2016 Mercedes-AMG SLC 43 review, test drive

What is it like to drive?

Aah, onto the big changes. Chiefly, the naturally aspirated V8 on the SLK 55 has made way for a smaller, twin-turbo, 3.0-litre V6 unit on the SLC 43. The new engine makes 367hp at 5,500-6,000rpm (down on the SLK 55’s 420hp) and 520Nm (down on the SLK 55’s 540Nm). All the power makes its way to the rear wheels via Merc’s new nine-speed gearbox which comes in place of the SLK’s old 7G-tronic unit. The engine’s two turbos and gearbox’s two additional gears help the SLC 43 make good any power deficit vis-à-vis the SLK 55. Coming to performance, 0-100kph takes 4.7 seconds (claimed) which is just a tenth of a second off the SLK’s time. However, the turbo-charged SLC is a whole lot faster through the gears so real-world performance is actually better on the SLC 43.

You don’t have to wind the bi-turbo engine to get to its best. There’s strong punch from low down in the rev band and you get that push back in your seat pretty much as soon as you weigh down on the throttle pedal. What helps is that the SLC 43’s gearbox works really well with the engine. It’s lenient enough in automatic mode, responsive to tugs at the paddles and then you have the option to go to full manual mode and slam an upshift at the 6,500rpm limiter.

The SLC goes like an AMG should but the SLC’s soundtrack doesn’t have the traditional bass, burble and growl of the big AMG V8’s. Still, the rasps and snarls from the exhaust are angry, wholesome and very likeable. The sports exhaust also lets out pops and crackles that add greatly to the background score. Of course, the SLC sounds its best in the sportiest of its driving modes. There are five driving modes to choose from but Sport and Sport+ with the ESP set to sport handling are where you want to be for max fun. In addition to powertrain characteristics and the exhaust note, steering weight also changes with each mode. Mercedes has reworked the steering and suspension for the SLC and the changes have done their bit to enhance the overall driving experience. There’s more front-end bite, the steering is more responsive to inputs and in general, the SLC is more attentive to where you want it to go. Is it the most dynamically sorted of the convertibles in India? Probably not. Is it fun? Definitely yes.

Fun as it is on a quick drive, the SLC also works surprisingly well in everyday conditions. Ground clearance, for one, is sufficient for average-sized speedbreakers. This is an AMG so the ride is on the firmer side, but again it’s not back-breakingly bad. But on the rough stuff, you can tell the SLC 43 isn’t the most rigid of convertibles around. It doesn’t feel as tight as something like a Porsche Boxster for instance. There is that typical convertible scuttle shake that you get and, at times, the SLC 43, for all its improvements, does feel like a newer version of what is now a fairly old car.