The new SLC: New name, new dynamic

In April 2016, 20 years on from the birth of its segment, the archetypal compact roadster is to be relaunched with a new name – the SLC – significantly optimized technology and an enhanced look. The name change acknowledges the traditionally close relationship with the C-Class, from which much of the roadster's technology is derived. The sporty top-of-the-line Mercedes-AMG SLC 43 is a new addition to the model line-up. In visual terms, stand-out features include the standard-fit diamond radiator grille and the Active LED High Performance Lighting System included in the optional Premium Package.

The new Mercedes-Benz SLC has an impressive heritage to live up to: its predecessor, the SLK, which was launched in 1996, won fans around the world and achieved sales of around 670,000 units. Comprehensively refined and with a model line-up ranging from the sporty SLC 300 to the high-performance Mercedes-AMG SLC 43, the SLC has what it takes to build on that success. Both models feature the sport/comfort-oriented 9G-TRONIC automatic transmission as standard.

Ola Källenius, Member of the Board of Management of Daimler AG, Mercedes-Benz Cars Sales & Marketing: "In 1996, Mercedes-Benz redefined the roadster with its innovative vario-roof and combined open-air driving pleasure with uncompromised comfort in poor weather. The renamed compact roadster remains an ideal combination of passion and rational common sense, appealing to both the heart and the mind."

As part of the facelift, the Mercedes-Benz designers have further honed the roadster's sporty look. The new front section, where the steeply raked radiator grille elongates the appearance of the arrow-shaped hood, is particularly striking. All SLC models feature a diamond radiator grille as standard.

With DYNAMIC SELECT the vehicle characteristics can be adjusted instantly at the touch of a button, as the system modifies the engine, transmission, steering and suspension at the driver's behest.

The new model line-up at a glance:

*Electronically limited.

The drive system: individual driving characteristics with DYNAMIC SELECT

With DYNAMIC SELECT the vehicle characteristics can be adjusted instantly at the touch of a button, as the system modifies the engine, transmission, steering and suspension at the driver's behest. The five modes – "Comfort", "Sport", "Sport+", "Eco" and "Individual" are easy to select using the DYNAMIC SELECT button in the upper control panel on the dashboard console. The selected mode is shown on the colour multifunction display and also appears as a pop-up message on the head unit display. DYNAMIC SELECT is a standard feature in the SLC 300. The SLC 43 features an AMG Sport exhaust system as standard and uses the two adjustable exhaust flaps to adapt the sound to the mode selected via DYNAMIC SELECT.

Drivers who choose the Dynamic Handling Package (optional on the SLC 300), which features a 10 mm lower chassis, an adaptive damping system, direct steering and ESP® Dynamic Cornering Assist, can also use DYNAMIC SELECT to specify the damping force in Comfort, Sport and Sport+ mode. Here the damping force at each individual wheel is automatically and continuously adapted to the current driving conditions.

Assistance and safety systems: a comprehensive range

A new feature for the SLC is the standard-fit Active Brake Assist, known in other model series as COLLISION PREVENTION ASSIST PLUS. In addition to radar-based proximity warning and braking assistance by Adaptive Brake Assist, this Active Brake Assist system carries out autonomous braking to reduce the danger of rear-end collisions. If the driver fails to act when a risk of a collision is detected, despite the warning lamp in the instrument cluster and the intermittent audible alert, the system will initiate automatic braking. This significantly reduces the vehicle speed. At low relative speeds, this intervention may be sufficient to prevent a rear-end collision with slower-moving, stopping or stationary vehicles. Passive Blind Spot is standard.

For optimum visibility on country roads and highways, when cornering and on bends, the Active LED High Performance Lighting System (available with the Premium Package on the SLC 300) automatically adapts to all light and driving conditions. The LED technology features low energy consumption, a long service life and a pleasant white light which approximates the daylight spectrum. The functions of the Active LED High Performance Lighting System include cornering light function, camera-based active light function and roundabout light function.

Reversing into a parking space and manoeuvring can be made significantly safer and more straightforward with the optional rear view camera. It is automatically activated when reverse gear is engaged and uses the head unit display to show the driver the area behind the vehicle with dynamic guide lines. As an option, PARKTRONIC with Parking Guidance can make locating a parking space and parallel parking easier.

Comfort appointments: vario-roof now even easier to operate

The SLC's vario-roof combines open-top driving pleasure with uncompromised comfort in poor weather. Operating the electrohydraulic roof is now even more straightforward. If when opening or closing the roof the vehicle has to move off due to the traffic conditions, the process which was started when at a standstill can be continued up to a speed of approx. 40 km/h. Another new feature is the automatic trunk separator (in conjunction with the optional extra vario-roof convenience feature or KEYLESS-GO): if the separator is in the upper position for increased trunk capacity, it automatically moves down when the roof is opened. If there is not enough space for this because the trunk is full of luggage, the roof does not open and the message "Close trunk separator" appears in the instrument cluster.

Even with the top down, optional features ensure that the SLC is able to offer the perfect on-board climate including AIRSCARF, the neck-level heating system for the driver and passenger, ideally in combination with one of the two available draught-stops. The small side window behind the door can now be closed separately when the top is down, reducing wind noise.

A feature that continues to be unique to the SLC is the panoramic vario-roof with optional MAGIC SKY CONTROL – this glass roof is lightened or darkened at the touch of a button. This means that it provides an open-air feeling at any time, but when required gives welcome shade under a hot sun.

The classic strengths of the SLC also include its well-designed trunk, which at 335 litres has easily the highest capacity in this segment.

Infotainment: extended functions for COMAND Online

As a control and display system for navigation, phone, audio, video and internet, the COMAND Online infotainment system offers a range of new and extended features:

• High-resolution, colour media display (screen diagonal 17.8 cm/7 inches)

• Fast, dynamic hard disc navigation with realistic topographical map views

• Internet access when vehicle is stationary and unrestricted use of Mercedes-Benz Apps when on the move too (in conjunction with an appropriate mobile phone)

• DVD player

• Internet radio

• Bluetooth® connectivity with hands-free function, read function for text messages and audio streaming for music

• LINGUATRONIC voice-operated control system for audio, phone, navigation, music search and Mercedes-Benz Apps

• 2 USB ports in centre armrest and one SD card slot in COMAND head unit

• Integral Media Interface connection for iPod® or iPhone®

• Phone book import from mobile to head unit

• Cover Art: album covers displayed in audio menu

The Audio 20 CD entertainment system has also been upgraded. It now features a bigger display (17.8 cm/7 inches) and can be combined with the Garmin® MAP PILOT navigation system; the navigation data is input using an SD card.

Exterior design: diamond radiator grille and Active LED High Performance Lighting System

As part of the facelift, the Mercedes-Benz designers have further honed the roadster's sporty look. The new front section, where the steeply raked radiator grille elongates the appearance of the arrow-shaped hood, is particularly striking. All SLC models feature a diamond radiator grille as standard. On the entry-level model it is finished in black with an iridium silver louvre and chrome trim. A more individual look is available in conjunction with the Sport or the Night Package: here the diamond radiator grille is finished in chrome, and the colour of the louvre either remains iridium silver (Sport Package) or is high-gloss black (Night Package).

Further features of the masculine, sporty front section include a bumper which features striking air intakes, dynamically modelled contours and high-quality chrome trim at the lower edge, and distinctive headlamps. The LED daytime running lamps are integrated into the headlamp units. The lenses are made from clear polycarbonate and have a scratchproof coating. With the Active LED High Performance Lighting System (optional extra), the edges and other parts of the headlamp housing are finished in black – conveying a high-level of perceived quality and an effective sense of depth.

The side view of the SLC reveals the typical features of a roadster with a long hood, a passenger compartment that is set back and a short rear. The silhouette is defined by the gently rising beltline and the sweeping curve of the roof, the powerfully molded wheel arches, sporty 17 to 18-inch light-alloy wheels and the ventilation grilles in the front fender. The latter feature a high-sheen chrome fin which has echoes of the legendary Mercedes-Benz 300 SL.

Powerful proportions define the rear section with its muscular fenders. The rear bumper with its black diffuser, chrome touches and integral tailpipe trim signal the dynamic potential of the SLC. The tail light units, which now have a narrower design, feature LED technology and are divided horizontally: the top and middle lights are the brake and tail light, and below them are the direction indicator and reversing light. The trunk lid has a pronounced arrow shape and the third brake light is positioned in the spoiler lip.

The interior: larger display and electroplated control elements

The interior of the post-facelift SLC has an even higher-quality look. Highlights include new light (standard) or dark aluminium trim parts with a carbon fibre finish. The instrument cluster has a new design too. The two tubular instrument surrounds now feature black dials. Red needles also add to the sporty, contemporary design.

A large, multifunction, colour TFT display with a screen diagonal of 4.5 inches (11.4 cm) is incorporated between the two dials as standard. An analogue clock with a black dial is available as an option. The display between the two ventilation outlets in the centre console has been significantly increased in size: in conjunction with Audio 20 it now has a diagonal of 7 inches (17.8 cm) instead of 5.8 inches (14.7 cm). The screen surround is in high-gloss black. Additional displays for vehicle parameters underline the sporty feel – as do the dials showing the engine data.

The electroplated control elements for the electrically adjustable seats and the electroplated steering wheel shift paddles, offered in conjunction with the Sport Package and on the SLC 43, demonstrate an impressive attention to detail.

The new-generation sports steering wheel, perforated as standard in the grip area, and the DIRECT SELECT lever, embossed with SLC (in conjunction with 9G-TRONIC), also help create a sporty, refined feel. A new 3-spoke multifunction steering wheel in nappa leather/DINAMICA microfibre is available as an option. The rim is flattened at the lower edge, the central grip area is trimmed with DINAMICA microfibre, and it features contrasting topstitching in red plus silver chrome trim and shift paddles.

The leather appointments have also been revised. With "sun-reflecting leather upholstery", for example, the shoulder area of the seats features a new perforated design. The piping and topstitching are in a contrasting colour.

The ambient lighting has been extended to the footwell, creating a more generous sense of space. As well as solar red there are now two additional colours – polar blue and polar white.

Heritage: 20th anniversary of the original launch

The SLK's debut appearance back in 1996 caused a sensation. Not only was this a compact roadster from Mercedes-Benz but it featured vibrant yellowstone launch paintwork and, instead of the traditional soft top, a tough vario-roof. The SLK marked the start of a new era for the Mercedes-Benz brand and its roof design served as a model for many other open-top vehicles.

Beneath its outer shell, it used a lot of technology from the C-Class. That remains unchanged to this day. Which is why, in the light of the company's nomenclature changes, it was deemed fitting that the roadster should continue its successful career under the new name SLC.

The second generation of the SLK was launched in March 2004. A front section based on the nose cone of a Formula 1 car underlined its sporty nature, as did the new top-of-the-line model, the SLK 55 AMG.

The Geneva Motor Show in spring 2005 saw the unveiling of the prototype SLK 320 CDI, which featured a pioneering 286 hp triturbo diesel engine. This never saw series production, but the roadster/diesel combination was successfully achieved as part of the third generation, launched in March 2011, which brought with it the SLK 250 CDI. Another new feature of the third SLK was the ingenious vario-roof with MAGIC SKY CONTROL, which allowed a glass panel in the roof to be switched from transparent to dark at the touch of a button.

About Mercedes-Benz Canada
Mercedes-Benz Canada is responsible for the sales, marketing and service of the Mercedes-Benz and AMG passenger vehicles, Mercedes-Benz Vans and smart. Headquartered in Toronto, Ontario, Mercedes-Benz Canada Inc. employs approximately 1,400 people in 21 locations across Canada. Through a nationwide network of 11 Mercedes-Benz owned retail operations and 46 authorized dealerships, Mercedes-Benz Canada sold 44,526 vehicles in 2015. This represents the best year ever for the company and has positioned Mercedes-Benz as the top luxury manufacturer in Canada for the second consecutive year.

For more information, please contact:

JoAnne Caza               416-847-7550  joanne.caza@mercedes-benz.ca
Nathalie Gravel           416-847-7509  nathalie.gravel@mercedes-benz.ca

Further information from Mercedes-Benz is available on the internet at: www.mercedes-benz.ca/news