CarGurus expert rating: 2 out of 5
CarGurus user rating: 4.7 out of 5
Percentage of good/great deals available on CarGurus: 30.8%
Overall CarGurus rating:* 3.8 out of 5
Available Listings: Around 50
Average Price: Around £15,000

Mercedes-Benz SLC Mk1 (2016-2020) Pros and Cons

Pros	Cons
Folding metal roof adds security	Boot space shrinks with the roof down
Glamorous looks	Dated and cramped interior
Compact and easy to live with	Neither sporty nor especially comfortable

Quick Summary

The Mercedes-Benz SLC (2016-2020) is a compact two-seat roadster with a folding metal hardtop, rear-wheel drive and a relaxed character. Renamed from the SLK in 2016, it offers a slice of Mercedes glamour at a more accessible price point than larger rivals. The folding metal roof provides coupe-like refinement and security when raised, whilst allowing proper open-air motoring when lowered. With the roof closed, boot capacity is 335 litres; with it down, this reduces to 225 litres. The driving position is low and sporty, though the cabin can feel tight for taller drivers.

The SLC is more of a relaxed cruiser than a sharp sports car, lacking the driver involvement of a Porsche 718 Boxster or BMW Z4. Earlier versions offered a wider engine range, including the SLC 180 and SLC 250d diesel, whilst later Final Edition models were limited to the SLC 200, SLC 300 and Mercedes-AMG SLC 43. The SLC 200 and 300 use 2.0-litre turbocharged petrol engines; the AMG SLC 43 features a 3.0-litre V6. The SLC 200 is quick enough and available with a six-speed manual gearbox, whilst the SLC 300 gets a nine-speed automatic. Running costs are reasonable by roadster standards, with the SLC 200 achieving up to 40.4mpg with the manual gearbox, though real-world figures hover around 30mpg. Servicing costs may be higher than rivals, especially at Mercedes-Benz main dealers.

Best for: Buyers seeking a stylish, comfortable roadster with the Mercedes badge, those who value the practicality of a folding metal hardtop, and drivers prioritising refinement and open-air motoring over sharp handling.

Not ideal for: Enthusiasts wanting sharp sports car dynamics, drivers with limited headroom, those seeking the latest infotainment technology, or buyers prioritising comfort over Britain's pockmarked roads.


Comparison vs Key Rivals



The Verdict

You should buy the SLC if: You're seeking a stylish, comfortable roadster with the Mercedes badge, value the practicality of a folding metal hardtop, and prioritise refinement and open-air motoring over sharp handling.

Consider alternatives if: You want sharp sports car dynamics, require the latest infotainment technology, need comfortable handling over poor roads, or have limited headroom.

Competitive Position: The Mercedes-Benz SLC (2016-2020) occupies a unique position in the compact roadster market. Whilst it lacks the sharp handling of a Porsche 718 Boxster or BMW Z4, and the interior feels dated compared with rivals, its folding metal hardtop, glamorous styling and Mercedes badge provide genuine appeal. The SLC is more of a relaxed cruiser than a sports car, making it ideal for those prioritising comfort and refinement over driver involvement. Values have softened, and well-kept Final Edition models should remain desirable thanks to their practical folding roof and the fact that Mercedes-Benz no longer offers an equivalent small roadster. For buyers seeking style and comfort over outright performance, the SLC remains a compelling choice.

Read our full Mercedes-Benz SLC Review

*The Overall CarGurus rating: that informs these recommendations is based on CarGurus' proprietary market data from June 2026, CarGurus expert reviews, and CarGurus user reviews.