2020 Mercedes-Benz SLC: All good things come to an end

• After its launch in 1996, the SLK marked the beginning of a new era for the traditional Mercedes-Benz marque.
• Next year, roadster fans will get one last chance at the 2020 Mercedes-Benz SLC Final Edition.

"Mercedes-Benz SLK: 1996 - 2020". That's what he'll read on the little guy's tombstone. In the roadster/sports car segment, this is pretty good. All good things must come to an end. And so it is with the 2020 Mercedes-Benz SLC (aka SLK), which just showed its latest hand with the SLC 300 Final Edition. Although SLKs were not as "true" to sports cars as the Miata (to which they responded from the German language), especially the AMG versions.

Mercedes, being a little more emotional than you might expect, have decided to say goodbye to their little two-seater.

2020 Mercedes-Benz SLC 300 Final Edition: styling design

Perhaps the feature the SLK could rightfully be commended for was the retractable hardtop. Being a comfortable driver in the sunny Pacific Northwest, I have wished many times that I had a hardtop overhead quickly and at the push of a button. That said, what will the final 2020 SLC release bring to the showroom floor? A good thing!

It is worth noting, however, that this special model is based on the AMG Line. These are AMG Line, not AMG, performance tuners. It looks more like fast than fast. The SLC 300 Final Edition boasts a distinctive look with an AMG-style front bumper with silver chrome trim. The door handles, mirrors and rear brace have a high-gloss black finish. "SLC Final Edition" badges adorn the front fenders just below the chrome fin. Five-spoke 18-inch AMG light-alloy wheels in high-gloss black finish are standard.

The 2020 Mercedes-Benz SLC comes with a lower (10mm) sports suspension and an enlarged brake system with perforated discs. Okay, those last two are actually fast beats. Hooray!

Photo: MBUSA.

Interior treatments

The interior of the SLC 300 is clad in two-tone nappa leather (black/silver pearl) with gray stitching on top. Carbon fiber leather inserts in the headrests and upper backrests complete the interior. There are also silver "SLC" lettering on the headrests and a "gear" selector (this is an automatic transmission). The steering wheel has carbon leather on the top and bottom, with smooth nappa leather on the clutch area, the opposite of what I would do.

Other standard additions to the SLC 300 Final Edition include black floor mats with an embroidered logo, seamless AIRSCARF neck-level heating (very important to have), and heated seats (another good thing). There's also a memory package for the seats, steering column and exterior mirrors, a nice touch.

Photo: MBUSA.

Mercedes-AMG SLC43 Final Edition: styling design

But wait. , , there is something else! Say hello to the Mercedes-AMG SLC43 Final Edition! What do you think there won't be a full AMG variant? Ha ha, I say ha ha! The final edition of the AMG SLC43 gives it a bright Sun Yellow paint job and lots of glossy black accents. The wheels are matte black, light-alloy 18-inch five-spoke AMG with yellow rims.

The interior of the AMG SLC43 is also a two-tone leather piece with gray stitching and seat belts. There's carbon fiber leather here and there. AMG Performance steering wheel in carbon-look leather upper and lower and Nappa leather in the grip area. There's a crystal grey, 12-hour marker and an optional "AMG EDITION" badge.

And yes, you get an AIRSCARF neck level heater and a memory package.

Photo: MBUSA.

Power Performance

The 2020 Mercedes-Benz SLC comes with an in-line four that makes 241 horsepower and 273 lb-ft. torque. In comparison, the Mercedes-AMG SLC43 Final Edition comes with a V6 that produces 385 horsepower and 384 lb-ft. torque. Top speed for both is an electronically limited 155 mph, although the AMG model hits 60 in 4.6 seconds.

Pricing Availability

There's no word on pricing yet, but they'll be in dealer showrooms next year.

Tony Borroz has been racing vintage and sports cars all his life. He is the author of the bricks Bones: Endearing Legacy and the Nitty-Gritty Phenomenon of the Indy 500, available in paperback or Kindle format. Follow his work on Twitter: @TonyBorroz.

Mercedes-Benz SLK SLCModel History

Mercedes-AMG SLC43 Final Edition Gallery

Photo Source: MBUSA.