Mercedes launches AMG SLC 43 in India at Rs 77.5 lakh

Mercedes today launched the AMG SLC 43 in India at a price of Rs 77.5 lakh (ex-showroom Delhi).

With the latest addition to its portfolio, Mercedes-Benz now becomes the luxury car brand with the widest range of performance cars in India. Rebadged under the company’s new nomenclature, the range-topping SLC 43 is the facelifted version of the SLK roadster and first ‘43’ badged model to be introduced in the company’s India portfolio.

Commenting on the launch, Roland Folger, MD & CEO, Mercedes-Benz India said, “AMGs are unmatched in terms of performance motoring and we will be introducing some of the most exciting AMG vehicles as part of our ‘Winning’ strategy for 2016. The all-new Mercedes-AMG SLC 43 is an illustration of cutting-edge technology coupled with superlative design elements and unmatched performance. Mercedes-Benz set new standards in the luxury open top motoring in India with the launch of the SLK. Now, we celebrate 20 successful years of this timeless roadster, with the introduction of the AMG SLC 43 within four months from its international debut. With the launch of the Mercedes-AMG SLC 43, we continue to follow our ‘top of pyramid’ approach and take pride in offering the widest range of performance vehicles for our astute Indian customers.” 

The SLC 43 forgoes the 5.5-litre naturally aspirated V8 motor of the Mercedes-AMG SLK55 for a smaller twin-turbocharged 3.0-litre V6. The new motor develops 367hp and 520Nm of torque and comes paired to the company’s new nine-speed automatic gearbox. Mercedes claims a 0-100kph sprint time of 4.7 seconds with the top speed restricted to 250kph. 

The SLC gets a fresh front fascia with a new bumper and revised headlamps with LED daytime running lamps. The side profile continues near unchanged from the SLK while the rear features a new exhaust, new bumper and reprofiled taillamps with LED detailing.

The Mercedes-AMG SLC 43's folding hardtop operates at speeds of up to 40kph, rather than at a standstill, as with the older SLK.

There are changes inside the cabin too with the most notable being a larger COMAND system display, a new steering and instrument cluster, keyless go and revised trim inserts across the cabin. Additionally, the roof mechanism is now wholly automatic and doesn’t require the manual operation of the luggage cover. 

As an AMG model, the SLC 43 features AMG sports seats, AMG steering and instrument cluster and a more aggressive body kit from the standard SLC along with tweaks to the chassis and suspension to improve performance. 

“We have a strategic focus on the AMG performance brand in India, and we are excited to see our strategy bearing fruits. Mercedes-AMG has remained the most popular name in the performance circuit in India, and our concerted efforts over the years have paid off in reaching out to newer customer base for the brand. The AMG SLC 43 is a strategic addition to our AMG portfolio, which will make the brand accessible to more performance enthusiasts. With 10 AMG products, Mercedes-AMG now offers the largest performance cars portfolio and we comprehensively lead the top-end performance cars segment in India. Our AMG portfolio has seen tremendous success and we are thrilled to add yet another superlative driving experience to our portfolio. It is an exciting time for Mercedes-Benz and our success in the luxury car segment underlines that our strategy to focus on the top of the pyramid products is paying off rich dividends,” added Folger.

The SLC goes up against the likes of the BMW Z4 roadster, upcoming Porsche Boxster and the Jaguar F-Type. Mercedes is also expected to rebadge the GLE 450 AMG Coupe as the Mercedes-AMG GLE 43 under its new AMG badging system at a later stage.