MB Passion drives the SLC 250 d.
First drive in the updated 172 series
For the first drive of the updated SLC, we have deliberately chosen an exotic one for us, the SLC 250 d! The combination of roadster and four-cylinder diesel is not typical, but that's what creates its charm. Do diesel and open-air fun fit together? Is the performance of the 2.1 liter diesel suitable for sporty driving?
Motorization unchanged: SLC 250 d with 204 hp / 500 Nm torque
With an output of 204 hp and a maximum torque of 500 Nm the SLC 250 d is not badly motorized. Already after a short drive we found that the Roadster through its high torque and - in combination with the new nine-speed converter automatic 9G-TRONIC in comfort mode - lets one move pleasantly and very relaxed. Between a speed of about 1,000 to about 2,500 rpms you feel as a driver really well with the SLC - and here the operating noise of the diesel is quite contained despite the open roof while driving. The focus is clearly on cruising relaxed to enjoy the sun and fresh air. What is happening under the hood goes unnoticed.
However, our test car also has a second side, the one that does not necessarily expect when combining diesel and Roadster: the SLC 250 d can be driven dynamically!
Pass roads not far from Nice
For our second part of the ride along winding mountain passes in the Alps not far from Nice, we sharpen the SLC by DYNAMIC - select button in the center console. Our diesel Roadster as SLC 250 d moves in Sport mode so much tighter than before. The generally 10 millimeters lowered adaptive steel suspension in conjunction with the Dynamic Handling package swallows in this setting significantly less gently small and large potholes on the road. The damping force noticeably reduced, it thus allows the SLC 250 d clearly higher lateral dynamics when cornering at speed.
The steering is more direct and offers a more focused feedback during dynamic driving. Surprisingly fast we find pleasure in the really good driving experience in combination with the diesel generator and let the Roadster quick through the corners of Passtraße up to the Col de Turini run.
Precise and agile driving impression
The SLC 250 d whilst also offering a perfect manageable and precise, agile and direct sporty impression. The Roadster is almost perfectly balanced on the road and makes every curve passage to pure fun. Optimal shows here also the built-up diesel engine, - it depends always good on gas - especially from narrow bends. The nine-speed automatic transmission puts in Sport mode always accurate for the situation fits the right gear, without somehow uncontrollably switch back and forth.
For us no advantage: Sport Plus mode The Sport Plus mode brings for our driving impression no real advantage, quite the opposite: the gear change function here an idea too hard and hectic. The speeds are simply kept too high by very late upshift and very early downshifting, as they would match the four-cylinder diesel of the SLC. The damper of the suspension be in this setting significantly too hard and stubborn, so the fun simply suffers.
Fully electronic Vario roof
Furthermore, the SLC has the SLK facelift its typical all-electric Vario roof made of metal, and its use has now been made even more comfortable. So far, the canopy could be to always opened and closed only in the state, this is the model refinement package now different. If you have to set off traffic conditions when opening or closing the roof, the process begun in the state can now be continued up to a speed of up to 40 km / h. Also new: the small side window behind the door can now be closed separately with the roof open.
In the driving test at spring temperatures 16-18 degrees we could with the roof closed and the side windows, even at a higher speed, 250 felt little wind turbulence in the interior of the SLC d. In conjunction with the optionally available windbreaker in fabric design, we see only a slight and pleasant fresh wind breeze. In addition, the three-stage seat heating and also multistage neck-level heating AIRSCARF ensured an optimum comfort factor while driving. The options one should include in the order in any case.
The updated interior of the SLC includes new decorative elements - as in our test car - the new aluminum trim part with carbon cut in light and the new designed instrument cluster with its two tube-shaped circular instruments including red pointers. Even before the facelift, the interior of the 172 series showed a sporty character and therefore needed no further major changes.
Conclusion
The SLC is a nice compact vehicle and also shows in combination with the powerful diesel engine very athletic and caring for good fun driving performance. The SLC 250 d offers different faces: it can cruise leisurely with relaxed driving from A to B - but it also offers the sporting foundations for a dynamic ride with lots of curves. If the SLC suitable as daily driver? Yes and no. The SLC 250 d is so harmonious that it's quite suitable for commuting, but the trunk is not large, especially when the roof is open and limits its capability a bit. We therefore really see the strength as a second car as beautiful and dynamic weekend tourer or to make short trips with little luggage.
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