2020 Mercedes-Benz SLC-Class Performance: Engine, Horsepower, Transmission CarBuzz News Features New Cars Used Cars Sell My Car Shopping Tools Car Reviews Car Finder Compare Cars Best Cars Car Dealerships Used Car Reviews Car Advice Home Cars Mercedes-Benz 2020 Mercedes-Benz SLC-Class Performance

2020 Mercedes-Benz SLC-Class Performance

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2020 SLC-Class Performance

Besides the fire-breathing AMG model which we review separately, there is only one engine doing duty in the SLC: a 2.0-liter turbocharged inline-four with 241 horsepower and 273 lb-ft of torque, transferred to the rear wheels via a nine-speed automatic transmission. The combination is enough to complete the zero-to-sixty run in 5.8 seconds - it's rapid but not as quick as the base BMW Z4's time of 5.2 seconds. The top speed is electronically limited to the usual 155 mph. The SLC's performance is all very composed and easily attainable, but it's also not what you'd call dramatic or exciting. If you want something with more of a kick, go for the AMG model, but even then, you'll miss the old V8 howl.

2020 SLC-Class Performance Photos

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Engine and Transmission

Merc's baby roadster was once offered with a bellowing naturally aspirated V6 in base form, but the SLC300 has used a more efficient 2.0-liter four-cylinder with turbocharging for a few years now. The outputs of 241 hp and 273 lb-ft are plenty for most needs. The engine is paired with a nine-speed automatic transmission with paddle shifters and a Dynamic Select system that allows drivers to alter throttle response and the gearbox's shift points from the efficient ECO mode to the more intense Sport +. The SLC300 treads a neat balance between cruiser and mildly sporty roadster. Off the mark, some turbo lag is present and the car doesn't always respond instantly to throttle inputs. It's not bad, it's just not as good as the best. Passing power is otherwise ample and the transmission executes smooth up- or downshifts, although it can be slow to respond in manual mode. Driven hard, the SLC300 feels out of its element, preferring a more mellow approach that will appeal to many but frustrate those looking for a more engaging experience.

2020 Mercedes-Benz SLC-Class Performance Specs

Mercedes-Benz SLC-Class TrimsMercedes-Benz SLC-Class EnginesMercedes-Benz SLC-Class HorsepowerMercedes-Benz SLC-Class TransmissionsMercedes-Benz SLC-Class DrivetrainsMercedes-Benz SLC-Class MPG/MPGE SLC 300 Roadster2.0L Turbo Inline-4 Gas241 hp @ 5550 rpm9-Speed AutomaticRWD27 MPG

2020 SLC-Class Gas Mileage

The SLC's EPA-rated economy estimates match those of the BMW Z4 while bettering the Porsche Boxster's figures. It achieves 23/32/27 mpg on the city/highway/combined cycles, enough to travel about 429 miles when the 15.9-gallon gas tank is filled up. This is better than the latest available figures for the Porsche Boxster (22/29/25 mpg in its most fuel-efficient guise) and nearly identical to the BMW Z4 sDrive30i's 24/32/27 mpg, but it's worth noting that the SLC requires premium gasoline.

2020 Mercedes-Benz SLC-Class Fuel Capacity

Mercedes-Benz SLC-Class TrimsSLC 300 Roadster Mercedes-Benz SLC-Class Tank size6.5 gal. Mercedes-Benz SLC-Class Fuel Economy (Cty/Hwy)23/32 Now Buzzing Electric Vehicles Tesla Cybertruck Spotted With Production-Ready Rear End Crash Watch A Seventh-Gen Toyota Hilux Truck Launch Into The Air After Losing Control Auctions One-Off Plymouth Barracuda Four-Door Is A Muscle Car Unicorn First Drive 2023 Toyota Crown First Drive Review: A Tale Of Two Hybrids Sports Cars 2023 BMW M2 Coming With Optional Center-Lock Wheels Tuning 700-Horsepower 2023 Nissan Z By AMS Performance Hits Nine-Second Quarter Mile LoginSign Up Home News Features Car Reviews Car Advice 2021 CarBuzz Awards New Cars Used Cars Future Cars Compare Cars Sell My Car Car Dealerships Buy Here Pay Here Used Car Reviews Popular Tags Cars # Video # TOP # Spy Shots # Reveal # Rumor # Auto Show # Supercar # Tuning # Car Culture # Industry News # Motorsport Acura Alfa Romeo Aston Martin Audi Bentley BMW Bollinger Bugatti Buick Cadillac Caterham Chevrolet Chrysler Dodge Ferrari Fiat Fisker Ford Genesis GMC Hennessey Honda Hyundai Infiniti Jaguar Jeep Karma Kia Koenigsegg Lamborghini Land Rover Lexus Lincoln Lordstown Lotus Lucid Motors Maserati Mazda McLaren Mercedes-Benz Mini Mitsubishi Nissan Pagani Polestar Porsche Ram Rimac Rivian Rolls-Royce Spyker Subaru Tesla Toyota Volkswagen Volvo By Make Acura Alfa Romeo Aston Martin Audi Bentley BMW Bollinger Bugatti Buick Cadillac Caterham Chevrolet Chrysler Dodge Ferrari Fiat Fisker Ford Genesis GMC Hennessey Honda Hyundai Infiniti Jaguar Jeep Karma Kia Koenigsegg Lamborghini Land Rover Lexus Lincoln Lordstown Lotus Lucid Motors Maserati Mazda McLaren Mercedes-Benz Mini Mitsubishi Nissan Pagani Polestar Porsche Ram Rimac Rivian Rolls-Royce Spyker Subaru Tesla Toyota Volkswagen Volvo By Car Type SUVs Crossovers Sedans Coupes Trucks Sports Cars Wagons Vans Hatchbacks Convertibles Small Cars Luxury Cars Electric Cars Hybrid Cars Future Cars By Price Up to $15K $15K - $25K $25K - $35K $35K - $45K $45K - $55K $55K - $75K $75K - $100K $100K - $200K $200K - $300K Above $300K Back To Top