Mercedes-Benz Unveils SLC Final Edition, To Go On Sale In March

Did you know that when the Mercedes-Benz SLC (previously known as the SLK) was first launched in Malaysia, there was a waiting list that stretched over a year long? It was truly a car of the times, one that fit well into a pre-recession economy and packed sporty looks and reasonable performance with the all-important convertible roof. Unfortunately, it's also a model with one of the longest lifespans in Mercedes-Benz' range, and finally it seems that the current SLC is reaching the end of its run.

From next month onwards, Mercedes-Benz will be launching the Final Edition models of the SLC in various markets around the world. It's a send off to a model that doesn't demand attention, one that exists for the customers who really want a compact convertible car, and in a variety of powertrain options. The Final Edition will be based on an AMG Line model for the non AMG variants, with two options for trim finishing colours.

Choosing black, obsidian black, or selenite gray paint colours will result in external trim strips finished in chrome, while sun yellow, polar white, and diamond white paintwork sees those same pieces finished in black. Many of the other chrome bits are blacked out as well for a high contrast look. The interior colours are the same across the variants, with a two tone leather finish with alpaca grey topstitching and carbon-fibre look leather inserts around the cabin. Everything else is fairly similar to the regular models.

As for the Mercedes-AMG SLC 43, the changes are largely cosmetic as well. It seems to come exclusively in sun yellow with gloss black accents, and matte-black 5-spoke AMG wheels with a yellow rim flange. The interior is the same, although there is an AMG Performance steering wheel with a nice centre marker up top finished in crystal grey. This Final Edition variant seems to pack 390 PS and 520 Nm of torque from its bi-turbo 3.0-litre V6, which is a little higher than normal, although it could be a matter of market differences and facelifts.

All in, we're a little more keen to see what Mercedes-Benz will unveil as the successor to this SLC. With all the attention on their more mass-market oriented hatchbacks and sedan derivatives, perhaps it's time to remind people that they are capable of producing something a little more niche to the same exacting standards you find in the rest of their models.