Is the 2020 Mercedes Benz SLC 300 a BETTER convertible than a Porsche Boxster?

It is the end of the road for the SLC 300. Mercedes has decided to stop production of this convertible after 2020, but is it still a good convertible?. Under the hood is a 2.0L turbocharged inline-4 producing 241HP & mated to a 9-speed automatic transmission. The SLC 300 has a folding hard top to give you the best of both worlds and styling that is pure Mercedes Benz. On the inside you will find a comfortable cabin with a steering wheel you will not want to let go of. Does the 2020 Mercedes Benz SLC deserve to be killed off?
**Please click the link to get your Raiti's Rides Merch!
shop.spreadshirt.com/raitisrides

[@TheVoiceblast]

The best part of that car is the hardtop

[@richardgalloway6025]

louis angello agreed!

[@wasanaanuradha5527]

Wish the amg gt had this roof

[@RobertMichael]

Agreed p

[@villagernumber9233]

I have a recent obsession with this car now. Even if it doesn't measure up to it's competitors like the Porsche Boxter or BMW Z4 theres something about the SLC that would make me pick it in a heart beat. Would love to own this car someday.

[@RaitisRides]

Make a plan and go after it!

[@supremeobliterator]

Me to

[@shaking6360]

It's all about the hard 'glass' top, it looks great closed (coupé) and open even better.

[@eddox94]

I personally like the woodgrain in the car actually. I think it gives it class being as old a design as it is

[@stephenwerner6363]

I've always loved that car...I wouldn't spend that much on a new one though when you can find a used one with way low mileage for half the price with the same exact look!

[@SamM-gh5kd]

I liked how genuine and honest, yet informative he was 👌🏼

[@xBlondvxnx]

Same ! He is a good talker😅

[@-_-GT350]

I love the sound of these exhaust especially after tunes they sound BEYOND sick

[@thanglieu9268]

Don’t kill it! We need a Mercedes Miata!!!!

[@mattagui5718]

I really like all this German power you are bringing to the channel my dude. Raitis rides getting better every day brother. 👍

[@spreadhysteria3650]

This is my favorite car, It's going to be the car that I will buy when I make it.

[@PrecioustheMovie1]

It’s an obtainable car, you can do it dude.

[@latinlabel]

Great car! Definitely get one.

[@IamCleo]

Same I’m getting one

[@wasanaanuradha5527]

I wish the amg gt had this roof that would be amazing

[@davidlopez3911]

I just bought one, and I'm IN LOVE! I got the spots package, so my trims are carbon fiber.

[@therealCamoron]

Got one of these as a rental out in LA (they didn't have any other convertibles so they gave me this) and I had an absolute blast driving it.

[@Realizinq]

What a beauty. And very informative and concise video . Bravo

[@mattagui5718]

Very interesting the story behind the SLC my brother. You are a car enciclopedia my dude.

[@DjTsd17]

I own the first gen model. SLK 200, 2-liter I4, producing 163hp. It is so fun to drive, feels like a street legal go-kart. I felt so bad seeing those walnut parts in the interior, even mine has brushed aluminum pieces around the infotainment system. If it only comes with the walnut option, huge shame. Driving experience wise, I feel it's way better than a Mazda, subpar to the Porsche. It is right in the middle for me, in every sense. Power, price, style, prestige, daily driving potential, everything! Great review!

[@johnlouderback1245]

Hey, Joe! It happened! I'm the owner of a 2015 mustang gt premium convertible 6 speed! Car is awesome! 17k miles on the odometer! Been lowered, and has a wicked exhaust system! Oh, I'm John Louderback, the guy who was diagnosed with brain cancer. Just wanted to shout out to let you that dreams do come true! Positive attitude and thoughts. Can't wait to see you in that GT350R! Keep up the great content!

[@marlenelopez2192]

Congrats I have an 08 and it’s so awesome

[@miltonclark1526]

It's something special about a Benz two seater.

[@chrisperry2922]

Milton Clark Agreed! I have a 01 Slk and I really enjoy it

[@Freyes2017]

Got 2005 slk 350. Looks good for its age

[@Tigerex966]

Years ago I drove a manual version, I was so sad when they got rid of it, it is the one mercedes that really fits a manual.

[@LeadfootLou]

$62k is not too bad for this vehicle. Love the way the roof is retracted. Nice job with the camera work Tom! You didn’t enjoy this as much as the integra. I like this car. It has a nice look. Great review 👍

[@RaitisRides]

It's a nice car but doesn't stir my soul. I am going Porsche.

[@jbjlock26]

Okay Joe, you have me looking at used SLK’s! There are some great values out there, and I have a Sprinter based Winnebago that I do maintenance on myself, so I’m not afraid of having to make routine trips to the dealer! The car seems to be pretty much tried and true. The lack of the latest technology means less to go out of date and/or fail.

[@kenny-d3944]

Love this channel...

[@RaitisRides]

Thanks Kenny! You are so an awesome guy!

[@flagg1129b]

Joe... you sounded very underwhelmed by this car.... thx I appreciate your excellent reviews

[@rp7973]

Great review, I love the exterior

[@RaitisRides]

Thanks for letting me share it with you!

[@hsingh0243]

Love your candy examples

[@itcantrainallthetime9886]

At first I thought you said "Walmart wood trim", and then thought, well.. thats still pretty accurate.

[@gsjarvis6669]

It is also offered in an AMG version with the 6 cylinder.

[@Matt_from_Florida]

Not since 2015 and it was a V-8. en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Mercedes-Benz_SLK-Class_(R172)#Engines I have one of the prior-generation R171 cars, an SLK 55 AMG with the venerable M113 engine.

[@davidcosta9358]

Matt from Florida there was and slc43 amg offered with a v6

[@awakenedsoul2638]

@@davidcosta9358 Yeah right a limited edition of this car.

[@jayanthkolla3600]

Its SLC 43 AMG... 3.0 Litre V6, BiTurbo with 386 BHp and 520 nm torque... they sold those between 2016 to 2019. I own a 2017 made of this one... for the last three years... in Bangalore, India. And, it's terribly fun to take it out for a spin. Have done a couple of long (inter-city) drives too :)

[@aclosson8193]

I guess M-B decided not to kill this little roadster after all. I just visited MBUSA and you can order a 2021 SLC-300 and the SLC-43.

[@q8y613]

I've owned the SLK since 2012 (8 years of ownership with 160.000 kilometers) a really nice car.. no issues. the only thing I had to change was the front shock obsorbers last month! I don't think the Boxster would be as reliable as the Mercedes.

[@philbiker3]

No way. Porshces are famously expensive to maintain.

[@rodneybough9164]

For what it is it doesn't seem that bad even with the Zonks that you pointed out. The price seems a little high considering that Mercedes is going to discontinue it. You can probably work something out with them though, I think. Being 65 the dated interior doesn't bother me to much so I can see myself in one. Thanks for sharing.

[@ritarossweisse_]

The design reminds me of the 2016 SLK 🤔 very close to the previous one but this is a great redesign (as what designers would say) /facelift for me

[@abdoutouzani6284]

they did a name change across alot of models.

[@cspitzer3763]

I have a 2018 Red Art edition and I love it. Its incredible small tho ! perfect for me 5'3" but when my husband drives it, he looks ridiculous! He's 6'4" I don't really mind the dated look of the interior. I actually love it! It's very basic and elegant

[@RaitisRides]

That is so wonderful!

[@CalifornianWayfarer]

Thankyou. Surprised you didn't review the SLC43 AMG instead., or as well. That's 60 hp more and 111 lb ft torque more.

[@Raparee1000]

I love the wood grain I think the aluminum looks cheap by comparison.

[@sachemrock]

Certainly a niche vehicle that has fallen out of favor with the current auto buying public. Nevertheless, sorry to see it go away as it brings Mercedes quality and panache to this ever dwindling small 2 seater class.

[@jplay0426]

This design is timeless 👍

[@thangchano]

Tailight is ugly though

[@nhavu8244]

I like your voice. Loudly and clearly

[@LawsonsCarReviews]

Beautiful interior that's for sure. They look good

[@rgestrella5078]

I don't think this was meant to compete with the Boxter. I think the SLC 43 AMG does. The SLC43 has more similar hp and performance. I am currently torn between purchasing a 2020 Boxter or SLC43 AMG. The AMG feels so much more comfortable driving and love the interior of it. Also love the hard top. However, the curves on the Boxter are beautiful. Thanks for this very honest review. Really enjoyed it.

[@jayanthkolla3600]

I own an SLC43 AMG, for almost 3 years now... considered Boxster too... but, SLC43 won because of 3.0 litre engine (Vs 2.0 litre on Boxster) and 386 Hp (Vs 249 on Boxster).... and, more importantly, SLC43 sounds refined and elegant, even in Sports Plus mode... Boxster sounded very rowdy to me. But, that's just a personal opinion. Good luck with your purchase and have loads of fun driving whichever you pick :)

[@mattagui5718]

I really like this Benz my brother

[@crosisofborg5524]

The R171 SLK was the best looking model in the SL line.

[@donaldoc]

GF, has a 2014, SLK-250... Weekend Get-Away, with two backpacks, works! Golden Retriever puppy, Yes! Two year Golden Retriever, Nope! No longer fits! 😳😂 Need to do more, M-B, vehicles! Thanks! 👍🏁

[@royageorge7526]

Love MERCEDES Benz . SLC classy , stylish ✅✅👍

[@RaitisRides]

I am so glad that you like this one!

[@royageorge7526]

@@RaitisRides oh nothing for me can beat a MERCEDES Benz. The best ✅

[@EjinRenos]

Mercedes making a mistake dropping this car. Dropping the price and production amount would be a better solution. Not everyone wants expensive car or a truck or SUV. Is it a Porsche competitor? The 55/43, maybe; but the car isn't as track focused to do what a boxster/cayman can do. Same against the MX5. So as far as roadsters go, the MX5 is your sporty, trackable car which still has a decent price. The Porsche mixes a bit of luxury into its sport feel, still making it trackable yet a bit more refined than the Mazda. The Slc is more luxury than the other two, less sporty than both. If the 4 cylinder was closer to MX5 pricing, 35k or less, it would sell a lot more. This allows the AMG to stand out for its price and performance. Slk has been a great car that flew under radar too much because of its price point. It still has a great following and is still a desirable car, and fully removing it from sales isn't going to help Mercedes in the long run.

[@mikegallier263]

I don't know why he keeps complaining about the front and rear bottom grill vents not being open. If they were open, the tires would flip mud all over the front and back of the car. Also, any car with a hardtop convertible has limited space when the top is in the trunk, so why is he complaining? Anyone interested in a hardtop convertible is aware of this. I like this car. I have a 2003 SLK230 and I want to upgrade to a newer model. This SLC300 is a great upgrade.

[@VictorLeEPICVIC951]

Kinda sad to see these convertibles disappearing from the market... Who's going to make a convertible SUV then??? 😂 Great vid, Joe!

[@temur72]

Nissan Jeep Range Rover

[@VictorLeEPICVIC951]

@@temur72 Now that I'm thinking about it, Jeep does make convertible Wranglers, and the Land Rover Evoque Cabriolet, and Nissan with the Murano Cabriolet, but what about a full SUV hard-top convertible? Soft-top is a no-go for me.

[@xBlondvxnx]

Help ! Im really sad about this. I have probably only had mine for a year, but I haven’t even driven it much yet either. I was looking forward to spring to drop my top. Mine is a year older than this one. Absolutely perfect. But suddenly I went to drop my top and it will only go half wAy down ! Has anyone had this problem? Does anyone have any advice? Please and if so I would be so very thankful. Advice other than taking it to the vet or the ER ?

[@1800aubrey]

i have to ask, i am loving the slc and thinking of buying one - but I think i need to get real about something. I am 6'3''. am i too tall for this car? the sl-class is significantly more expensive as an option. any feedback would be much appreciated

[@philipchai]

I actually just got this car yesterday but the black one though. I wish mine came with the LED light option. But I guess I can always go just change the lightbulb to the LED ones.

[@RaitisRides]

Great job Phil.

[@xBlondvxnx]

Yeah did you do that change ? Mine is black too. Black is my favorite other than the red. Most of my cars usually red. So I went for the shiny black jelly bean this time. I love it but it has suddenly brought out some ocd traits I was never quite so aware of. I can see every dust particle or smudge and it drives me crazy. I see your comment is about 8 months ago. How is your paint holding up ? Im wanting to have mine repainted already.

[@safye4]

$62k? Wowzers. Maybe if it had MBUX, an updated interior, and engine + suspension upgrades. It would be a cool car for a 3rd of the price in a few years.

[@RaitisRides]

I totally agree with you!

[@l.k5244]

Thankfully we have idiots who buy new mercs and take the depreciation hit for us jk lol

[@lash9400]

I really like this class of car, TT, Boxster, Z4, SLK, to me they’re “affordable” semi exotic junior super cars. It’s a shame because now all we have is a plethora of crossovers and SUVs.

[@RaitisRides]

You are so very right!

[@Lia-ij4mg]

i want this but i hate the interior.. the little screen and old wood does not match!

[@brandonbeckham8803]

Them not updating the interior is what is killing this car. It's a real looker from out outside

[@ransfordbantoe7834]

I had a 2012 mars red SLK 250 . Bengal red interior it was nice. Sold it . It’s the same car if you ask me . Same body .

[@joem9751]

Wow, a Benz dealership in Pinellas Park? How times change...🤣

[@RaitisRides]

I know right!

[@supremeobliterator]

To me thecwood trim is a homage to the Mercedes of old.

[@aaronsinghcmc]

Why in the world are manufacturers shifting to soft top! They should leave some hard top options for majority people like me.

[@nornibres]

If you want a small GT car this seems perfect.

[@mattagui5718]

Hey my brother checking in

[@hunter9mm]

I have a 2015 and this is the exact same. Literally, buy a used one for half the price. It’s the same car

[@FatalityDiablo]

that center console is much more appealing to me than lets say a tesla or a modern EV. i dont even mind the old school wood trim, goes well with the metal knobs and buttons.

[@RaitisRides]

I am so glad that you like this one.

[@jeffs6090]

I mean, not every design feature of a vehicle needs to be functional and therefore deserving of a zonk if it isn't. If it's not an actual sports car that needs the venting, then let the form, aesthetics, and design coolness reside over the function.

[@crosisofborg5524]

Since the boxer motor has a grande built into it, anything is better

[@najibabali7348]

Quite comfortable bade on its price

[@ccroy2001]

I love the wood I think it looks classy.

[@SLone3251]

It amazes me how a wood trim can be ordered with that red-stitch-detailed black leather. So jarring to the eyes. Def agreed those ugly brown wood finishes need to go (and Benz has been doin that in past years with other models, which is good).

[@renenunez1254]

Only the passenger side hood vent is functional. The driver side hood vent is just for looks.

[@RaitisRides]

Thanks for that info!

[@andy9651]

It has an Ash tray woow I though those feature on a car left in the 1920s 😆

[@RaitisRides]

I know right! LOL

[@tommyolsen8224]

SLK R170 1996-2004 SLK R171 2004-2011 SLK R172 2011-2016 SLC R172 2016-2020

[@RaitisRides]

Thanks for that great info Tommy!

[@armonianumerica5830]

I have an SLK 2004...

[@tommyolsen8224]

armonia numerica I have a SLK from 1998 mint condition 😊

[@armonianumerica5830]

@@tommyolsen8224 keep it..dont sell it..great great car.

[@tommyolsen8224]

armonia numerica I Know , im a big SLK fan. Bought it in 2014.

[@waltvancourt5052]

Audi may be doing away with their TT convertable and coupe also ? A fun little go-kart

[@TheExai]

I have a serious question I need to know, will it fit the electric guitar case behind the seat or in the trunk?

[@RaitisRides]

That is a great question!

[@TheExai]

@@RaitisRidesso, in your opinion, will it fit?

[@RomanticPopPunk]

@@TheExai It wouldn’t fit

[@chimerat8012]

It will have to ride as your passenger, meaning in the passenger seat.

[@Vision33r]

A front mounted engine sports car can't be better than a mid-rear mounted engine. Why do you think that GM moved the engine in the Corvette C8 to the back.

[@ethanprice6780]

Dudes watch is THICC

[@thestartofanempire4371]

Am I the only one who forwards it to when he gets in to say the price?

[@klasseact6663]

OMG that decal infront of the shifter 🙄

[@RaitisRides]

I know right!

[@lubakaczmar3198]

Spend an extra 15 grang for amg get it all back in 8 years

[@gurumeditation8911]

I don't get the title/theme of this video. This car is simply not comparable to the Boxter. It's not even pretending to be. It's a great sporty mini SL convertible. If you're looking for a Boxter alternative, Audi TTS Quattro MK 3 or Z4 is pretty much the only way to go.

[@TheVoiceblast]

Id rather watch raiti then shmee

[@jeffs6090]

I agree. I mean, he's cool and all and reviews a lot of hot cars, but his voice and lisp gets me. I can only take about 1/4 of his videos before I switch to something else.

[@jaceburton3506]

I’d say the biggest competitor is the Z4

[@RaitisRides]

Z4 would kill this thing Jace!

[@theo-paintingminiatures3541]

i am an owner of an SLK (not SLC) with the F1 look style which i believe it's far more beautiful than this one, if you know why Mercedes change the look of their sports cars after the SLR production model you let me know :)

[@RaitisRides]

Thanks for sharing that great input fro your experience!

[@keef2473]

People who want this car like myself will put up with the out dated interior !!!

[@silentrefusal9911]

What happened to that "rear seat" test?? 🤔

[@RaitisRides]

LMAO! I see what you did there!

[@eamonnmcdermott1939]

What is the history of Mercedes. Need to know before I buy

[@RaitisRides]

I bring it for you!

[@zeeshanhaque]

SLK 250 was one of the prettiest cars I always thought

[@RaitisRides]

I totally agree with you!

[@zeeshanhaque]

@@RaitisRides loved using it in NFS 😁

[@markb4706]

This was my dream car... now it’s gone 😪

[@majorcalvary6515]

I’m sure there is plenty of certified pre-owned. I want a SLC43.

[@markb4706]

Major Calvary Yeah well parts will be limited and they are unreliable post warranty. I wanted one once I become a doctor.

[@aster5031]

5/5

[@yowsa90]

"I like how this looks... I'm gonna ZONK it" - weird commentary...

[@davidbaity7399]

SLK name is better than SLC... I had a 1998 and have a 2012 My next one will be a 2015 SLK 55

[@mitchellstrauss8187]

Is the same case of the Mercedes GLK now is named GLC but is the same category.

[@davidginy6547]

hi Joe

[@RaitisRides]

Hi David!

[@alexk7286]

like the channel👍. not the car for 60gs and 240 hp weak ! back in the 80s in high school we would call this car all show and no go! my iroc Camaro had 245 and it was a 87. then what about reliability 🙄

[@yowsa90]

Guy who owned IROC Z is commenting on what is weak now... that's funny.

[@xOneCinema]

These kids don't know how rusts work

[@zzkeokizz]

I would buy one if I had the $.

[@RaitisRides]

I know how you feel Seth.

[@betcjay243]

I just bought one today 🥴

[@makioeu]

@@betcjay243 worth it so far?

[@betcjay243]

@@makioeu I like it feels good with the top down

[@YawmSaub]

Joe, love all your reviews but c'mon...a zonk is a zonk. No half ass zonk.

[@karinafernandez4251]

Can you do a review of the BMW Z4 ? I would love to !

[@RaitisRides]

Will do Karina!

[@serkanister3620]

-18 around here joe, u r in shorts lol not fair

[@JayPatel-tx1zc]

Sup Joe. Just sent U a Tweet, you'll ❤ it.

[@mattagui5718]

Jay Patel Sup Jay

[@JayPatel-tx1zc]

@@mattagui5718 Sup G

[@mattagui5718]

Jay Patel how are you brother?

[@JayPatel-tx1zc]

@@mattagui5718 Just Chilling Like A Villain watching some Doug DeMuro 2002 Chevy C5 Corvette Z06 🇺🇸😍🏆.

[@JayPatel-tx1zc]

@@HondaTrumpAi Huh got that right 💪🏽

[@ajslifestyle2803]

You means Benz is discontinue this model after 2020?

[@watchreport]

Yes

[@ajslifestyle2803]

WatchReport.com thx～

[@MaazKhan-pr2ve]

For a bit more you can get a c class cabriolet

[@RaitisRides]

This is true!

[@MaazKhan-pr2ve]

@@RaitisRides and that’s more practical and has more tech you could say

[@1800aubrey]

some of these 'just before inflation hit car price' comments are hilarious

[@golfbuddy1969]

This latest SLC doesn’t compete with the first gen Boxster.

[@bhaveshmadaan3865]

I really like this 2020 Mercedes Benz SLC. It is really an amazing car. I really like this mercedes SLC Class. Also here i have an article on the 2020 Mercedes Benz SLC. Check out the article here: www.carsinsane.com/2020-mercedes-benz-slc-class-review-ratings-specs-prices-and-photos/

[@RaphaelNation]

Audi TT. That’s the competition.

[@RaitisRides]

Thanks for sharing that info Raphael.

[@allianzfootball7693]

skittles melt Joe lol dont put it in the ash tray