The 2019 Mercedes-Benz SLC-Class returns sporting the same chassis as it did when it first hit the market in 2011. The smallest Mercedes roadster may have been refreshed and updated over that time, but it still has an air of staleness in its design that the automaker can't seem to facelift out. That being said, the SLC is still a great handling small luxury roadster with a nice interior and a compelling AMG performance option.
What's New for 2019
The SLC-Class is largely the same, with limited changes for 2019. The largest change has been the elimination of some option packages over last year.
Choosing Your Mercedes-Benz SLC-Class
The SLC is offered with two engine choices. The first is a 2.0-liter turbocharged four-cylinder that's available on the base SLC 300, offering 241 horsepower and 273 pound-feet of torque while returning an EPA-estimated 23 miles per gallon city, 32 mpg highway, and 27 combined. This engine is powerful enough to feel peppy, but it's not going to blow your mind as it can only manage a zero-to-60 mph time of 5.8 seconds.
The AMG SLC 43 gets a much more exciting 3.0-liter twin-turbocharged V6 that puts out 362 hp and 384 lb-ft of torque, allowing it to hit 60 mph in 4.6 seconds. Both engines are controlled through a nine-speed automatic transmission, although the one in the AMG is made to be a bit quicker thinking for sportier driving.
All models of the SLC 300 get a folding rigid hardtop, which can curiously be equipped with a $2,500 panoramic transparent section to get the feeling of driving in a convertible without actually exposing yourself to the elements. Additional standard features include power leatherette sport seats with memory, active brake assist, attention assist, and a seven-inch infotainment screen. Both the AMG and SLC 300 include multiple drive modes as well, although the AMG version has a more drastic difference between the settings.
It's rare that we recommend the AMG model, but the AMG SLC 43 is the better buy in the 2019 Mercedes-Benz SLC-Class lineup. The SL 300 is more or less a fashion accessory, and top down cruising can be in a much newer package with the C-Class convertible and much cheaper in something like a Fiat 124 or a Mazda Miata RF. The SLC 43 offers a true roadster experience, providing a higher power option over the likes of the Porsche Boxster.