End of the road for the Mercedes-Benz SLC with the Final Edition model?

ABU DHABI: Way back in 1996 when Mercedes-Benz unveiled the SLK, it was quite a revelation. It was the first car featuring a folding metal hardtop roof. Of course, this ended up being copied by many manufacturers. Sadly though, sales for this roadster, now called SLC, have slumped and Mercedes could end its production after the Final Edition model.

The current generation (dubbed R172) is eight years old, and as a throwback to the original model (dubbed R170), Mercedes has launched the Final Edition model in Sun Yellow paint scheme. The AMG line trim is standard and features sportier front/rear bumper along with 18-inch 5-spoke machine cut AMG alloy wheels. Sport suspension is also part of the AMG line package which lowers the car by 10 mm. You also get larger brakes with perforated discs and Mercedes branding on the callipers. If you choose to get the car in a lighter shade, like Sun Yellow, Polar White or Diamond White, then the diffuser and front spoiler come finished in black. Add to this the SLC Final Edition badges on the front fenders, and you get one sporty looking machine. Hop inside the Final Edition model and you are greeted with bright aluminium trim panels along with faux carbon-fibre inserts.

This fake carbon fibre trim is used on the headrests, seat backs, steering wheel, and gear knob. Other standard features include memory seats with 4-way lumbar support, flat-bottom sport steering wheel, embroidered floor mats, and Airscarf neck heaters. Keeping the driver in place are sport seats with a black and silver pearl Nappa leather upholstery. The seats have alpaca grey stitching and seat belts.

Mercedes is offering the SLC Final Edition model in various states of tune. You get the SLC 180 with 156 bhp, SLC 200 which makes 184 bhp, and the SLC 300 produces 245 bhp. If you are looking for more performance, then get the AMG SLC 43 with a 3.0-litre V6 under the hood. This engine makes a healthy 390 bhp. Other additions to the SLC 43 include matt black alloys with a yellow rim and an AMG performance steering wheel featuring a crystal grey 12 o’clock marker. To make the SLC 43 more aggressive, there are additional gloss black exterior highlights.

Mercedes has not announced any successor to the SLC, and this could be a farewell for this iconic machine.