2018 Mercedes-Benz SLC 300

Mirror logo headlamps are now standard. The AMG SLC 43 gains blind spot monitoring as standard. A sport steering wheel covered in leather and simulated suede (Dinamica) becomes available. And there are two special RedArt editions that are mostly cosmetic packages, but the SLC 300 version also has heated seats and the Airscarf neck-warming feature as part of the deal. See the 2018 Mercedes-Benz SLC-Class models for sale near you

While the SLC 300 is quite entertaining, the SLC 43 comes with more equipment, more power and more thrills. It would be a shame not to get the best version.

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The 2018 Mercedes-Benz SLC-Class comes in SLC 300 and AMG SLC 43 versions.

The SLC 300 ($49,395) has 17-inch alloy wheels, a glass panel in the folding roof, mirror-logo headlamps, LED running lights/taillights, rain-sensing wipers, simulated leather upholstery, heated/power-folding side mirrors, 8-way power-adjustable seats with memory settings, drive mode selection, rearview camera, a 7-in display and an 8-speaker audio system with Bluetooth, two USB ports and HD radio.

The first options bundle is called, unsurprisingly, the Premium 1 package. This brings keyless entry/ignition, remote control of the folding hardtop, Airscarf (a neck-warming feature that uses vents built into the seats), heated seats, blind spot monitoring, satellite radio and a Harman Kardon 500-watt/11-speaker surround-sound system.

This is all standard in the Mercedes-AMG SLC 43 ($62,345). But this variant also has the bigger engine, stronger brakes, plus aerodynamic additions, sport-tuned suspension, sport exhaust system, 18-in AMG-design alloy wheels, blind spot monitoring, some real leather in the upholstery and powered adjustment for the steering column.

This model is eligible for the AMG Handling package, which brings a mechanical limited-slip rear differential. An IWC-designed analog clock and a sport steering wheel wrapped with a mix of leather and synthetic suede are also included. These latter items don't help with handling, but help justify the extra money.

Both variants are eligible for the Premium 2 package of active LED headlights with automatic high beams, dual-zone automatic climate control, multi-colored LED ambient cabin lighting, analog dashboard clock, navigation, Apple CarPlay/Android Auto smartphone integration, SD card reader, voice control and blind spot monitoring (this last feature is standard in the SLC 43). Premium 3 has all the contents of the first two packages, plus driver aids like adaptive cruise control, lane-keeping assistance, parking sensors front and rear, along with a self-parking feature and an adjustable suspension.

One cool option is Magic Sky Control, which turns the glass panel in the roof transparent or opaque by the touch of a button. It's well worth having since there isn't a sunshade for the regular glass panel. Special leather upholstery that reflects the sun's rays is also available.

Total trunk space is an adequate 10.1 cu ft., which contracts to 6.4 cu ft. when the roof is stowed away.