They say roadsters can bring you joy, but after experiencing the Mercedes-Benz SLC 300 on the twisties of Cameron Highlands I’m pretty sure ‘joy’ is the wrong word. It’s not ‘pleasure’ either. In fact, I’m not sure if a word has been invented to describe what a roadster like the SLC gives you, but if I had to break it down into its base ingredients it would consist mostly of adrenaline, freedom and Vitamin D.
But there’s something else that Mercedes adds to the mix. Having that 3-pointed star glisten in the sunlight elevates the whole experience. The SLC reminds us why Mercedes-Benz continues to define prestige and luxury. The roof is down, but no one can touch you – that’s the feeling you get in one of these.
Ever since Mercedes-Benz introduced the SLK in the late 90s, their approach to the roadster has been a practical one. While other roadsters seem to miss their market – being either too expensive for the target market or not sporty enough for enthusiasts – the Benz approach has always been about the top-down experience in a true Benz.
It’s luxurious, full of expensive features and its 245hp/370Nm 2-litre motor is more than capable of delivering some real fun. Paired to a 9-speed automatic, it’s also quite fuel-efficient when driven with a light foot. This makes the SLC a good all-rounder as most people will prefer a leisurely cruise with the roof down rather than an all-out assault on corners.
And while a big V8 is not present, you can still get from 0-100km/h in under 6 seconds. Plus, you get Magic Sky Control for when it’s rainy outside and you’re not able to get the top-down experience you paid for. With a press of a button, the glass panel on the hard top instantly goes from tinted to clear.
Plus, roadster buyers looking for the full experience still get Magic Sky Control for when it’s raining. With a press of a button, the glass panel on the hard top instantly goes from tinted to clear.
The boot isn’t cramped either. We were able to accommodate luggage for 3 in the boot and still get the roof down. Note the shelf below the folded roof – you can stack about double the amount of luggage if you’re prepared to drive with a roof over your head throughout your journey.
All-in-all, we felt the SLC 300 was a realistically thought-out roadster. While most automotive journalists would agree that the MX-5 is all you need, we have to admit that the pricing and gearbox in there just doesn’t seem to suit the target audience. But if you’re a potential Benz owner (and there are a lot of those in Malaysia) looking for stares from the public, you won’t go wrong with one of these in your garage.
Mercedes-Benz SLC 300 Specifications
Engine: Inline 4-cylinder turbo
Capacity: 1,991cc
Gearbox: 9G-Tronic (9-speed automatic)
Max power: 245bhp @ 5500rpm
Max torque: 370Nm @ 1300rpm
Top Speed: 250km/h
0-100 km/h: 5.8 secs
