2020 Mercedes-Benz SLC-Class Review

The littlest MBZ is set to bow out with the 2020 Mercedes-Benz SLC Final Edition. Even though it's only worn the SLC badge since 2017, this pint-size folding-hardtop convertible has been around since 2011 as the SLK. In spite of some superficial changes, very little else about the car was updated when the name changed. In fact, some notable items were lost.

Not With a Bang

In becoming the SLC, the SLK lost both the manual transmission on the base model (the last manual Mercedes sold in the United States), along with its top-level AMG V8. While there was nothing wrong with the nine-speed automatic transmission or the turbocharged V6 offered, Merc's baby roadster certainly lost some of its sporting character.

These days, the SLC has settled in as a marginal competitor in its class. Its technology features are dated, and while it's still fun to scoot around in, the driving experience isn't quite as sharp or engaging as we'd like. Overall, it very much feels its age compared to even basic Benzes of today, such as the whizbang A-Class sedan. Still, the SLC offers a bit of old-fashioned and charming simplicity that we are unlikely to see again from the three-pointed star.

Riding Into a Sun Yellow Sunset

The SLC Final Edition will be available in two flavors: regular or AMG. The 2020 SLC 300 Final Edition will be based on the SLC 300 AMG Line model (not to be confused with the real AMG setup), which comes with a lowered ride height, beefed-up brakes and a more aggressive look. It will be available in gray, with gloss-black exterior accents, gray interior accents and two-tone leather seats. Carbon-fiber-look leather has been draped over the headrests, steering wheel and shifter knob.

The 2020 AMG SLC 43 ditches the dour gray for a celebratory Sun Yellow paint that's exclusive to this model. It also comes with gloss-black exterior accents and matte-black 18-inch wheels. Inside, you'll find the same two-tone leather seats as in the 300 and the carbon-fiber-look leather.

Both cars come with plenty of Final Edition badging both inside and out as well as standard features such as seat memory and the Airscarf neck heater. Both also retain the same power figures as the models on which they're based: 241 horsepower for the SLC 300's four-cylinder and 385 hp for the AMG's V6.

Pricing and Release Date

The SLC Final Edition is slated to hit dealerships sometime in 2020. So if you're feeling pre-emptively nostalgic, there's plenty of time to start saving your pennies. Official pricing hasn't been announced, but we assume the Final Editions will garner a small premium over the current prices. For more news and information about the 2020 Mercedes-Benz SLC 300 Final Edition and AMG SLC 43 Final Edition, stay tuned to Edmunds.