Ten Second Review

There wasn't much wrong with the Mercedes C-Class Cabriolet that a few more sophisticated entry-level engines wouldn't have put right. Now that this smartly-styled convertible has these mainstream powerplants in place, it's properly set to really trouble mid-sized drop-top segment favourites like the Audi A5 Cabrio and the BMW 4 Series Convertible. You'd like one.

Background

Think of a Mercedes cabriolet and you tend to think in terms of needing a lottery win. You'll be picturing cars like the SL roadster or maybe the smaller SLC. If luxury is more your thing, then perhaps the models you have in mind are Cabriolet versions of the brand's E-Class and S-Class models. All are expensive. Slightly more accessible though, is the car we look at here, the C-Class Cabriolet. It's based on the C-Class Coupe and gets significant upgrades in the revised guise were going to examine here.

Driving Experience

On the road, this C-Class Cabriolet comes with a multi-layered fabric roof that can activate in less than 20s at speeds of up to around 30mph. Once the hood is unclipped and on its way backwards, what Mercedes calls an 'AIRCAP' draught stop system springs up on the windscreen header rail. At the same time, a wind deflector can glide up behind the rear seats and together, these two elements are very effective in limiting cabin buffeting at speed. That roof mechanism leaves this model is 125kgs heavier than the C-Class Coupe model it's based upon, extra bulk you really feel when you're pushing on around twisting secondary roads. On the plus side though, this Cabriolet is stable and very well balanced, aided by a standard 'DYNAMIC SELECT' driving modes system that not only tweaks the throttle and steering but also alters responses from the standard 'AGILITY CONTROL' adaptive suspension. Uniquely in this class, there's the option of upgrading the damping into a hi-tech air-suspended 'AIRMATIC' set-up. On top of that, mainstream variants get a 9G-TRONIC 9-speed automatic gearbox that's more sophisticated than anything the opposition can offer. With this revised model, the most important news is the introduction of fresh mainstream petrol and diesel engines beneath the bonnet. The range kicks off with the new 1.5-litre petrol unit with 184hp fitted to the base C200, a model available either rear-driven or with 4MATIC AWD. This powerplant features clever 'EQ Boost' technology which uses a 48volt on-board network with a belt-driven starter/alternator. Mercedes has also developed a 2.0-litre version of this petrol engine. As mentioned, there's a new four cylinder diesel too, the previous 2.1-litre unit now replaced by a state-of-the-art 2.0-litre powerplant with 194hp. At the top of the range lie the fearsome Mercedes-AMG models, offered with V6 or V8 power. The V6-engined C43 4MATIC now puts out 390hp, 23hp more than before. That's enough to take a C43 Coupe from rest to 62mph in just 4.7s. Beyond that lies only the V8 C63 AMG model, with a 4.0-litre V8 Biturbo engine offering either 476 or 510hp.

Design and Build

With its top up, the profile of this two-door cabriolet resembles that of the C-Class Coupe, with virtually identical basic dimensions. The styling of this revised model isn't much different, a revised front bumper slotting under the smart diamond radiator grille which is flanked by standard-fit LED High Performance headlights. As before, a high beltline and frameless doors with free-standing exterior mirrors aim to underscore the sporty character. The fully automatic fabric soft top can be opened and closed using a matt chrome curved switch on the centre console. After opening, it folds down quietly and is stored in the soft-top compartment in the boot. Inside, the cabin now gets the option of the fully-digital instrument display, a 12.3-inch TFT screen that replaces the conventional dials using technology borrowed from larger Mercedes models. You can customise the layout between three display styles - 'Classic', 'Sport' and 'Progressive'. As before, flowing forms characterise the centre console as well as the door and rear side panelling, which smoothly merge into one another to emphasise the coupe character. The front sports seats feature automatic belt feeders for added convenience. The choice of materials and the finish have a hand-crafted feel with high-class appeal and aim to deliver a fresh take on modern luxury. The 50:50 split rear seats can be completely folded down. This extends boot capacity which is 360-litres - or 285-litres with the roof open.

Market and Model

Think in terms of needing around at least around £38,000 for your C-Class Cabriolet, once you've allowed for a few well-chosen extras. That's just a starting point of course. Most models will be sold in the £40,000 to £50,000 bracket. Below the top 'Mercedes-AMG' models, there are two main trim levels - 'Sport' and 'AMG Line'. Both derivatives are well equipped. We particularly like the sensitive climate control system that adapts itself whether the car is being driven with the roof up or the roof down. A key option you really have to have on this car is the 'Cabriolet Comfort package'. This gives you two key features; the electric AIRCAP draught stop system that reduces the interior turbulence for rear passengers at the press of a button. And the AIRSCARF neck-level heating set-up for the driver and front passenger. Alternatively, there's also the option of a retrofitted manual folding draught stop behind the front seats. This noticeably stops draughts in the front seats. This revised model features the option of Mercedes' latest 'level 2' autonomous driving technology, with improved camera and radar systems that allow it to see up to 500m ahead. You'll need the optional 'Driving Assistance Package' for that, which features the brand's 'Active Distance Control DISTRONIC' active cruise control system which can draw on navigational data to predictively adjust your speed.

Cost of Ownership

The new 1.5-litre EQ Boost petrol engine fitted to the base C200 enables a useful improvement in efficiency to be possible, so don't automatically opt for a diesel this time round. It features a clever starter/alternator that during deceleration recuperates kinetic energy and charges the battery. For auto models, there's also a gliding mode that operates at cruising speeds, switching the engine off, before seamlessly re-starting it when you brush your foot against the throttle. And a 'recuperative brake with intelligent engine stop' function which also works when the vehicle is coasting. Mercedes says that internal friction is much reduced with this new four cylinder unit. As for the new 2.0-litre diesel engine fitted to the C220d, well it performs to the latest super-stringent Euro 6d-TEMP standard and uses a particularly efficient 'step recess' combustion process - named after the shape of the combustion case in the piston. Internal friction is also reduced here - by around 25% - and the engine's more compact, leading to significant efficiency benefits. What else? Well maintenance costs will be kept down thanks to an ASSYST Plus service indicator on the dash that'll calculates precisely when a dealer visit might be needed. And residual values will be as high if not higher than anything else in the class.

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Specification

Body Glass
Green tinted glass
Electric windows one touch open/close
Rain sensor windscreen wipers
Heated windscreen washers
Side windows surround in polished aluminium
Brakes
ESP with ASR
Electronic parking brake
Hill start assist
Hill hold control
Brake callipers with Mercedes-Benz lettering + perforated brake discs
Adaptive brake system
ABS + BAS
Communication
Bluetooth interface for hands free telephone
Driver Aids
Speed sensitive steering
Attention assist
Active park assist with parktronic system
Collision prevention assist plus
Dynamic drive mode selector
Driver Convenience
Remote boot release
Driver Information
Outside temperature gauge
Multi function trip computer
Service indicator (ASSYST)
COMAND online nav with colour display, radio/CD/DVD/MP3, SD card, 10GB music, Emergency Call system, speed limit assist, linguatronic voice control
Mercedes connect me with remote online
Instrument cluster with 5.5-inch TFT multi-function display
Driving Mirrors
Auto dimming rear view mirror
Auto dimming driver's door mirror
Electric adjustable/heated/folding door mirrors
Engine
Diesel particulate filter
Entertainment
Steering column mounted multifunction controls
DAB digital radio module
Media interface
Burmester surround sound system
Frontbass loudspeakers
2 USB ports
Exterior Body Features
Wind deflector
Body coloured bumpers
Chrome grille surround
Door sill plates with "Mercedes-Benz" lettering
Twin chrome exhaust tailpipes
AMG front, rear apron and side skirts
Radiator grille with integral star
Acoustic soft-top with enhanced climate and noise comfort
Exterior Lights
Adaptive brake lights
LED daytime running lights
LED tail lights
Heating/Cooling/Ventilation
Airscarf - neck level heating
Auto dual-zone climate control system
Interior Features
Illuminated glovebox
Front centre armrest with storage compartment
Electric height/reach adjustable steering column
2 cupholders in front centre console
Sports pedals with stainless steel surfaces and rubber studs
Steering wheel gearshift paddles
3 spoke flat bottom multi-function leather AMG steering wheel
Interior Lights
Front footwell illumination
Door courtesy lamps
Illuminated front/rear door handle recesses
LED reading lights
Advanced multicolour ambient light and LED interior light
Packs
Memory pack - C Class
Storage pack - C Class
Safety
2 rear seatbelts
Front side airbags
Warning triangle and first aid kit
Dual stage Driver/Passenger Airbags
Tyre pressure monitoring system
Drivers knee airbag
Window airbags
Active bonnet
Drivers pelvis airbag
Seats
Electric front seats
Heated front seats
2 rear head restraints
Auto Mercedes-Benz child seat recognition sensor
Electric height adjustable front seats
Isofix rear child seat fastenings
40/20/40 split folding rear seats
Sports seats with integrated headrests
Security
Remote central locking
Alarm system/interior protection/immobiliser
Keyless entry and keyless start
Chrome surround electric key
Vanity Mirrors
Sunvisors with illuminated vanity mirrors
Wheels - Spare
Tyre inflation kit

Options

Packs
Lane Tracking Package - C Class	£595.00
Driving Assistance Package - C Class	£1,695.00
Airmatic Dynamic handling pack - C Class	£895.00
Paint - Metallic
Metallic - Brilliant blue	£685.00
Metallic - Obsidian black	£685.00
Metallic - Diamond silver	£685.00
Metallic - Iridium silver	£685.00
Metallic - Cavansite Blue	£685.00
Metallic - Selenite Grey	£685.00
Paint - Solid
Solid - Black	Standard
Solid - Polar white	Standard
Exterior Body Features
Metallic paint	£685.00
Solid paint	Standard
Designo metallic paintwork	£895.00
Designo Magno Paint	£1,795.00
Chassis/Suspension
Agility control sports suspension with selective damping system	Standard
Hoods
Soft top - Black	Standard
Soft top - Red	Standard
Soft top - Brown	Standard
Soft top - Dark blue	Standard
Interior Features
Leather upholstery	£795.00
Artico leather upholstery	Standard
Driver Information
Smartphone integration with Apple CarPlay and Android auto	£295.00
Driver Aids
Cruise control with speedtronic variable speed limiter	Standard
Reversing camera	Standard
Surround camera system	£335.00
Exterior Lights
LED headlights	Standard
Intelligent LED headlight system with active Light System, cornering light function, Adaptive High Beam Assist and blue LED locator lighting	£545.00
Paint - Special
Designo metallic - Diamond white	£895.00
Designo metallic - Hyacinth red	£895.00
Designo magno - Selenite grey	£1,795.00
Towing
Manually folding towbar	£750.00
Trim - Leather
Leather - Black	£795.00
Artico leather - Black	Standard
Leather - Saddle brown	£795.00
Leather - Crystal grey	£795.00
Artico leather - Crystal grey	Standard
Artico leather - Silk beige	Standard
Leather - Cranberry red	£795.00
Leather - Porcelain	£795.00
Artico leather - Saddle brown	Standard
Embellishment Trims
Black ash wood trim	Standard
High gloss black with aluminium trim	Standard
Wheels - Alloy
18" 5 spoke AMG alloy wheels in Titanium grey	Standard
19" AMG multi spoke alloy wheels titanium grey	£595.00

Performance

Performance
0 to 60 mph (secs)
0 to 62 mph (secs)	8.2
Engine Power - BHP	170
Engine Power - KW	125
Engine Power - PS
Engine Power - RPM	3000
Engine Torque - LBS.FT	295
Engine Torque - NM	400
Engine Torque - RPM	1400
Top Speed	144