Mercedes-Benz’s first cabriolet based on the C-Class features a classic fabric soft top. The sporty four-seater is based on the successful coupé version. Whether open or closed, the Cabriolet shines with an expressive appearance and distinctive character.
The car features efficient, powerful engines delivering between 115 and 375 kW (156 to 510 hp) and a suspension designed for dynamic performance (with optional AIRMATIC air suspension) to ensure sporty, agile handling. The 9G-TRONIC automatic transmission is available for all engine variants. Also on board are proven assistance systems and state-of-the-art infotainment. The new C-Class Cabriolet launches in summer 2016.
As the new entry-level model into the world of Mercedes-Benz convertibles, the C-Class Cabriolet is also a consistent embodiment of the Mercedes-Benz design philosophy of sensual purity as the definition of modern luxury – hot and cool. It exhibits independence of character with a visibly sporty expression and youthfully fresh appeal.
The tightly stretched soft top with glass window transitions harmoniously into the distinctively styled rear end, which has a highly sporty look with its wide shoulders and flat LED tail lights. With a capacity of 360 liters (285 liters with the roof open), the boot is capable of holding an exceptional amount of luggage for a convertible, thus offering high everyday practicality.
At the sides, an elongated dropping line extending over the rear wheel arch lends an emphasis typical of Mercedes-Benz design. Thanks to the suspension lowered by 15 millimeters compared to the Saloon, the vehicle is already at sports level with the standard 17-inch tyres, emphasizing the sporty nature of the Cabriolet which shines aerodynamically with a Cd figure of 0.28.
With the roof open, the meticulously coordinated harmony between exterior and interior design becomes apparent. High-quality details include a decorative aluminum surround on the A‑pillars and windscreen, and the beltline trim strip extending to the soft top compartment – this is polished in the standard specification and matt in AMG Line.
The fully automatic classic cabriolet fabric soft top comes in black in the basic variant, or is optionally available with a multi-layer acoustic soft top in dark brown, dark blue, dark red or black. It significantly reduces the wind/driving noise. This is made noticeable in the form of improved speech intelligibility, including at high speeds, and better insulation from disruptive ambient noise. The acoustic soft top thus offers optimal climate comfort, quiet-running characteristics and full all-year suitability.
Based on the S-Class Cabriolet, the soft top also meets high quality standards in terms of durability and function. It can be opened and closed in 20 seconds, and at speeds of up to 50 km/h. After opening, it folds down quietly and precisely and is stored in the soft-top compartment in the boot. In shape and color the cover of the soft-top compartment is an integral part of the interior, and is made of the same material as the beltline.
The interior ambience is similar to that of the C-Class Coupé, though freshly interpreted with features typical of a convertible. Especially high-grade materials and build quality give the interior a modern feel of sportiness and lifestyle. The appointments include heat-reflecting leather in a total of five color shades (optional) as well as an attractively curved switch in matt silver chrome in the center console for opening and closing the fully automatic soft top. Based on the Coupé, the sport seats feature an integral look with muscular side bolsters and organically integrated head restraints, as well as the AIRSCARF neck-level heating optional for the Cabriolet. Automatic belt extenders as standard help the occupants to fasten their seat belts.
The Cabriolet already comes with a high equipment specification as standard, augmented by a wide range of individualization options (some examples: 13 upholstery variants, such as designo Bengal red & black, seven trim variants, four soft-top colors, twelve exterior paint finishes – including a matt finish – leather-covered instrument panel). The roof liner of the soft top is available in black, porcelain and crystal grey. Numerous trim elements in sporty aluminum, carbon-fiber or glass-fiber are complemented by authentic open-pore wood species in shades of brown and black.
The AMG Line is available as an alternative to underline the dynamism of the Cabriolet. It differs by virtue of exterior features such as special bumpers and sills with AMG body styling, a diamond radiator grille with pins in chrome, trim strips on the beltline, A-pillars and soft top compartment in matt anodized aluminum and 18-inch AMG light-alloy wheels. In the interior the AMG Line comes with sporty, exclusive highlights, including a multifunction sports steering wheel with flattened bottom section as well as AMG sports pedals.
Inconspicuously integrated into the roof frame, the electric AIRCAP draught stop system was specially developed for Mercedes-Benz cabriolets and is coupled to an electric draught stop behind the rear seats, which reduces the interior turbulence also for the rear passengers at the press of a button. AIRCAP is part of the Cabriolet Comfort package, which also includes AIRSCARF neck-level heating for the driver and front passenger by circulating warm air around the neck area when temperatures are low outside. The combination of these two systems extends the open-top season to the entire year. Alternatively, there is also the option of a retrofitted, manual folding draught stop behind the front seats. This noticeably prevents draughts in the front seats.
The suspension offers a high level of comfort with low road roar and tyre vibration characteristics, while ensuring agile driving dynamics – the basis for driving enjoyment. The suspension on the Cabriolet, which is 15 millimeters lower in comparison with the Saloon, comes as standard with steel springs and a selective damping system. An optional sport suspension with firmer springs and damping, including the Sports Direct-Steer system, makes for even more agile handling. The Cabriolet is optionally available with AIRMATIC air suspension. Its electronically controlled, continuously adjustable damping at the front and rear axles ensures even greater ride comfort.
Powerful and efficient petrol and diesel engines with ECO start/stop function and an extensive 4MATIC range ensure sporty performance and driving pleasure. All are compliant with the Euro 6 emission standard. Eight petrol engines are available for the Cabriolet. The range of outputs extends from the 1.6-litre four-cylinder unit in the C 180 rated at 115 kW (156 hp) to the 4.0-litre six-cylinder engine in the Mercedes-AMG C 63 S Cabriolet (375 kW/510 hp). The diesel models are powered by a four-cylinder engine delivering 125 kW (170 hp) in the C 220 d or 150 kW (204 hp) in the C 250 d, and are equipped with SCR technology (Selective Catalytic Reduction) for exhaust after treatment. 4MATIC all-wheel drive is available as standard for the C 400 and C 43, and is optionally available for the C 200 and C 220 d.
