler conditions, seat heating, and the Memory package for the seats, steering column, and exterior mirrors, enhancing convenience and personalized comfort. The package also includes 4-way lumbar support for both the driver and front passenger, further emphasizing the focus on occupant well-being.
Mercedes-AMG SLC 43 Final Edition: Performance Roadster in Sun Yellow
The Mercedes-AMG SLC 43 Final Edition takes the sporty essence of the SLC to an even higher level, emphasizing its performance pedigree with an exclusive Sun Yellow paint finish, reminiscent of the original SLK launch color Yellowstone. This vibrant and eye-catching color immediately sets the AMG SLC 43 Final Edition apart. Further amplifying its aggressive stance, a host of high-gloss black elements are incorporated into the exterior design. These include the front splitter, the fins of the air intakes and fenders, the base of the centrally positioned star, trim elements in the rear fascia, the side mirror caps, and door handles, creating a dramatic contrast with the Sun Yellow paint.
The sporty character is further underscored by matte black 5-spoke AMG light-alloy 18-inch wheels featuring a distinctive yellow rim flange. These wheels are paired with performance tires, size 235/40 R 18 at the front and 255/35 R 18 at the rear, ensuring optimal grip and handling.
Inside the AMG SLC 43 Final Edition, the two-tone leather appointments in Black/Silver Pearl with grey topstitching and seatbelts continue the sophisticated sporty theme, mirroring the SLC 300 Final Edition. Carbon-fiber look leather applications further enhance the performance-oriented interior ambiance. The AMG Performance steering wheel is a key highlight, featuring carbon-embossed leather in the upper and lower segments, as well as Nappa leather in the grip area. A crystal grey 12-o’clock marker and an additional “AMG EDITION” badge on the steering-wheel trim further distinguish this high-performance model. Like the SLC 300 Final Edition, the AMG SLC 43 Final Edition is generously equipped with comfort features, including AIRSCARF neck-level heating, seat heating for both driver and passenger, and the Memory package for the exterior mirrors, seat, and steering column settings.
| SLC 300 | Mercedes-AMG SLC 43 | |
|---|---|---|
| Number of cylinders/arrangement | 4/in-line | 6/V |
| Displacement (cc) | 1,991 | 2,996 |
| Rated output (hp) | 241 | 385 |
| Rated torque (lb-ft) | 273 | 384 |
| Acceleration 0-60 mph (s) | 5.8 | 4.6 |
| Top speed (mph) (electronically limited) | 155 | 155 |
A Legacy of Innovation: Over 20 Years of Mercedes-Benz SLK and SLC
The introduction of the SLK in 1996 marked a pivotal moment for Mercedes-Benz, initiating a new era for the brand and setting a benchmark for roadster design. Its innovative vario-roof became an industry standard, influencing numerous open-top vehicles that followed. In 2011, Mercedes-Benz unveiled the third generation, internally designated as R 172, which continues to embody the SLK/SLC’s blend of sporty agility and refined comfort. The 2016 rebranding to SLC acknowledged its close ties to the C-Class, reflecting shared technologies and underpinnings. The Mercedes-Benz SLK and SLC have enjoyed remarkable success, captivating a global community of enthusiasts and achieving sales exceeding 710,000 units since 1996.
Model History at a Glance:
- 1994: Design studies in Turin and Paris
- 1996: World premiere of the SLK (R 170) at the Turin Motor Show
- 2000: Comprehensive model update for the SLK
- 2004: World premiere of the second-generation SLK (R 171) at the Geneva Motor Show
- 2008: Model update for the second-generation SLK
- 2011: Third generation of the SLK (R 172)
- 2016: Model update for the third-generation model, renamed SLC generation
- 2019: Premiere of the Final Edition special models of the third generation
The Mercedes-Benz SLC Final Edition models serve as a fitting tribute to a roadster lineage defined by innovation, style, and driving pleasure. These special editions encapsulate the essence of the SLC, offering enthusiasts a final opportunity to own a piece of Mercedes-Benz roadster history.
