Mercedes-Benz C-Class Cabriolet debuts in standard, AMG form
No surprises here, but we're most interested in the Mercedes-AMG C43. Like the sedan and coupe, it takes advantage of a 3.0-liter, twin-turbocharged V6. The 362 horsepower and 384 pound-feet of torque will allow it to scoot to 60 in just 4.7 seconds, which is a big improvement on BMW's closest analog, the 435i Convertible (5.4 seconds). Surprisingly, it also is much quicker than the Audi S5 Cabriolet, which takes 5.3 seconds. The top speed is limited to 155 miles per hour.
The C300 Cabriolet is also something of a known quantity, coming up with 2.0-liter, turbocharged four-cylinder making 241 horsepower and 273 pound-feet of torque. Those figures are identical to the C300 sedan, although we're not surprised to see a small drop in straight-line speed. The droptop model takes a tenth of a second longer to get to 60, at 6.3 seconds to the sedan's 6.2.
Regardless of powerplant, there are some significant similarities between these two. Both will be offered with a new nine-speed automatic transmission, while the sedan model is limited to seven forward gears. And that canvas roof? It can be raised or lowered in 20 seconds and at speeds of up to 31 miles per hour.
While it seems like convertibles always launch in the darkest depths of winter, Mercedes is doing things right and bringing the C300 Cabriolet to market in both rear-wheel-drive and 4Matic varieties by late summer. As for the AMG, you'll be able to take in the changing colors when it makes its launch in the fall. Read on for the official press release and galleries, and stay tuned for more from the floor at Geneva. Show full PR text Unlimited opening times
Stuttgart. Mercedes-Benz is launching into the open-air season with the first cabriolet based on the C-Class, thereby rounding off its range of cabriolets with a classic fabric soft top. The new cabriolet's design interprets modern luxury with a youthful touch. Featuring plenty of high-quality details, its distinctive character is most apparent when the top is down. The cabriolet comes standard with AIRSCARF neck-level heating and optionally available AIRCAP automatic draft stop system for exceptional comfort during open-top driving 365 days a year. Efficient, powerful engines and a suspension designed for dynamics (with optional AIRMATIC air suspension on the C300) ensure sportily agile handling. The new 9G-TRONIC 9-speed automatic transmission is standard for all engine variants. Also on board: proven assistance systems and state-of-the-art infotainment. The new C-Class Cabriolet launches in late summer 2016.
"Our new C-Class Cabriolet is the entry into the world of premium cabriolets from Mercedes-Benz. Sporty and youthful in character and styling, it offers unadulterated open-air driving pleasure all year round," says Prof. Dr. Thomas Weber, Member of the Board of Management of Daimler AG and responsible for Group Research and Mercedes-Benz Cars Development.
Sporty and youthful
As the new entry-level model into the cabriolet world of Mercedes-Benz, the C300 Cabriolet, available in both rear-wheel-drive and 4MATIC drivetrains, is a consistent embodiment of the Mercedes-Benz design philosophy: sensual purity as the definition of contemporary luxury. It exhibits an independence of character with a visibly sporty expression and youthfully fresh appeal.
With its top up, the profile of the new two-door cabriolet resembles that of the C-Class Coupe with virtually identical basic dimensions: with a striking front end featuring a diamond radiator grill, standard LED headlamps, long hood and high beltline. Its tightly stretched soft top with glass window transitions harmoniously into the distinctly styled rear end, which has a highly sporty look with its wide shoulders and flat LED tail lights.
The dimensions at a glance: Source
