Mercedes-Benz SLC-Class (2016 - 2020) SLC 250d AMG Line 2d 9G-Tronic Owner Review

The Mercedes 250 SLC is a great open top tourer that comes with a metal roof that closes shut in poor weather. All done smoothly and quickly at the push of a button.

It's quick and the ride is comfortable for a car with relatively hard suspension. I’ve never got out with an aching back even on longer journeys ... 200 miles or more. My partner says the same thing ... and we are both well into our 70s.

Boot space may be limited but it takes 2 weekender cases easily plus extra bits like coats, shoes and hiking boots in the spaces between. It’s certainly sufficient for a few days away or even a week if we pack sensibly for summer trips.

Performance is fine. Not that I’ve tested the supposed top speed of 152mph but it definitely seems capable of doing it. The 9 speed automatic box is unbelievably smooth. Motorway cruising at 70mph doesn’t begin to get the engine aroused ... less than 2000 revs in top gear. Handling is responsive, cornering very stable. All in “Comfort” mode.

And what I really like is the use of proper controls to switch things on and off. No touch screen that’s unusable while driving. It may look cluttered and outdated by the more modern “clean look” standards that some motoring journalists like so much, but there’s no hiding different functions behind multiple changes of a single screen ... just a straightforward push of a button or the turn of a knob.

Like all Mercedes cars, SLC servicing costs are horrendous. But given all the technology and build quality I suppose that’s not too surprising.

One final comment ... Given the popularity of this model and the SLK predecessors I fail to understand Mercedes dropping it from its current range. Only the SL compares in style to the SLC/SLK. But the SL is not just a bit bigger with a bigger engine ... its vastly more expensive.