Yes, there is yet another new Mercedes Benz model that fits into the assortment of Mercs really well. Certainly, Mercedes has the market fully covered with its many variations, sizes and equipment levels. They have done their homework at Mercedes because there is no sector of the car market that they don’t offer a model. Potential new-car buyers never got it any easier than it is now to own and drive one of the best vehicles in the business. With the new Mercedes-Benz C-Class, you can opt for the saloon, estate, coupe and now the very flashy cabriolet. Mercedes Benz has just recently introduced the C-Class Cabriolet, and though it may not sell in huge numbers, it is a really nice motorcar to drive.
At present in Australia, the line-up of new Mercedes-Benz C-Class Cabriolets are powered by 4 varieties of petrol-fed engines. I’m guessing at some stage we’ll see a diesel model becoming available. In the UK, the familiar C250d is a popular diesel engine used in the new C-Class, and it would make sense to offer at least this diesel option in Australia. It’s a powerful engine that puts out a hefty 500 Nm of torque. So, what currently is on offer is the petrol models, and the C-Class Cabriolet range starts with the smooth C200 – a 2.0-litre motor with 135 kW and a 0-100 km/h sprint time of less than 9 seconds – which is very respectable in this class of car. The 9G-Tronic automatic with its nine gears is superbly subtle in its gear changes and quick to respond to driver’s demands.
Also with the 9G-Tronic transmission, the higher output 2.0-litre C300 has a step up in the power stakes and offers a nice smooth drive that has a good turn of pace (0-100 km/h in less than 7 seconds) and 370 Nm of torque available from a low 1300 rpm.
The C300 has plenty of punch and driving satisfaction, however for those who want the big guns, there is, of course, the AMG versions: the AMG C43 4Matic and AMG C63 S. Both of these have potent acceleration and pace but handle the power very well and directly compete with the M3 and M4 Cabriolets. AMG versions boast AWD traction and scintillating performance and handling.
A cabriolet is a car that will appeal to the person who loves the journey. Driving with the hood down on a fine day is a pleasurable experience, and Mercedes has a clever aerodynamic design that deflects air away from the occupants so air buffeting is kept to a minimum. The new Mercedes Benz C-Class Cabriolet is also a car with the X-factor. The status and style of the C-Class cabriolet is directly linked to the style of the bigger S-Class cabriolet models, and the design is breathtakingly attractive.
Removing the solid roof from the sedan, and fitting the hood has meant the Cabriolet is around 125 kg heavier than the Coupe. This is completely unnoticeable for the most part, and the ride and body control are very impressive. You have the option to make the chassis more sport orientated via the Dynamic Select system, so the Sport and Sport+ modes really do stiffen the chassis up for seriously quick driving.
Making life easy for manufacturing purposes, the C-Class Cabriolet has similar trim and fittings to the sedan and coupe versions, and what you get is a delightfully attractive and comfy cabin that can seat four adults in comfort. There is plenty of wood, aluminium and leather to cover the dash, centre console and doors. The C200 and C300 Cabriolets come with a good dollop of equipment, so you’ll find that things like LED headlamps, Active Park Assist, a reversing camera, a seven-inch display with satellite navigation, a premium sound system and 18-inch alloy wheels as standard features.
Most accidents that occur on the roads aren’t always linked to speed, and they start occurring long before the actual collision. The problem areas are a lapse in concentration, poor visibility or hazards which can’t be predicted, so some of the best safety kit you’ll find as standard in the C-Class Cabriolet includes such things as: Blind Spot Assist, Distronic PLUS adaptive cruise control, Adaptive high-beam assist PLUS, Active lane keeping assist, Active blind spot assist, Attention Assist, BAS Brake Assist, an Adaptive braking system, ESP dynamic curve assist, a driving assistance Plus package, an LED intelligent light system and a Lane tracking package.
In the event of an accident occurring, the Anti-lock Braking System, Brake Assist system BAS PLUS with Cross-Traffic Assist, Collision Prevention Assist PLUS and PRE-SAFE brake system, driver and front-passenger airbags, the rear safety package, pedestrian protection with active bonnet and side airbags are also standard features – features which nave earned the C-Class a five star safety rating in the Euro NCAP crash testing.
No Mercedes is ever cheap, though the C200 goes a long way at making the new Mercedes Benz C-Class Cabriolet an affordable open top tourer, and one you’ll enjoy using on a regular basis.
The Mercedes Benz C-Class Cabriolet models include the:
For any more information on the Mercedes Benz C-Class Cabriolet models or, for that matter, any other new car, contact one of our friendly consultants on 1300 303 181. If you’d like some fleet discount pricing (yes even for private buyers!), we can submit vehicle quote requests out to our national network of Mercedes Benz dealers and come back with pricing within 24 hours. Private Fleet – car buying made easy!