Mercedes-Benz India have introduced the new SLC-Class, the replacement to the SLK-Class, starting with the AMG SLC 43, the most potent one on offer, from Rs 77.5 lakh (ex-showroom, Delhi).
The SLK‘s successor arrives with a face-lift, a name-lift and even an engine lifted out of the GLE 450 AMG Coupé. It’s got a bold new star-studded front grille, and svelte lines that make it attractive to the eye and slippery-er through the air.
Like the car it replaces, the SLC 43 packs a lot of the latest Mercedes kit, including the Airscarf system that can channel warm air around your neck when the top is down. The hard-top convertible ‘vario’ roof can be operated at speeds up to 40 km/h. New bits include a larger seven-inch display on the centre console and, to enhance dynamic driving characteristics, the Dynamic Select drive modes allow easy switching between car characters. This AMG model also gets Nappa leather upholstery. Plush. Further additions also include Apple CarPlay and Garmin Map Pilot.
The SLC 43 may be the replacement for the SLK, but, unlike the rest of the AMG high-performance range in India, it packs a new 3.0-litre biturbo V6 with 367 PS and 520 Nm. Also unlike the rest, it has a 9G-Tronic nine-speed automatic transmission that drives the rear wheels. But that’s all good, because, unlike the rest, it weighs in at under 1.6 tonnes. That means it can hit 0-100 km/h in 4.7 seconds and go on to a top speed of 250 km/h.
It’s also the only convertible Mercedes-AMG model at present so it certainly has a lot going for it.
Story: Jim Gorde
