In December 2015, Mercedes-Benz unveiled the SLC-Class (R172), which went on sale in spring 2016. The SLC was the revised and renamed version of the third-generation SLK, aligned with Mercedes' updated nomenclature strategy linking the roadster to the C-Class hierarchy. Exterior changes included a diamond radiator grille, revised LED Intelligent Light System headlights, restyled bumpers, and an upgraded interior with a new steering wheel and Comand infotainment display.

The engine lineup featured a 1.6-liter turbo (SLC 180), 2.0-liter turbo engines in the SLC 200 and SLC 300 (up to 245 hp), and the 2.1-liter turbodiesel SLC 250 d. The former AMG V8 was replaced by the Mercedes-AMG SLC 43 equipped with a 3.0-liter biturbo V6 producing 367 hp (later bumped to 390 hp). Power was routed via a 9-speed 9G-Tronic automatic. Production officially concluded in 2020 following the release of the Final Edition model.