2020 Mercedes-AMG SLC 43 Review: Goodbye Old Friend

If you've always wanted a brand new Mercedes-AMG SLC43, we won't judge you or assume that you're on the verge of turning 16, but you should know that 2020 is the last time you'll have the opportunity to buy one brand new off the showroom floor. Mercedes is finally killing the evolved version of its SLK roadster, a car that is virtually unchanged from the 2011 model. This year, a new trim level is offered as a celebration of the time the SLC has had with us, but the powertrain remains the same. A 3.0-liter twin-turbo V6 powers the rear wheels via a nine-speed automatic transmission. Output is rated at a respectable 385 horsepower with 384 lb-ft of torque. While enthusiasts will likely not be sad to see the back of this car, it does mean that the cheapest convertible Mercedes-AMG offers will soon be slightly less affordable.

What's the Price of the 2020 Mercedes-AMG SLC 43?

The Mercedes-AMG SLC43 is available in two trims, with the regular 43 being joined by a Final Edition later in 2020. While we don't have pricing for the Final Edition yet, you can expect it to cost more than the regular SLC43, which starts at a base price of $64,650 before taxes and a $995 destination charge. That's an increase of $750 over last year's model's base price, although we can't quite understand what the justification for that is. Unsurprisingly, a fully loaded version of the SLC43 will not be cheap and will inch towards the $85,000 mark before you're done.

Handling and Driving Impressions

While a car like this is not aimed at the track-day enthusiast, stepping out of a Z4 and into the SLC43 gives one the impression that Mercedes hasn't tried to make this thing particularly responsive to aggressive driving either. This is a car that you buy to cruise in, with the bonus of generous performance when you want it - at least if you compare it to a regular non-AMG version. The result is that the SLC43 is a car that you can enjoy on a mountain road but not really be challenged by, and hardcore enthusiasts who expect the C63 experience in a smaller package will be disappointed. The turn-in is accurate, but not class-leading. The steering feel is similarly average, and the chassis will allow you to play a little but the short wheelbase doesn't lend itself to the long smoky drifts that AMG models are renowned for. When it comes time to brake, the pedal inspires confidence but doesn't respond so sharply that you feel the urge to push harder and brake later. The advantage is that the car is easy to use in traffic, and while we're on the subject of daily driving, the SLC43 is comfortable despite its stiffer suspension when compared to lesser models. Essentially, this is a car that you can have fun with on the open road and never want for more power, but it won't set a racer's soul on fire either.

Verdict: Is the 2020 Mercedes-AMG SLC 43 A Good car?

If the words preceding this section of the review have been too subtle, the short answer to the above question is a resounding no. The AMG SLC43 is not slow and its folding hard-top is a rarity in this segment that adds to the comfort of owning a car like this, while a decent list of standard features looks good on paper. However, it's simply not modern enough anymore. The infotainment system is a pain in the ass and you have to pay extra for basic smartphone integration services that are standard on products that cost far less. With too many buttons and no touchscreen capability, the system pumps music loudly and clearly, but finding what you're looking for is frustrating. Nevertheless, this car bears an AMG badge and it is to be judged most harshly on its ability to perform. Sadly, now that BMW offers an M40i variant of the Z4, Merc can no longer boast about beating their rivals from Munich. In addition, the chassis is not geared towards spirited driving and is meant more for comfort. That would be all good and well if this car was useful as a mini-GT, but the trunk is practically a place to put your laptop and the cabin is too confined. Whether you're looking at a base model Porsche 718 Boxster or even a less powerful BMW Z4, you'll enjoy either of those cars more than this relic.

What Mercedes-AMG SLC 43 Model Should I Buy?

Unless you're a total brand loyalist who likes getting suckered out of your money in exchange for a limited edition that is no more special than a car painted by a kindergartener, avoid the Final Edition. It makes no more power, has lurid paint that no longer suits the image of someone who can afford an AMG product, and allows no options in terms of upholstery. Rather blow your hard-earned cash on a regular SLC43 that you can customize yourself, thereby letting your neighbors know that YOU make the bad decisions around here. To help drag the car through the 21st century, opt for the Smartphone Integration package and also consider the Driver Assistance package with its adaptive cruise control, lane-keep assist, and crash preparation system.

2020 Mercedes-AMG SLC 43 Comparisons

2020 Mercedes-AMG SLC 43 vs BMW Z4 Roadster

When we reviewed last year's SLC43, Mercedes-AMG only had a 2.0-liter four-pot Z4 to contend with, and we still leaned towards the soft-top. Now that the M40i is available, the geriatric SLC43 can't even boast quicker acceleration than its rival. The 3.0-liter turbocharged inline-six in the M40i produces 385 hp and 369 lb-ft of torque, but because it's lighter, it's a quicker car. This also makes it far more fun to drive, and with a modern cockpit boasting a 12.3-inch digital driver display, a 10.25-inch touchscreen infotainment display, and standard CarPlay. The more intuitive and contemporary iDrive system in the Z4 makes it easier to live with every day too. We wish that there was a good reason to pick the Merc over the Bimmer, but none spring to mind and the base price of the Z4 M40i even betters that of the Merc. Sorry, old-timer, it's over.

2020 Mercedes-AMG SLC 43 vs Porsche 718 Boxster

Since its release, the Boxster has been a revelation to all that have driven it, showing that a drop-top can still handle like an out-and-out sports car. In 2020, the 718 Boxster is no different. At a base price of $59,600, it starts off cheaper than the 65-grand Merc, but with less power from a 2.0-liter turbo flat-four. The Boxster only produces 300 horses and 280 lb-ft of twist, but it is still thankfully available with a sweet-shifting six-speed manual, and when you drive it, the way it takes bends will change how you view every other cabriolet. Yes, Porsche is notorious for charging ridiculous amounts for an immeasurable number of options, but even in base form, the 718 Boxster is comfortable and invigorating to drive in equal measure. It also helps that it doesn't look like a cave on the inside.