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Used Car Expert Rating

Mercedes-Benz SLC (2011 to 2020)

Expert Rating

Used car score:

56
%
D

This model is no longer on sale or in production, so it doesn't have a New Car Expert Rating score.

Expert Rating report card

Media Rating:

59
%
E

Safety Rating:

-

Eco Rating:

55
%
D

Reliability Rating:

89
%
A

Running Costs:

35
%
E

How are our Expert Rating scores calculated?

Expert Rating

Used car score:

56
%
D

This model is no longer on sale or in production, so it doesn't have a New Car Expert Rating score.

Expert Rating report card

Media Rating:

59
%
E

Safety Rating:

-

Eco Rating:

55
%
D

Reliability Rating:

89
%
A

Running Costs:

35
%
E

Summary

The Mercedes-Benz SLC (originally known as the SLK) was a two-door retractable hard-top roadster that rivalled the likes of the Audi TT and BMW Z4.

The third-generation SLK was launched in 2011, before being renamed as the SLC as part of its mid-life facelift in 2016. The car ended production in 2020 and has not been replaced in the Mercedes-Benz range.

As part of the mid-lift update and name change, the SLC gained some exterior styling tweaks, a new nine-speed automatic transmission, updated interior tech and a few mechanical additions.

“The standard nine-speed automatic gearbox ensures smooth and effortless acceleration”, Carwow explained, while also pointing out that the SLC had sharper steering than the outgoing SLK “thanks to adaptive dampers with selectable settings.”

While the majority of reviewers agreed that the SLC was an improvement over its predecessor, several outlets found it hard to recommend the Mercedes-Benz over its rivals. While the interior was well-built – a hallmark of Mercedes-Benz models – many reviewers also commented that the design and tech was quite dated inside, even at launch.

It might have not been all that engaging on the road, nor all that practical day-to-day, but as Top Gear concluded, “the SLC works well as an easy-going 24/7 roadster.”

No longer on sale, the Mercedes-Benz SLC and SLK hold a Used Car Expert Rating of D, with a score of 56%. Its CO2 emissions are average, but high running costs and poor media review scores drag the overall rating down.

SLC highlights

  • Attractive exterior looks
  • Well-built inside and out
  • Efficient diesel engine
  • Capable long-distance cruiser

SLC lowlights

  • Rivals are more engaging on the road
  • Small boot
  • Dated interior
  • SLK’s top-spec V8 engine not available

Key specifications

Body style: Two-seat roadster
Engines:
petrol, diesel
Price when new:
From £31,170 on-road

Launched: Summer 2011
Last updated: Winter 2019/2020
Replaced: Spring 2020

Media reviews

Highlighted reviews and road tests from across the UK automotive media. Click any of the boxes to view.

Featured reviews

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Auto Express

Auto Trader

Business Car

Car

Car Keys

Carbuyer

Daily Mirror

Fleetworld

Green Car Guide

Heycar

Honest John

Motoring Research

Parkers

The Sun

The Sunday Times

The Telegraph

Top Gear

Safety rating

No safety rating

The Mercedes-Benz SLC was not crash tested by Euro NCAP during its production life.

Eco rating

No eco rating

The Mercedes-Benz SLC was not lab tested by Green NCAP during its production life.

Reliability rating

MotorEasy logo 600x167

Reliability data provided exclusively for The Car Expert by MotorEasy

All data based on MotorEasy average workshop costs for extended car warranty claims

Similar cars

If you’re looking at the Mercedes-Benz SLC or SLK, you might also be interested in these alternatives

Alpine A110 | Audi TTBMW Z4 | Mazda MX-5Porsche 718 Boxster | Porsche 718 Cayman | Subaru BRZ | Toyota GT86

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The Mercedes-Benz SLC was a capable everyday roadster, but it could not match the performance, fun or interior tech of its rivals.Mercedes-Benz SLC (2011 to 2020)