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 innovative vario-roof, offering the best of both worlds: the thrill of a convertible and the comfort of a coupe. To commemorate the legacy of this groundbreaking model, Mercedes-Benz introduced the Mercedes-Benz SLC Final Edition, a special series designed to celebrate the culmination of the current generation. Available for both the SLC 300 and the high-performance Mercedes-AMG SLC 43, the Final Edition models boast exclusive styling cues, enhanced features, and a nod to the original SLK’s vibrant launch color.
The Mercedes-Benz SLC 300 Final Edition is distinguished by its sophisticated Selenite Grey paint finish, providing a refined and sporty aesthetic. The exterior is further enhanced with the AMG Styling front bumper, featuring silver chrome trim strips on the lower section, adding a touch of elegance and aggression. High-gloss black finishes adorn the door handles, mirrors, and rear brace, creating a striking contrast against the Selenite Grey body. Exclusive “SLC Final Edition” badges are subtly placed on the front fenders, just below the signature chromed fin, signaling the special nature of this model. The standard 18-inch 5-spoke AMG light-alloy wheels, finished in high-gloss black, complete the assertive stance of the SLC 300 Final Edition.
Building upon the AMG Line, the SLC 300 Final Edition benefits from AMG Styling bumpers at both the front and rear, along with a sport suspension that lowers the vehicle by 10mm, enhancing both its appearance and handling. The braking system is upgraded with larger, perforated brake discs and front calipers proudly displaying “Mercedes-Benz” lettering, ensuring confident stopping power.
Inside the SLC 300 Final Edition, a luxurious and sporty ambiance is created by the striking combination of two-tone Nappa leather in Black/Silver Pearl with grey topstitching. This premium leather upholstery extends across the standard-fit sport seats, door trim, and door center panels, creating a cohesive and upscale cabin environment. Grey seat belts further complement the topstitching detail, while carbon-fiber look leather inserts in the head restraints and the upper section of the seatbacks add a touch of modern sophistication to the exquisite interior design.
Further interior enhancements include head restraints and the selector lever of the automatic transmission trimmed in carbon leather and embossed with silver SLC lettering. The trim elements on the instrument panel and center console feature a bright aluminum finish, adding a touch of contemporary elegance. The standard multifunction sport steering wheel combines carbon leather in the upper and lower segments with smooth nappa leather in the grip area, providing a premium feel and sporty aesthetic. The flat-bottom design, 3-spoke configuration, black paddle shifters, and spoke faceplate with “Mercedes-Benz” lettering underscore the sporty character of the steering wheel.
Comfort and convenience features are abundant in the SLC 300 Final Edition, including black floor mats with embroidered logos, 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. The package also includes 4-way lumbar support for both the driver and front passenger, ensuring optimal comfort on any journey.
For enthusiasts seeking even greater performance, the Mercedes-AMG SLC 43 Final Edition amplifies the sporty nature of the roadster with exclusive Sun Yellow paint finish, a vibrant tribute to the original SLK’s launch color. A host of high-gloss black elements further accentuate its dynamic appearance, including the front splitter, air intake fins, fender fins, base of the centrally positioned star, rear fascia trim, side mirror caps, and door handles. The matte black 18-inch 5-spoke AMG light-alloy wheels with yellow rim flange and staggered tires (235/40 R 18 front, 255/35 R 18 rear) emphatically underscore the performance pedigree of this roadster.
The interior of the Mercedes-AMG SLC 43 Final Edition mirrors the luxurious and sporty theme of the SLC 300, featuring two-tone leather appointments in Black/Silver Pearl with grey topstitching and seatbelts, along with carbon-fiber look leather applications. The AMG Performance steering wheel, a hallmark of AMG models, is trimmed in carbon-embossed leather in the upper and lower segments, and 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 performance roadster. The AMG Final Edition retains numerous comfort features from the standard model, including AIRSCARF neck-level heating, seat heating for driver and front passenger, and the Memory package for exterior mirrors, seats, and steering column settings.
Here’s a comparative overview of the Final Edition models:
| SLC 300 Final Edition | Mercedes-AMG SLC 43 Final Edition | |
|---|---|---|
| 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 Open-Top Innovation: Over Two Decades of Mercedes-Benz SLK and SLC
The introduction of the SLK in 1996 marked a pivotal moment for Mercedes-Benz, ushering in a new era of roadsters. Its groundbreaking vario-roof design became an industry benchmark, influencing numerous open-top vehicles that followed. In 2011, Mercedes-Benz unveiled the third generation SLK, codenamed R 172, continuing the model’s legacy of blending sporty agility with refined comfort and striking design suitable for everyday driving. The name evolved to SLC in 2016, reflecting its closer alignment with the C-Class family, with which it shares significant technical underpinnings. The Mercedes-Benz SLK and Mercedes Benz Slc models have garnered a dedicated global fanbase, achieving sales exceeding 710,000 units since 1996, a testament to their enduring appeal.
The model history at a glance:
- 1994: Design studies in Turin and Paris initiated the SLK concept.
- 1996: World premiere of the SLK (R 170) at the Turin Motor Show.
- 2000: Comprehensive model update for the original SLK.
- 2004: World premiere of the second-generation SLK (R 171) at the Geneva Motor Show.
- 2008: Model update for the second-generation SLK, enhancing its appeal.
- 2011: Launch of the third generation SLK (R 172), bringing new technology and design.
- 2016: Model update for the third-generation model, rebranded as the mercedes benz slc generation.
- 2019: Premiere of the Final Edition special models, celebrating the end of an era for the third generation.
The Mercedes-Benz SLC Final Edition serves as a fitting tribute to a model line that has consistently delivered open-air driving enjoyment, innovative technology, and Mercedes-Benz luxury for over two decades. It represents the pinnacle of the mercedes benz slc lineage, offering enthusiasts a final opportunity to own a piece of this iconic roadster’s history.
