2016 Mercedes-Benz SLC launched in Malaysia, priced from RM399k



Together with the launch of the C-Class Cabriolet, Mercedes-Benz Malaysia (MBM) unveiled the SLC Roadster for the Malaysian market. Essentially an updated R172 SLK, the name change also brings refreshed styling and an even bigger change under the bonnet.

Unlike the outgoing SLK 200 BlueEfficiency, the SLC gets a new engine and gearbox pairing, and there are now two variants available – the SLC 200 and SLC 300. Both are using the same engine but they are separated by a few horses and about RM70k.2016-mercedes-benz-slc-300-launch-malaysia-26

QUICK FACTS

Name Mercedes-Benz SLC 200 Mercedes-Benz SLC 300
Engine 1,991cc; turbocharged 4-cylinder, DOHC
Transmission 9-speed automatic, 9G-Tronic Plus
Max Power 184 hp @ 5,500 rpm 245 hp @ 5,500 rpm
Max Torque 300 Nm @ 1,200 – 4,000 rpm 370 Nm @ 1,300 – 4,000 rpm
0 – 100km/h; Top Speed 6.9 seconds; 237 km/h 5.8 seconds; 250 km/h
Price (OTR without insurance) RM398,888.00 RM468,888.00

EXTERIOR

The biggest exterior difference between the SLK and the SLC would be the front-end. The sharp fascia of the SLK has been softened with more rounded air intakes and headlamps, and the updated roadster now sports the flashy diamond grille. Side profile is unchanged, but the SLC is fitted with a new set of 18-inch wheels, while the rear gets a reprofiled bumper and a pair of redesigned LED lights.2016-mercedes-benz-slc-300-launch-malaysia-7

Only the SLC 300 is equipped with the AMG Line, which means it gets chrome pins inside the diamond grille, sportier bumpers and multi-spoke design alloys. Standard on both cars are LED Intelligent Light System with Adaptive Highbeam Assist Plus.

INTERIOR

The cabin has been spruced up with some new switchgear, but the basic architecture from the SLK remain. A redesigned meter cluster can be seen behind the new steering wheel which was inherited from the C-Class, and there’s now a different style gear lever sprouting out of the centre console.2016-mercedes-benz-slc-200-launch-malaysia-8

There’s a larger 7-inch screen stuck in between the centre air-con vents for the infotainment system. The SLC 200 is equipped with Audio 20 system with Garmin Map Pilot and Apple CarPlay, while SLC 300 adds Comand Online, DVD changer, and Harman Kardon Logic 7 Surround sound system. Also exclusive to the SLC 300 is the Magic Sky Control panoramic glass roof, where the opacity of the glass roof can be adjusted accordingly.

PERFORMANCE

Both the SLC 200 and SLC 300 are powered by the same turbocharged M274 2.0-litre four-cylinder tuned to give out different horse count. On the SLC 200 it generates 184 hp and 300 Nm, while the same engine in the SLC 300 produces 245 hp and 370 Nm.2016-mercedes-benz-slc-300-launch-malaysia-25

The four banger is mated to a 9G-Tronic nine-speed automatic which sends drive to the rear wheels. Zero to 100 km/h time is clocked at 6.9 seconds for the SLC 200 and 5.8 seconds for the SLC 300, while the top speed is 237 km/h and 250 km/h respectively.

WHAT ELSE?

Compared to the previous SLK 200 BlueEfficiency which retailed at RM460,888, the SLC duo offer far better value in terms of pricing. At RM468,888 the SLC 300 is just RM8k dearer than the outgoing SLK, and the SLC 200 undercuts the SLK by a whopping RM62k at RM398,888. Like the rest of the Mercedes-Benz Malaysia range, the SLC 200 and the SLC 300 are covered with 4-Year unlimited mileage warranty. So is this your dream Mercedes-Benz, or would you rather top up a bit more for a fellow Stuttgart breed?


IMAGE GALLERY

Mercedes-Benz SLC 300 

Mercedes-Benz SLC 200