Mercedes SLC Overview: Specs, Generations, and Which Version to Buy
A concise guide to Mercedes SLC specs across the 2016–2020 roadster range: generations, power figures from 156 to 245 hp, and which versions make the most sense.
The Mercedes SLC is a compact roadster built from 2016 to 2020, offered exclusively with rear-wheel drive and engines spanning 156 to 245 hp. Anyone comparing mercedes slc specs will find a short, single-generation lineup: six modifications, manual and automatic gearboxes, and a spread from frugal diesel cruising to brisk petrol performance — a fit for drivers who want open-top motoring in a manageable footprint.
Mercedes SLC generations
1 generation (2016–2020)
The first and only Mercedes SLC generation was produced from 2016 to 2020 in a single roadster body. Its six modifications cover a power range of 156 to 245 hp, all with rear-wheel drive, and both Automatic and Manual transmissions were available. The lineup includes the 2.0 MT with 184 hp as the volume version, the 2.0 AT topping the range with 245 hp and a 5.8-second sprint, and the 2.1 AT diesel with 204 hp returning 4.7 l/100 km.
Which Mercedes SLC to buy
- 2.0 MT (1 generation): the mass-market choice — 184 hp from a 1991 cc engine, 7.0 seconds to sprint, and 6.6 l/100 km with a manual gearbox.
- 2.0 AT (245 hp) (1 generation): the most powerful version — 245 hp, 5.8 seconds of acceleration, and still a moderate 6.2 l/100 km.
- 2.1 AT (1 generation): the economy pick — a 2143 cc diesel with 204 hp, 6.6 seconds to sprint, and just 4.7 l/100 km.
On the used market the picture is simple: every Mercedes SLC comes from the same 2016–2020 generation, so there are no cross-generation differences to weigh — the choice comes down to engine and gearbox rather than model year.
Which Mercedes SLC to avoid
The numbers show no dominated version among the notable three: the 2.0 MT is the accessible volume option, the 2.0 AT (245 hp) leads in performance while using less fuel than the base petrol (6.2 vs 6.6 l/100 km), and the 2.1 AT diesel pairs 204 hp with the lowest consumption at 4.7 l/100 km. Each occupies its own slot, so none of the highlighted Mercedes SLC versions is strictly worse than another.