The 2016 Mercedes-Benz SLC

The new Mercedes-Benz SLC has an impressive heritage to live up to: Its predecessor, the SLK, which was launched in 1996, achieved sales of around 670,000 units.

The new model line-up covers the sporty SLC300 to the high-performance Mercedes-AMG SLC43.

Both the SLC300 and SLC43 feature the sporty, yet comfort-oriented 9G-TRONIC automatic transmission as standard equipment.

As part of the facelift, the Mercedes-Benz designers have further honed the roadster's sporty look where the steeply raked radiator grille elongates the appearance of the arrow-shaped hood.

All SLC models feature a diamond radiator grille as standard.

With Dynamic Select, the vehicle characteristics can be adjusted instantly at the touch of a button, as the system modifies the engine, transmission, steering and suspension at the driver's behest.

The five modes – Comfort, Sport, Sport+, Eco and Individual are easy to select using the Dynamic Select button in the upper control panel on the dashboard console.

On the SLC300, drivers can choose the Dynamic Handling package, which features an adaptive damping system and ESP Dynamic Cornering Assist, and can also use Dynamic Select to specify the damping force in Comfort, Sport and Sport+ mode.

The SLC300 is powered by an inline 4-cylinder engine with 241 hp and 273 lb-ft of torque.

The Mercedes-AMG SLC43 combines a 362 hp, 384 lb-ft of torque, 3.0-liter V-6 biturbo engine with a modified version of the AMG sport suspension familiar from the Mercedes-AMG SLK 55. The SLC43 can accelerate from 0 to 60 mph in 4.6 seconds.

A new feature for the SLC is the standard-fit Active Brake Assist, known in other models as Collision Prevention Assist Plus. If the driver fails to act when a risk of a collision is detected, despite the warning lamp in the instrument cluster and the intermittent audible alert, the system will initiate automatic braking.

For optimum visibility on country roads and highways, when cornering and on bends, the optional Dynamic LED Headlights automatically adapt to all light and driving conditions.

With the sport exhaust system on the SLC300, the sound experience can be intensified as the acoustics can be adjusted via an integral exhaust flap in conjunction with the Dynamic Select transmission modes.

Reversing into a parking space can be made significantly safer with the standard rear view camera. It is automatically activated when reverse gear is engaged.

The SLC's vario-roof combines open-top driving pleasure with uncompromised comfort in poor weather. If when opening or closing the roof the vehicle has to move due to the traffic conditions, the process which was started when at a standstill can be continued up to a speed of approximately 25 mph.