Mercedes-Benz launches most agile roadster Mercedes-AMG SLC 43 in India

India’s largest luxury car maker Mercedes-Benz today further consolidated its presence in the performance motoring segment with the launch of the new Mercedes-AMG SLC 43. With the superlative addition of the Mercedes-AMG SLC 43 to its portfolio, Mercedes-Benz India now becomes the luxury car brand with the widest range of performance cars in its portfolio. The Mercedes-AMG SLC 43 also becomes the first car in India, to be introduced with a new two digit nomenclature ‘43’. Commemorating 20 successful years of the SLK, globally, Mercedes-Benz India launched this sensational performance roadster for its discerning customers within 4 months from its international debut. The Mercedes-AMG SLC 43 was launched by Roland Folger, Managing Director and CEO, Mercedes Benz India in Mercedes-Benz’s world-class AMG Performance Centre in New Delhi.

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 in equanimity. 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 4 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.

commented Roland Folger, Managing Director and CEO, Mercedes Benz India.

Roland Folger further added,

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.

New model, new nomenclature

The new Mercedes-AMG SLC 43 is a remarkable addition to the current roadster world of AMG and will feature the new AMG nomenclature. The Mercedes-AMG SLC 43 is the first V6 model to feature the new nomenclature. Combining its overall “engineered in Affalterbach” package of typical AMG driving dynamics, engine response and high efficiency; the Mercedes-AMG SLC 43 is a very competitive performance roadster in the segment. The 43 here stands for the 3.0-litre V6 bi-turbo engine that has been further developed by the AMG engineers. This will gradually be introduced across the future AMG model range.

My Mercedes-My Service

Under the recently launched My Mercedes-My Service programme, the compact service packages for the AMG SLC 43 starts at INR 84,000 and the package comes with an industry first of unlimited mileage. This package will cover all the periodic maintenance jobs of the car, ensuring a hassle free and delightful ownership experience. The cost of extended warranty for the 4th year for the AMG SLC 43 is at INR 200,000.

Enviable design elements

Exteriors

AMG Body styling: The powerful AMG Body styling ensures a dynamic appearance from any angle. An AMG-specific front bumper and a diffuser-look rear bumper lend the vehicle an unmistakable character. The front end also conveys an emphatically expressive impression – the steep diamond radiator grille in chrome with louvre in iridium silver and chrome trim.

Front End Design Elements

Dynamic LED headlamps with ILS and integrated DRLs and turn indicators
Dynamically shaped air intakes with fins in silver chrome and flics in high-gloss black
Diamond radiator grille in chrome with louvre in iridium silver
Specific front apron with front splitter in silver chrome

Rear End Design Elements

Redesigned LED tail lights
Diffuser-look rear bumper with silver chrome trim
Powerfully swept-back boot lid with brake lamp in the spoiler lip
AMG sports exhaust system with two chrome-plated tailpipe tips with crossbar integrated flush into the bumper (4-pipe look)

Interiors

The interiors of the AMG SLC 43 are precisely designed keeping in mind the sporty appeal of an AMG without compromising on the class and comfort of a Mercedes-Benz. The sports seats with high seat side bolsters ensure excellent lateral support. Some salient features of the explicitly designed seats for this roadster include:

Nappa leather / DINAMICA microfiber black
Designo seat belts in red
Electrical fore/aft, height and backrest angle adjustment with three memory settings
Integral crash-responsive NECK-PRO head restraints, height-adjustable

AMG Instrument cluster

The AMG instrument cluster offers an exciting AMG design and valuable information for sporty drivers. The following are some fascinating features offered in the AMG SLC 43 for those avid petrol heads:

The AMG main menu including RACETIMER is displayed in high resolution and in colour on the central 11.4-cm multifunction display
Speedometer with 280-km/h scale
AMG-specific “chequered flag” design and AMG-specific lettering

Driving Dynamics

AMG DYNAMIC SELECTAMG DYNAMIC SELECT allows selection of 5 different drive modes as desired. The drive mode changes the characteristics of the engine, transmission, exhaust system, suspension and steering to fully bring out the dynamism of this model
ECO | Comfort | Sport | Sport+ | Individual

AMG sports suspension

AMG-specific mounts for engine and rear differential for the best compromise between handling and comfort
Four-link rear axle with optimised elastokinematics including larger negative camber for optimal driving dynamics and controllability up to the critical limits

AMG High Performance Braking System

The AMG high-performance braking system with internally ventilated and perforated brake discs all round offers excellent deceleration performance and precision brake control.

AMG speed-sensitive sports steering

With its constant and direct steering ratio, the AMG speed-sensitive sports steering promotes a sporty driving style with linear cornering properties and clear feedback at the critical limits. The steering power assistance adjusts to the transmission mode set via DYNAMIC SELECT.

AMG Sports Exhaust System

The sports exhaust system features an even sportier character and reinforces the emotional sound experience. The acoustics can be tailored to suit personal taste in conjunction with the DYNAMIC SELECT driving modes via the integrated exhaust flap.

Other driving dynamics

9G-TRONIC transmission
ECO start/stop
ESP® Curve Dynamic Assist
Cruise control with ‘SPEEDTRONIC’ variable speed limiter

Comfort appointments

Multifunction Sport Steering Wheel

For outstanding vehicle control and ergonomics, the multifunction sports steering wheel in nappa leather has a flat bottom. Exclusive sportiness is also evident in the 3-spoke design; the steering wheel has paddle shifters in black.

Panoramic Vario-roof

The SLC’s vario-roof combines open-top driving pleasure with uncompromised comfort in poor weather. Operating the electrohydraulic roof is now even more straightforward. In a situation when the roof is opening or closing and the vehicle has to move off due to the traffic conditions, the process which was started when at a standstill can be continued up to a speed of approx. 40 km/h.

Infotainment

Smartphone Integration Package and Garmin® MAP PILOT
Integration of compatible smartphones with the relevant operating systems in the vehicle via Apple CarPlay™ and Android Auto is possible in the SLC 43. This makes operation via voice control possible, for example. The system supports the major applications and selected apps including navigation. User-friendly navigation, precise map data and excellent route guidance – the Garmin® MAP PILOT brings all the familiar benefits of a Garmin® navigation system to the Audio 20 CD.

SAFETY features

Adaptive brake lights, flashing | ATTENTION ASSIST
Adaptive Brakes with Anti-lock Braking system, priming & brake drying function, Hill Start Assist & HOLD function
Brake Assist (BAS) with brake servo assistance when emergency braking is detected
Acceleration skid control (ASR) | 3-stage Electronic Stability Program (ESP®)
Airbags for driver and co-driver, window airbags for driver, front passenger & rear seat occupants, Sidebag for driver and co-driver (combined thorax/pelvis bag) 6 airbags in total
PRE-SAFE® system with reversible belt tensioners for driver and front passenger seats, closing function for side windows
Crash-responsive head restraints