Mercedes introduces SLC, SL and C 63 coupe models
Mercedes Benz South Africa launched three new models simultaneously to the South African market during an event that highlighted both performance and every day usability. Under the banner of ‘Dream Cars’ these included the sleek C63 Coupe, the facelifted SL and the successor to the SLK, now badged as SLC. So are these models what sweet dreams are made of?
Mercedes C63 Coupe
Wide arches to permit wider rubber, motorsport-infused DNA and a vicious turbo charged V8 – that summarizes the new C63 Coupe. The AMG exterior package takes bigger bites of air through an aggressive front bumper and the tapered rear with diffuser elements works the air underneath into some form of downforce. Inside the AMG interior kit ensconces driver and passenger in bolstered seats where one can activate a myriad driving modes set within carbon fibre inlays.
Like in the sedan, a more powerful C63 S model is available which takes power from 350kW and 650Nm to 375kw and 700Nm. The difference in power translates to a tenth improvement from 0-100km/h but that’s enough to launch the C63 S into hallowed sub 4-cecond category. Both use the same MCT 7-speed gearbox but the C63 S comes with an electronic locking differential compared to the mechanical system in the C63.
Pricing
Mercedes-AMG C 63 R1 268 700
Mercedes-AMG C 63 S R1 382 000
Mercedes Benz SLC
Twenty years after the SLK burst onto the scene, the newly badged SLC will go up against models like BMW’s Z4, Audi’s TT and Porsche’s newly launched 718 Boxster. Available in three engine configurations from SLC 200, SLC 300 and SLC 43, performance vacillates from insipid to heart racing. The 200 and 300 models are powered by a 2.0-litre 4-cylinder with power outputs of 135kW and 300Nm or 180kW and 370Nm. The SLC 43 should be the pick of the bunch with its 3.0-litre V6 blasting out 270kW and 520Nm through its 9-speed automatic.
The SLC has one big advantage over its forebear and that is the electrohydraulic vario roof no longer requires you to manually lock the boot cover in place before letting the roof do its thing. We drove the SLC 350 and frankly, the lack of refinement and high levels of wind and road noise is not up to expectations. Engine note is unpleasant, the engine has zero character, bump absorption is unsettling and the cabin shows none of the improved ergonomics or high quality finishes found on more recent models.
Pricing:
Mercedes-Benz SLC 200 R680 600
Mercedes-Benz SLC 300 R753 400
Mercedes-Benz SLC 43 R988 000
Mercedes Benz SL
If one was going to brave open-top motoring during one of Johannesburg’s coldest days, the facelifted 2016 Mercedes Benz SL with its airscarf system, heated seats and plush cabin should be first choice. Four models to choose from starting with the base SL 400 with its 270kW/500Nm 3.0-litre V6 turbo, the SL 500 with 335kW/700Nm 4.6-litre V8 turbo, the SL 63 (430kW/900Nm) 5.5-litre V8 turbo and the rarified SL 65 with a glorious 6.0-litre V12 turbo shoehorned under the bonnet and 463kW/1000Nm available at any second. Sadly though both the SL 63 and SL 65 struggle for traction and the car’s sensitive electronics are quick to cut power.
If the engines are smooth and sophisticated, the in-car connectivity and displays are borderline archaic. There’s no TFT customizable instrument cluster and like the SLC, the plastics are hard and unattractive and direct information to a tiny screen crammed between the airvents. You can get the Drive Assistance Package which includes the sensors and radars needed for a degree of autonomous drive and the roof mechanism is simpler because it’s fully automated, right from the word go.
With a little more effort into the cabin’s design, few cars would match the SL’s cruising comfort, high speed stability and surprisingly nimble track dynamics.
Pricing:
Mercedes-AMG SL 400 R1 435 100
Mercedes-AMG SL 500 R1 767 900
Mercedes-AMG SL 63 R2 454 300
Mercedes-AMG SL 65 R3 119 900
