I was just browsing around seeing what the newer SLK and now SLC’s were packing, hadn’t really heard much about the car honestly in any magazines. The SLC 43 AMG has went back to a V6 which was nice to hear, has a bi-turbo with 385 HP, with a 9 speed automatic transmission. Built on the same R172 platform as the 2011-2015 SLK 55 AMG that had a V8 packing 415 HP through a 7 speed automatic. Kind of weird they switched up engines, transmissions and names on the same platform. Apparently they’re discontinuing it in 2020 with no talk of an R173 in the works that I’ve found. I thought what was really cool was what they call “panoramic vario-roof with MAGIC SKY CONTROL, which contains glass roof that can be switched to light or dark.”
Curious to hear people’s thought on the newer technology and how you think our cars stack up to it?

 

Newer models will of course have newer technology. Many manufacturers seem to be moving away from naturally aspirated motors to smaller, turbo charged engines. You will probably get better gas mileage, but I worry about longevity of the extra bits such as the turbos and of course the costs associated with them. That being said, I’m not a fan of the front end on the R172s. I have a R171 and looks better IMHO. I love my XF as well. The technology isn’t nearly as advanced as the R172, but the “smiles per mile” factor is quite high still and I see no need to go down the R172 road.

You are correct that 2020 will be the last year for the R172. They just do not sell like they did before. Of course, MB has many different convertible models as well. The SL may also be on the chopping block as sales figures are down. IMHO, the newer SL design is just not as cool as it used to be in the past as far as design.

 

I agree 💯 the front end design on both the newer SL and SLC are hideous. My GF had a R171 SLK 350. She loved the car and I liked driving it as well, loved the hardtop convertible and the AIRSCARF was pretty convenient. Plus the simple things like radio controls on the steering wheel, which would’ve been great on my SRT6 but oh well. She ended up getting selling it though and bought a GL 450, she wanted something bigger and it was a pain having to take two cars to haul around family when they came in town. I’ve driven a SLK 55 AMG on the R171 platform and that was a blast but still prefer my SRT6.
I’ve had my eye on a couple of SL 55 AMG’s but still haven’t found the right one yet. The newer SL and SLK-C designs really never caught my eye looks wise, look cheap in my opinion. Just not aggressive enough looking. Engine wise I know the AMG’s pack a punch for sure. I’m just still partial to the supercharged engines of the older platforms though. Hopefully Mercedes wows us with a newer design. Seems they’re more focused on sedans and SUV’s nowadays though.