When the Mercedes-Benz SLK debuted in 1996, it wasn’t just another car; it was a phenomenon. It pioneered a new era of roadsters, most notably with its innovative vario-roof. This groundbreaking feature allowed drivers to experience the joy of open-top motoring without sacrificing the comfort and security of a hardtop coupe, a revolutionary concept at the time. Adding to its initial impact, the SLK was launched in an eye-catching Yellowstone hue, an unconventional yet memorable choice for Mercedes-Benz. Now, echoing that bold beginning, the final chapter of this iconic roadster is being written with the Mercedes-AMG SLC 43 Final Edition, resplendent in an exclusive Sun Yellow finish. This special edition, brimming with premium equipment and unique design elements, represents the zenith of the current SLC generation. The 2020 Mercedes-Benz and Mercedes-AMG SLC Final Edition models marked their arrival in U.S. dealerships in 2020, signifying the end of an era.
The SLC 300 Final Edition, cloaked in Selenite Grey, immediately commands attention with its AMG Styling front bumper. Silver chrome trim strips accentuate the lower section, adding a touch of refined aggression. High-gloss black finishes on the door handles, mirrors, and rear brace create a striking contrast, while exclusive “SLC Final Edition” badges adorn the front fenders, positioned elegantly below the chrome fin. The standard 18-inch 5-spoke AMG light-alloy wheels, finished in high-gloss black, further enhance its distinctive and sporty stance.
This special edition builds upon the AMG Line, incorporating standard features such as AMG Styling bumpers at both ends, a sport suspension lowered by 10 mm for enhanced agility, and an upgraded braking system. This includes perforated brake discs and front calipers proudly displaying “Mercedes-Benz” lettering, ensuring performance matches its sporty aesthetics.
Stepping inside the SLC Final Edition reveals a meticulously crafted interior characterized by a striking two-tone Nappa leather scheme in Black/Silver Pearl, accented with Grey topstitching. This sophisticated combination extends across the standard sport seats, door trim, and door center panels, creating a cohesive and luxurious cabin environment.
The grey seat belts subtly complement the topstitching, while carbon-fiber look leather inserts on the head restraints and upper seatbacks add a modern, sporty flair to the exquisite interior design. The head restraints and the selector lever of the automatic transmission are further refined with carbon leather and embossed silver SLC lettering. Bright aluminum trim elements on the instrument panel and center console provide a contemporary contrast. The standard multifunction sport steering wheel is a tactile delight, combining carbon leather in the upper and lower segments with smooth nappa leather in the grip area. Sporty design cues include a flat bottom, a 3-spoke configuration, black paddle shifters, and a spoke faceplate bearing the “Mercedes-Benz” inscription.
Further enhancing the premium experience, the Final Edition comes standard with black floor mats featuring an embroidered logo, the AIRSCARF neck-level heating system for open-top comfort in cooler climates, seat heating, and the Memory package. This package conveniently stores seat, steering column, and exterior mirror settings, and includes 4-way lumbar support for both the driver and front passenger, prioritizing personalized comfort.
Mercedes-AMG SLC 43 Final Edition: The Performance Pinnacle
The Mercedes-AMG SLC 43 Final Edition amplifies the performance roadster’s inherent dynamism with an exclusive Sun Yellow paint finish and a suite of high-gloss black elements. These striking black accents are applied to the front splitter, the air intake fins and fender vents, the base of the iconic central star, trim elements in the rear fascia, side mirror caps, and door handles, creating a visually arresting contrast against the vibrant yellow. Matte black 18-inch 5-spoke AMG light-alloy wheels, featuring a distinctive yellow rim flange, and performance tires (size 235/40 R 18 front, 255/35 R 18 rear) emphatically underscore the roadster’s sporting pedigree.
Mirroring the SLC 300, the interior of the AMG SLC 43 Final Edition features two-tone leather appointments in Black/Silver Pearl with grey topstitching and seatbelts, along with carbon-fiber look leather applications, creating visual harmony and sporty elegance. The AMG Performance steering wheel, wrapped in carbon-embossed leather in the upper and lower segments and nappa leather in the grip area, includes a crystal grey 12-o’clock marker and a special “AMG EDITION” badge on the steering-wheel trim, further distinguishing this final edition. The AMG Final Edition also inherits numerous comfort features, including AIRSCARF neck-level heating, seat heating for driver and passenger, and the Memory package for exterior mirror, seat, and steering column positions, ensuring a blend of high performance and everyday usability.
Final Edition Specifications at a Glance:
| Feature | SLC 300 | Mercedes-AMG SLC 43 |
|---|---|---|
| Cylinders/Arrangement | 4/in-line | 6/V |
| Displacement (cc) | 1,991 | 2,996 |
| Rated Output (hp) | 241 | 385 |
| Rated Torque (lb-ft) | 273 | 384 |
| Acceleration 0-60 mph (s) | 5.8 | 4.6 |
| Top Speed (mph) (electronically limited) | 155 | 155 |
A Legacy of Open-Top Innovation: Over 20 Years of Mercedes-Benz SLK and SLC
The arrival of the SLK in 1996 marked a pivotal moment for Mercedes-Benz, signaling a fresh direction for the esteemed brand. Its groundbreaking vario-roof design not only captivated the automotive world but also set a benchmark for convertible vehicles, influencing numerous subsequent open-top designs.
In January 2011, Mercedes-Benz unveiled the third generation of this roadster lineage, internally designated as the R 172. This series artfully blended nimble sportiness with sophisticated comfort, encapsulating a striking sports car aesthetic with remarkable everyday practicality. The SLC, introduced in April 2016, represented a technically and visually refined evolution of this successful platform. The name change itself acknowledged the close kinship with the C-Class, sharing significant technical underpinnings. This model series has resonated deeply with enthusiasts globally, amassing sales exceeding 710,000 units since its inception in 1996, a testament to its enduring appeal.
Model History Timeline:
- 1994: Design studies initiated in Turin and Paris
- 1996: World premiere of the SLK (R 170) at the Turin Motor Show
- 2000: Comprehensive model update for the SLK
- 2004: World premiere of the second-generation SLK (R 171) at the Geneva Motor Show
- 2008: Model update for the second-generation SLK
- 2011: Launch of the third generation SLK (R 172)
- 2016: Model update for the third generation, rebranded as the SLC generation
- 2019: Premiere of the Final Edition special models for the third generation
The Mercedes-Benz SLC Final Edition is more than just a special model; it’s a celebration of a lineage of innovation and open-air driving pleasure. As the sun sets on the SLC era, the Final Edition models stand as fitting tributes to a roadster that redefined its segment and captured the hearts of drivers worldwide. They represent a unique opportunity to own a piece of Mercedes-Benz history, embodying the spirit of open-top freedom and sophisticated performance that the SLK and SLC have always represented.
