Best Car Reviews - 2017 Mercedes-Benz SLC300

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Introduction

The 2017 Mercedes-Benz SLC300 is a two-seat, rear-wheel-drive roadster that blends classic Mercedes luxury with the everyday usability of a power-retractable hardtop. Positioned for drivers who want a compact convertible with premium build quality, strong turbocharged performance, and year-round practicality, the SLC300 stands out with its refined cabin, quick roof operation, and a polished “grand touring” character rather than an all-out track focus.

Design and Exterior Features

For 2017, the SLC receives a styling refresh that sharpens its presence while keeping the compact proportions that make it easy to place on narrow roads and in tight parking spots. The long hood, short rear deck, and low seating position deliver traditional roadster cues, while updated lighting details and grille treatments modernize the nose and tail. Unlike soft-top rivals, the SLC’s retractable hardtop gives it a coupe-like profile when closed and helps with security, insulation, and cold-weather comfort.

Power-retractable hardtop for coupe-like refinement with the roof up.
Updated LED daytime running lights and LED taillights for the 2017 model year.
Distinct roadster proportions: long hood, short rear, and wide stance.
Available appearance and wheel packages to add a sportier look.

Interior and Comfort

Inside, the 2017 SLC300 focuses on a driver-first cockpit with solid Mercedes switchgear, supportive seating, and a premium feel that’s uncommon in the small roadster class. Space is naturally tight because it’s a two-seater, but the layout is intuitive, visibility is good for the segment, and the hardtop helps reduce wind noise compared to many soft-top convertibles. When equipped with comfort packages, the SLC can be surprisingly pleasant for cool evenings and shoulder-season driving.

Two-seat cabin with a driver-focused dashboard and premium materials.
Power-adjustable seats with memory functions available on many configurations.
Automatic climate control and practical storage for a small roadster.
Available comfort features such as heated seats and neck-level heating (package-dependent).

Performance and Handling

Powering the 2017 Mercedes-Benz SLC300 is a turbocharged 2.0-liter inline-four using direct fuel injection, paired with a 9-speed automatic transmission and rear-wheel drive. Output is rated at 241 horsepower and 273 lb-ft of torque, delivering strong midrange pull that suits real-world passing and relaxed highway cruising. Manufacturer-claimed acceleration is about 0–60 mph in 5.8 seconds, which is quick enough to feel lively without demanding constant high rpm. On the road, the SLC300 leans toward stable, confidence-inspiring handling with a composed ride, while available suspension and handling packages can sharpen response for drivers who prefer a firmer, more agile feel.

For fuel efficiency, U.S. EPA figures are 25 mpg city, 32 mpg highway, and 27 mpg combined, which translates to roughly 9.4 L/100 km city, 7.4 L/100 km highway, and 8.7 L/100 km combined. Real-world consumption can be higher in dense city use or spirited driving; an 11.0 L/100 km mixed-use figure is plausible for some driving patterns, especially with frequent short trips and heavy throttle.

2.0L turbocharged inline-4 with direct injection: 241 hp and 273 lb-ft.
Rear-wheel drive and a 9-speed automatic for smooth, quick shifting.
0–60 mph claimed at about 5.8 seconds (manufacturer estimate).
EPA fuel economy: 25/32/27 mpg (city/highway/combined), about 9.4/7.4/8.7 L/100 km.

Technology and Connectivity

The 2017 SLC300 offers a premium infotainment experience for its era, centered on a dash-top display with Mercedes’ COMAND-style interface. Connectivity basics such as Bluetooth streaming and USB support are available, and higher trims or option packages add features like upgraded audio and navigation. The overall tech approach emphasizes usability and sound quality over flashy screen size, fitting the car’s touring-oriented personality.

Central infotainment display with a console controller interface.
Bluetooth connectivity for calls and audio streaming.
USB integration and multi-speaker audio (upgrades available by package).
Selectable drive modes to tailor powertrain and steering feel.

Safety Features

As a low-volume two-seat roadster, the 2017 SLC300 may not have the same breadth of publicly available crash-test ratings as high-selling sedans and SUVs, so shoppers should verify any ratings availability in their market before making a decision. What is clear is that Mercedes equips the SLC with a mix of active and passive safety systems aimed at preventing accidents and protecting occupants, including stability control, multiple airbags, and driver-attention monitoring. Optional driver-assistance features can further strengthen everyday confidence, especially on highways.

Electronic stability control and anti-lock braking systems.
Multiple airbags and rollover protection measures suited to a roadster body style.
Driver fatigue monitoring (Attention Assist).
Available driver-assistance options such as blind-spot monitoring and lane-related aids (equipment varies by package).

Pricing and Variants

When new in the U.S., the 2017 Mercedes-Benz SLC300 carried a starting MSRP of about $48,875 (including destination, as commonly listed in U.S. pricing guides). The lineup is straightforward: the primary non-AMG model is the SLC300, while the major step-up performance variant is the Mercedes-AMG SLC43 with a significantly more powerful engine and sport-focused hardware. In the two-seat premium roadster space, natural competitors include models that emphasize open-top driving and style, such as the BMW Z4, Porsche 718 Boxster, Audi TT Roadster, and the Mazda MX-5 Miata (at a much lower price point but with a purist driving feel).

Pros and Cons

Pros

Refined retractable hardtop improves insulation, security, and year-round usability.
Strong turbo torque makes it feel quick in everyday driving.
9-speed automatic delivers smooth cruising and responsive kickdown.
Premium cabin materials and a solid, upscale feel for the segment.
Distinct styling and a classic roadster seating position with modern lighting updates.

Cons

Two-seat layout and compact storage limit practicality for daily errands or trips.
Options and packages can raise the price quickly compared with rivals.
Ride can feel firm on rough pavement, especially with sport-oriented setups.
Hardtop mechanism adds complexity versus a simpler soft-top convertible.
As the model ages, maintenance and parts costs can be higher than mainstream roadsters.

Maintenance and Common Issues

Model-specific, statistically strong annual maintenance and repair-cost averages can be difficult to verify for the SLC300 due to low sales volume; some reliability services note limited data for this exact model. As a general benchmark, average annual repair costs across the Mercedes-Benz brand are often cited around the $900 range, but a two-seat roadster with a retractable hardtop can vary widely based on mileage, climate, and previous care. A thorough pre-purchase inspection and a check for open recalls are especially important on any used 2017 SLC300.

Five common owner-reported or commonly discussed issues for this model or generation include:

Retractable hardtop concerns such as slow operation, sensor faults, or weather-seal wear (often age- and storage-related).
Premature brake wear or costly brake service on performance-oriented setups.
Battery drain or electrical gremlins after extended storage (common for seasonal cars).
Oil seepage from gasketed areas on turbocharged direct-injection engines as mileage increases.
Intermittent warning lights from sensors or modules that require diagnostic time to resolve.

Rating

Overall rating: 8.2/10. Design: 8.5/10, Comfort: 8.0/10, Performance: 8.3/10, Technology: 7.8/10, Safety: 7.9/10. The 2017 SLC300 scores highly as a premium, everyday-usable roadster with strong turbo performance and a classy hardtop convertible format, with points deducted mainly for limited space, aging infotainment by modern standards, and the long-term complexity that comes with a power hardtop.

User Reviews and Feedback

Owner feedback for the 2017 Mercedes-Benz SLC300 tends to follow a consistent pattern: people who want a compact luxury roadster love the styling, the solid feel with the roof up, and the easy torque from the turbo four-cylinder. Complaints often focus on small-cabin compromises, the cost of tires and brakes, and the importance of keeping the roof system healthy through proper maintenance and regular use.

Praise for the hardtop’s coupe-like quietness and cold-weather friendliness.
Strong satisfaction with turbo torque and effortless highway passing.
Mixed opinions on infotainment usability compared with newer luxury cars.
Frequent reminders that maintenance costs can be premium-car expensive.
Seasonal ownership patterns, with emphasis on battery care and storage habits.

Best Cars in This Category

2017 Porsche 718 Boxster
2017 BMW Z4
2017 Audi TT Roadster
2017 Mazda MX-5 Miata
2017 Jaguar F-Type Convertible

Summary

The 2017 Mercedes-Benz SLC300 is best suited for drivers who want a stylish, premium two-seat convertible that feels refined with the roof up and genuinely fun with the roof down. Its turbocharged performance, rear-wheel-drive balance, and 9-speed automatic make it easy to enjoy in daily driving, while the retractable hardtop adds a unique “two cars in one” character. Value depends heavily on condition, service history, and options, but for buyers who prioritize luxury-roadster charm over maximum practicality, the SLC300 remains a distinctive and appealing choice.