2017 Mercedes-Benz SLC (ex-SLK) Spied Testing, Still Taking Its Facelifted Time

The current SLK wasn’t particularly a hit even when it was launched back in 2011, but that was mostly down to a decline of the convertible market as a whole. Now, with almost all of the Mercedes-Benz range made to look so similar, the SLK has gotten a vintage air all of a sudden, making it a rare sight in a Mercedes-Benz dealership.

That won’t last for long, though, as the planned facelift will try to bring the SLK - to be named SLC - in line with the rest of the gang. Still, it won’t completely succeed, as the designer’s wrath will be restricted to the front design (headlights graphics, radiator grille, bumper) and, to a lesser degree, to the car’s rear side (new bumper, exhaust tips, but apparently the same taillights, as they’ve never been seen covered in camouflage).

Some tweaks on the interior are also expected (and badly needed), with more upscale materials and hopefully a new infotainment system with a larger, higher resolution display.

But the most important change for the small roadster is probably going to be its name. The new Mercedes-Benz nomenclature bestowed upon the SLK the SLC moniker, a name that will have the older among us think of a totally different car - the 1970’s SL-based coupe that also featured on the rally stages.

And as it’s become customary when speaking about Mercedes-Benz spied models, we’ll finish off with a rant on the AMG model. The current SLK55 AMG uses a 5.5-liter naturally aspirated V8 engine, which gives it 421 hp and a 0-62 mph (0-100 km/h) sprint time of 4.1 seconds.

Since such an old piece of technology is not to the liking of the European Commission, the new Mercedes-AMG SLC55 should be given the new 4.0-liter twin turbo V8 powering the GT and the C63. It’s smaller, lighter, more efficient and more powerful, so you come up with a reason against it. Yeah, it’s probably more expensive.