Mercedes SLC drops top and prices

Mercedes-Benz Australia has today come clean with Australian pricing for its new-look, rebadged SLC-Class roadster.

Now starting at $70,900 – down a whopping $16,300 on the previous base model, the SLK 200 ($87,200) – the SLC-Class's metal folding roof can be operated at speeds of up to 40km/h.

Propelled by a 115kW/250Nm 1.6-litre turbo-petrol four-cylinder, the most affordable variant – the SLC 180 – provides Benz with a new entry-point with which to take on rivals such as the BMW Z4 and Audi TT, while offering improved standard equipment over the outgoing SLK equivalent too.

All SLC-Class models are equipped with a nine-speed automatic transmission, satellite-navigation, digital radio, Apple CarPlay, heated front seats upholstered with solar-reflecting leather, a reversing camera, twin USB ports, six airbags, autonomous emergency braking (AEB) and 18-inch alloy wheels.

In total there are four Mercedes-Benz SLC-Class variants, pricing for which is as follows, not including on-road costs:

SLC 180: $70,900
SLC 200: $83,855
SLC 300: $99,855
AMG SLC 43: $134,615

The range-topping Mercedes-AMG SLC 43 replaces the last naturally aspirated V8 offered by the German company, the SLK 55, and although peak power drops from 320kW to 270kW, the new twin-turbo 3.0-litre V6 ensures "similar performance to the SLK 55 on the race track," according to AMG boss, Tobias Moers.

The AMG SLC 43 sprints to 100km/h in 4.7 seconds and has a (governed) top speed of 250km/h. It also comes with an AMG exhaust system with two modes – relaxed and enraged.

The SLC 200 and 300 models are powered by larger, more potent 2.0-litre turbo-petrol engines (135kW/300Nm and 180kW/370Nm respectively) and add things like adaptive dampers and electrically adjustable seats.

The SLC 300 also snaffles a host of AMG extras, including alloy wheels, body work and lower suspension, plus keyless entry/start and AIRSCARF neck warmers.

The SLC 43 also adds bigger brakes, AMG-tuned suspension, Nappa leather sports seats, intelligent LED lights, a glass sunroof and a beefed-up Harman Kardon Logic 7 surround sound system.

All models offer 335 litres of boot space -- about the same as a small hatchback, although that shrinks considerably when the power-operated glass/metal roof is stowed.

During the first eight months of 2016, just 111 Mercedes-Benz SLK vehicles were registered, while in 2015 a total of 235 SLKs were sold -- down from 475 the year before.

The new model could deliver an uptick in sales for Mercedes' entry-level convertible in Australia, company spokesman Jerry Stamoulis telling motoring.com.au the new SLC 180 priced at $71K will generate more interest.

"Many customers who previously saw a Mercedes-Benz roadster as out of reach will see the SLC in a new light," he said.

With pricing in line with the Audi TT Roadster ($72,950) and moving closer to the BMW Z4 ($64,900), the SLC's point of difference in this company is its metal folding roof. The others have fabric roofs.

The new-look Mercedes-Benz SLC is not quite a Porsche Boxster rival but the addition of a V8-powered model could elevate its status. Stamoulis poured cold water on such speculation however, stating an eight-cylinder SLC was "not in the plan".