2020 Mercedes-Benz SLC-Class Safety and Reliability

Both major local safety authorities - the IIHS and the NHTSA - have not evaluated the SLC for crashworthiness, and with the end in sight, they're unlikely to anytime soon.

All the expected safety features are fitted, although the SLC is light on standard driver aids. Eight airbags (including knee airbags) protect the driver and passenger in the event of a crash, and these are complemented by a rearview camera, attention assist, tire pressure monitoring, rain-sensing windshield wipers, Neck-Pro head restraints (reducing the chances of whiplash), and active brake assist.

Blind-spot assist, adaptive cruise control, active LED headlamps, pre-safe, and ultrasonic parking sensors are all available, but they cost extra.

Although J.D. Power hasn't yet rated the SLC, the NHTSA hasn't had to issue any recalls for the model over the last three years. Coupled with the SLC's older, proven platform and familiar engine, there aren't any major reliability concerns.

The brand's four-year/50,000-mile basic warranty is in place if anything goes wrong, with coverage that extends to the powertrain as well.