Another day, another new Mercedes! This is the new
C-Class Cabriolet
, replacement for the CLK and direct rival for both the BMW 4 Series Convertible and Audi A5 Convertible.
Not perhaps a prime PH car you might argue, but there is at least an AMG version to be encouraged by. It isn't the C63 just yet - expect that to follow soon to duke it out with the M4 and RS5 - but rather the C43, the coupe version of which was shown last week.
No really, this is the C-Class
Unsurprisingly, the mechanical spec for the car is carried over unchanged. The 367hp twin-turbo V6 and nine-speed automatic deal with acceleration, ventilated compound discs (360mm front, 320mm rear) handle deceleration and the corners are managed through the AMG Ride Control sports suspension, 4Matic all-wheel drive and three-stage ESP. Of course that's reducing it to a very basic level, but there are no drastic changes from coupe to drop-top.
What hasn't been announced yet about the AMG-C43 Cabriolet is a kerbweight. Though it doesn't have a folding metal roof like an SL or SLC (or 4 Series in fact), the strengthening required after a roof removal is always significant. Mercedes is claiming a 0-62mph time that's a tenth slower (4.8 seconds) than the coupe, plus CO2 emissions between 12 and 16g/km worse depending on spec. We'll await the final figure with interest...
Tobias Moers again features for the press material on this C43, commenting that the Cabriolet offers a "younger target group yet another alternative to discover the fascinating world of AMG". You certainly couldn't say there's a lack of choice in the AMG line-up currently, particularly when you consider the four-strong 45 AMG range too.
A pleasant place to be with the roof down!
As for the normal models, Mercedes will offer the C-Class Cabriolet with four petrol (C180, C200, C250, C300) and two diesel (C220d, C250d) options. The roof itself is said to be based on that used in the
S-Class
and can be raised or lowered in less than 20 seconds at speeds of up to 31mph. There are four colour options for the hood too: black, dark blue, dark brown or dark red. It's said to offer "optimal climate comfort and quiet running characteristics."
The four-seat C-Class follows other convertible Mercedes in offering Airscarf and Aircap, the latter there to further reduce wind interference. If that's not sufficient - or you're fed up of giving people lifts - there's a manually fixable folding draught stop available. Even the leather is heat reflecting; that's how keen Mercedes is for this car to be driven roof-down as much as possible.
Given spring is not far off, it would seem likely a full launch for the C-Class Cabriolet won't be far behind. Expect prices and UK availability soon after Geneva, plus quite some demand from those customers who have had to make do with a CLK for such a long time.