Mercedes-Benz C-Class Cabriolet

Back when the time when the C-Class only consists of the saloon, a wagon, and a coupe, the folks from Mercedes-Benz starting to wonder what's next for the latest-generation C-Class. What did they do in their free time? They come up with a new idea, involving chopping the roof off the C-Class and the result? A C-Class Cabriolet, of course!

2017 Mercedes-Benz C-Class Cabriolet

Why an open-top C-Class, you may ask? Mercedes-Benz says that it wants to be a stylish take on BMW's 4-Series Cabriolet and whereas the 4-Series Cabriolet looks a bit bland on the design, the new C-Class Cabriolet looks like its fresh off the Miami heat with a bit of Hollywood glam and some action star muscles to flex with, if you know what I mean.  With prices start at 42,215 Euros, the C-Class Cabriolet might just be a cut price solution to those expensive open top grand tourers ranging from the Dawn, the Continental GT, or the Vanquish Volante, but don't count on being so cozy on this one because even though this is actually based on the C-Class Coupe, meaning it has the same bits and bobs as expected from the C-Class range, the Cabriolet's heavier than the Coupe version due to stiffening required like all convertibles do.

Of course, the Cabriolet offers the same choice of engine types as any other C-Class in the stable from a more economical 2.1L turbodiesel engine for the C220 d to a more powerful 3.0L V6 Bi Turbo engine for the C 400, which produces 333PS of power and 480Nm of torque. Depending on the variant, it can come with either a 7G-TRONIC or a 9G-TRONIC automatic gearbox.

2017 Mercedes-AMG C43 4MATIC Cabriolet

2017 Mercedes-AMG C63 Cabriolet

For AMG enthusiasts, they won't miss out on the hi-po Cabriolet versions of the C63 and the new C43 4MATIC. The C43 comes with the similar 3.0L V6 twin turbo engine from the SLC43, which produces a more powerful 367PS of power and 520Nm of torque while mated to a 9G-TRONIC gearbox while the C63 comes with the 4.0L V8 engine, which in high-end S version, produces 503HP of power and 516 lb-ft of torque, while mated to a 7G-TRONIC gearbox. Of course, you can expect increased weight compared to its hardtop equivalents but because it has the same stuff as seen from their hardtop equivalents, enjoying one of these two versions is a personal taste for themselves.

Keep this in mind that while the C43 starts at 67,919 Euros, the more powerful C63 starts at 83,419 Euros. In other words, while the C43 is the ideal AMG C-Class Cabriolet to start with, the C63 is the perfect example on blowing all your life savings into it for the pursuit of thrills and spills every single corner of the road. Still, you wouldn't miss out all the fun if you had either of these two open-top AMG C-Class machines, eh?

So, now that the C-Class range is well and truly a complete family; ranging from the four-door saloon, a five-door estate, a two-door coupe, and a two-door cabriolet, you now have a choice. Which C-Class will you drive?

Photo: Daimler AG