What We Like
Stylish head-turning design
Riotous powertrain
Adept corner carver
Easy to drive
Great use of high-quality materials in the cabin
What We Dislike
Not as exciting to drive as the Porsche 718 Boxster S
Button-heavy centre console is a bit messy
This here is the Mercedes-Benz SLC43 AMG, the latest and most powerful of the SLC family, which replaces the naturally aspirated, 5.5-litre V8-powered SLK 55 AMG.
The SLC43 AMG, like its other 43-badged stable mates we've driven, runs the company's riotous 3.0-litre twin-turbocharged V6. What's different is that, unlike them, its massive amounts of power and torque run straight to its rear wheels instead of through a 4MATIC all-wheel drive system.
That sounds like the perfect recipe for an open-top, tail-happy good time, but can it provide as much driving pleasure as its Porsche 718 Boxster S rival?
Cheeky little bugger
With 362bhp and 520Nm of torque at the disposal of your itching right foot, the SLC43 AMG will go from 0-100km/h in a mere 4.7 seconds, and on to a top speed of 250km/h.
Throttle response is crisp and immediate, enabling its twin-turbos to spool smoothly and rapidly, delivering peak torque at 4,200rpm for pulling out of the circuit's many corners. Compared to the outgoing model's V8, the advantage of this new V6 configuration is quicker revs, reaching a more comfortable and efficient range faster.
Get naughty with the accelerator too early mid-corner and it'll go on a traction control flashing spree, leaving a trail of rubbery evidence on the track, and a sticky mess in your pants.
At the same time, each misdeamenour is accompanied by a mellifluous soundtrack. In Sport+ mode, the symphony is backed up by low-rev turbo whooshes and high-end exhaust farts.
It's also rather impressive at whizzing around hairpins, with its well-controlled body and front end responding cleanly through the apex.
The SLC43 AMG, like its other 43-badged stable mates we've driven, runs the company's riotous 3.0-litre twin-turbocharged V6. What's different is that, unlike them, its massive amounts of power and torque run straight to its rear wheels instead of through a 4MATIC all-wheel drive system.
That sounds like the perfect recipe for an open-top, tail-happy good time, but can it provide as much driving pleasure as its Porsche 718 Boxster S rival?
Cheeky little bugger
With 362bhp and 520Nm of torque at the disposal of your itching right foot, the SLC43 AMG will go from 0-100km/h in a mere 4.7 seconds, and on to a top speed of 250km/h.
Throttle response is crisp and immediate, enabling its twin-turbos to spool smoothly and rapidly, delivering peak torque at 4,200rpm for pulling out of the circuit's many corners. Compared to the outgoing model's V8, the advantage of this new V6 configuration is quicker revs, reaching a more comfortable and efficient range faster.
Get naughty with the accelerator too early mid-corner and it'll go on a traction control flashing spree, leaving a trail of rubbery evidence on the track, and a sticky mess in your pants.
At the same time, each misdeamenour is accompanied by a mellifluous soundtrack. In Sport+ mode, the symphony is backed up by low-rev turbo whooshes and high-end exhaust farts.
It's also rather impressive at whizzing around hairpins, with its well-controlled body and front end responding cleanly through the apex.
Its firmer AMG suspension setup, which we suspect might be uncomfortable for daily driving, pays dividends with little body roll when hustling through corners. However, that's something only a longer drive will prove.
Its steering isn't as packed with as much feel as the Boxster, but is accurate enough and allows you to confidently hold your line while allowing for minor adjustments when necessary.
Inner workings
Inside, it's a familiar marriage of Mercedes and AMG, with lots of red AMG trims complementing the SLC's updated cabin design, reminding you of the car you're sitting in. Even with another passenger, the cabin doesn't feel cramped and, as usual, the quality of all materials used is up to snuff.
And like the regular SLC, the 43 AMG's hard-top roof is simple to operate and completely automated, opening and closing at speeds of up to 40km/h.
Lots of firepower, but still not quite my cup of tea
But as much as it's an utter firecracker of a roadster injected with a heavy dose of AMG's sporting pedigree, I still struggle to find reasons why I'd have this over the Porsche 718 Boxster S.
But that's probably because on a race track, I wanted a proper sports car, which the SLC43 AMG wasn't. Then again, it was never born to be one; it's a luxury roadie and that's why people love it. Whether I'll take more liking to it, only a proper road test back home will tell.
Its steering isn't as packed with as much feel as the Boxster, but is accurate enough and allows you to confidently hold your line while allowing for minor adjustments when necessary.
Inner workings
Inside, it's a familiar marriage of Mercedes and AMG, with lots of red AMG trims complementing the SLC's updated cabin design, reminding you of the car you're sitting in. Even with another passenger, the cabin doesn't feel cramped and, as usual, the quality of all materials used is up to snuff.
And like the regular SLC, the 43 AMG's hard-top roof is simple to operate and completely automated, opening and closing at speeds of up to 40km/h.
Lots of firepower, but still not quite my cup of tea
But as much as it's an utter firecracker of a roadster injected with a heavy dose of AMG's sporting pedigree, I still struggle to find reasons why I'd have this over the Porsche 718 Boxster S.
But that's probably because on a race track, I wanted a proper sports car, which the SLC43 AMG wasn't. Then again, it was never born to be one; it's a luxury roadie and that's why people love it. Whether I'll take more liking to it, only a proper road test back home will tell.
