Mercedes-Benz SLK Upgraded, Gets A New Name – Mercedes-Benz SLC

Kuala Lumpur: As a part of Mercedes-Benz new naming strategy, the two decades older Mercedes-Benz SLK has been renamed as the Mercedes-Benz SLC. The classy compact roadster not only gets a new name but also a lot of exterior, interior and technological upgradations which got unveiled before its official launch at Detroit Auto Show in 2016. So far, the German Automaker has revealed five variants of SLC: SLC 180, SLC 200, SLC 300, SLC 250 and the range-topper SLC 43.

Visually speaking, the 2016 Mercedes-Benz SLC will flaunt a completely new look. All new models of the SLC will feature the newly designed headlamps, taillamps and arrow-shaped bonnet and the diamond radiator grille as the standard, but they can get a gloss black or chrome finishing depending on the trim level you have chosen. The front fascia of all Mercedes-Benz SLC will get newly designed headlamps featuring LED daytime running lights as standard, but the LED Intelligent Light System will come for an additional cost.  On the size, the wheel size could vary from 16 to 18-inches.

The rear side of all SLC models will feature newly designed taillights which look similar to Mercedes-Benz W205 in addition to sleeker LED strips. It is worth to mention that the boot space of the 2016 Mercedes-Benz SLC is largest in the segment, measuring at 335 liters.

The interior of 2016 Mercedes-Benz SLC models will feature dark or light aluminium trims, carbon fibre inserts in addition to a new instrument cluster featuring a 4.5-inch colour TFT screen placed between the tachometer and odometer. On the dashboard, there will be three-spoke, flat-bottomed sports steering wheel beside a large 7-inch infotainment screen surrounded with a gloss black bezel. The infotainment screen will feature DVD playback, GPS Navigation, Internet Radio and Internet access when the car is not moving. While the seats of all SLC models would be wrapped in Nappa Leather or Dinamica Microfibre, the paddle shifts of the automatic models will be electroplated.

All five models of 2016 Mercedes-Benz SLC will be powered by turbocharged engines of different displacement, including the diesel engine and the range-topper SLC 43's V6 engine. The smallest 1.6-litre 4-cylinder engine produces the maximum power of 156 hp along with a peak torque of 250 Nm. The range-topping twin-turbo V6 engine produces the maximum power of upto 367 hp along with a peak torque of 520 Nm. All models of SLC will feature Mercedes Dynamic Drive Select Function which comes with five driving modes: Individual, Comfort, Sport and Sport+, and Eco. Each driving mode is said to alter engine transmission, steering and suspension features.

The Malaysian debut of 2016 Mercedes-Benz SLC is confirmed, but the timings remain unclear.

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