Rs 77.50 lakh, Mercedes-Benz’s new SLC 43 AMG is India’s sweetest roadster deal

**If you have the money that is.

Roadsters aren’t just convertibles. There’s a fundamental difference. Roadsters are proper race-cars that love cornering and speed. So, while an Audi A3 Convertible or BMW 6 Series Convertible would let you enjoy the joys of open-top motoring, the idea of a roadster is simple – be the star of the road. The performance on tap would boggle your mind and the speed would squish your brain to pulp. It’s a shame we can’t throw quality roads at these beauties yet.

The new Mercedes-AMG SLC 43 comes at Rs 77.50 lakhs (ex-showroom Delhi). This sportscar features a 3.0-litre bi-turbo V6, that develops 367PS between 5,500rpm and 6,000rpm and 520Nm from 2,000rpm to 4,200rpm. The engine is mated to a 9-speed automatic gearbox.
The SLC43 AMG has an illustrious history spanning over two decades, It’s the direct successor to the much acclaimed SLK 55 AMG that came with a naturally aspirated V8 motor. This beast churned out a solid 415PS at 6,800rpm and 540Nm at 4,500rpm.

Don’t judge the new SLC43 AMG for its lesser power. It’s only slower than the current SLK 55 AMG by 0.1 secs when it comes to a 0-100kmph dash. The SLC 43 has a much more refined engine though. If you loved the meaty grunt of the NA V8, rush to your nearest Merc showroom now.

However, the new SLC’s V6 has a lot to boast of - better fuel economy, better drivability and a way stronger mid-range. You’re not going to drive it above 100kmph all the time, will you?

Up front, the SLC gets a steeply raked radiator grille. There's an unmistakable resemblance to the A-Class. The sweptback headlamps feature a dual-beam setup and the LED DRLs give the SLC a sporty and aggressive look. You can’t not notice the new bumper which houses the chrome-tipped dual exhausts.

With its new engine and features, Mercedes-Benz could price the AMG SLC 43 significantly lower than the current SLK 55 AMG (Rs 1.25 Crores ex-Delhi). The AMG SLC 43 is a sweet deal, especially when you consider than there aren’t many options available below Rs. 1 crores.

Here are the specs of the BMW Z4 (Rs. 77.5 Lacs), Jaguar F-Type Convertible (Rs. 1.26 Crores) and Porsche Boxster S (Rs. 92.02 Lacs) respectively.

One look, and you’ll understand you’ve got a deal with the new AMG. Go beyond Rs. 2 Crores, you'll land in the world of the Ferraris and Audi's R8 Spyder.

The SLC 43 AMG is not for everyone. It’s not you every day car, something you can throw your laptop bag at. This is what you work like a dog to achieve. It’s a rare Indulgence, and what an indulgence it is!