2020 Mercedes-AMG SLC43

Overview

Many of us expect luxury roadsters to offer stylish exterior design and entertaining handling, and the 2020 Mercedes-AMG SLC43 delivers on both fronts. This convertible's sleek sheetmetal helps it stand out in a crowd, and its rewarding driving dynamics elevate even the most humdrum commutes. Some roadsters are lacking when it comes to driver-assistance equipment, but the SLC43 is equipped with standard technology designed to help prevent accidents. This car's cabin will be a tight fit for taller passengers, and some of its tech features are outdated. Still, it measures up nicely in many of the areas that matter most for shoppers in this segment. This is the SLC43's final year of production.

What's New for 2020?

For its last year on the market, the Mercedes-AMG SLC43 adds a special Final Edition trim package that includes unique interior and exterior design cues. This trim is sold in an exclusive paint finish called Sun Yellow.

Pricing and Which One to Buy

The SLC43's base trim comes nicely equipped, offering many of the amenities that luxury-car shoppers crave. AMG 18-inch multispoke wheels with black accents keep this car in touch with the pavement. The list of standard exterior features includes automatic projector-beam LED head- and taillights, rear fog lamps, rain-sensing windshield wipers, and heated power-folding sideview mirrors with auto-dimming capability. Inside the cabin, you'll find heated power-adjustable seats, as well as a power-adjustable tilt-and-telescoping steering column, Wi-Fi hotspot, keyless entry and push-button ignition, dual-zone automatic climate control, and an auto-dimming rearview mirror. When it comes to driver-assistance equipment, blind-spot monitoring is standard.

Engine, Transmission, and Performance

With the 2020 Mercedes-AMG SLC43, a twin-turbocharged 3.0-liter V-6 lives under the hood. It delivers 385 horsepower and 384 lb-ft of torque, and it's paired with a nine-speed automatic transmission that sends power to the rear wheels. Mercedes-AMG estimates that this convertible can sprint from zero to 60 mph in 4.6 seconds. The SLC43 offers precise steering, and it comports itself with almost zero body roll. Handling is athletic and engaging, but the trade-off is a ride quality that may be a bit firm for some drivers.

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Fuel Economy and Real-World MPG

The 2020 Mercedes-AMG SLC43 achieves fuel economy of 20/29 mpg city/highway, according to EPA estimates. That trails the mileage offered by rivals such as the 2019 Jaguar F-type convertible, which achieves mileage of up to 23/30 mpg.

Interior, Comfort, and Cargo

When it comes to the overall design aesthetic, the SLC43's interior looks a lot less modern than it should. The car is part of a generation that's been on the market since 2011, and its age is evident in the appearance of its cabin. Roadsters are known for being short on cabin space, but even by these standards the SLC43's cabin is a tight space. It will likely be a cramped fit for taller drivers. The cabin comes standard with Mercedes-Benz's Airscarf system. This feature is designed to maintain comfortable temperatures during top-down driving in colder weather. It blows warm air through vents below the headrests to keep things toasty on chilly days, and three settings are available. The direct-to-body heat that this system provides facilitates better temperature regulation than traditional vents. Mercedes-Benz's SLC43 holds the distinction of having one of the smallest trunks in its segment. It provides just 6.5 cubic feet of cargo space. With a rival such as the Jaguar F-type convertible, you'll get 7.3 cubic feet of room for your belongings.

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Infotainment and Connectivity

The SLC43 comes standard with a 10-speaker Harman/Kardon sound system, SiriusXM satellite radio, and Bluetooth phone and streaming audio. The infotainment system is governed by a 7.0-inch touchscreen, and it has a dated look. The list of options includes Apple CarPlay and Android Auto smartphone integration.

Safety and Driver-Assistance Features

The 2020 Mercedes-AMG SLC43 hasn't received an overall crash-test rating from the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) or the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety (IIHS). With compact convertibles, there is sometimes a dearth of driver-assistance equipment, but this isn't the case with the SLC43. It's offered with a useful range of driver-assistance features. Key safety features include:

• Standard blind-spot monitoring
• Available lane-keeping assistance
• Available adaptive cruise control

Warranty and Maintenance Coverage

Mercedes offers warranty protection that's competitive within the luxury segment. However, some brands in this class, such as Jaguar, offer longer coverage.

• Limited warranty covers 4 years or 50,000 miles
• Powertrain warranty covers 4 years or 50,000 miles
• No complimentary scheduled maintenance