TRIESTE, Italy – If you discount the two generations of CLK (as Mercedes-Benz would prefer you do, considering those C-Class-based vehicles were priced and positioned at E-Class levels), this is the first drop-top C. And the Stuttgart manufacturer’s first stab at a convertible to challenge the likes of the BMW 4 Series and Audi A5 is an excellent attempt. We’ve come to Italy’s scenic Dalmatian Coast during summer to sample the C-Class in what should be its natural environment.
Design, outside and in
Mercedes-Benz’s designers have done a commendable job in making the Cabriolet look like a bespoke model instead of simply a Coupe sans roof. Utilising a compact three-layer soft top (available in four colours) that folds into the boot in 20 seconds at a speed of up to 50 km/h, the Cabriolet appears elegant and balanced. At least on standard models like the C300 I drove … AMG versions are bespoilered and have supplementary scoops on the leading edges of the rear bumper, rendering their rear-ends a touch too fussy.
Inside, anyone familiar with Benz’s most recent offerings will feel right at home. The difference here, of course, is the addition of elegant metallic switches ahead of the central armrest that control the operation of the roof, and, if so specified, Airscarf neck warmers in the headrests of the front seats. The latter, when coupled with the controversial Aircap header-rail wind deflector, creates a snug, buffet-free environment that allows the vehicle to be used in frostier climates.
Alongside the boot that shrinks from 360 to 285 dm3 when the cloth roof is stowed, rear-seat passengers will discover they have less leg- and headroom than in the Coupe. My 1,84-metre frame just managed to squeeze into the back with the driver’s seat set to my ideal position. Does that matter in a drop-top, though? Probably not.
Under the skin
From October, South Africans will be able to buy the C-Class Cabriolet in C200, C220d, C300, AMG C43 4Matic, AMG C63 and C63 S versions, all equipped with automatic transmissions and the C43 with 4Matic all-wheel drive (read the August issue of CAR magazine for a driving impression of that model).
The C300 is predicted to be the top-seller. Under its hood is the familiar 2,0-litre, four-cylinder turbopetrol employed in a number of Benz’s ranges, including the C300 Coupe that we tested in the June 2016 issue. The main difference over that vehicle is that the C300 Cabriolet ditches its archaic seven-speed automatic transmission in favour of the new nine-speeder (which will be rolled out to other C-Classes before year-end). And the ‘box works a charm. Despite the drop-top being on average 120 kg heavier than the tin-top, the 2,0-litre rarely struggles to propel the vehicle with gusto thanks to the transmission instinctively hooking the correct gear. And when sport+ mode is activated on the Dynamic Select system, it does a naughty pop and crackle on shifts and during the overrun.
On the road
Benz’s decision to add extensive bracing to the Cabrio pays dividends on-road, where the vehicle feels rock-solid. There’s a very slight shimmy over rough road scars, but it’s no worse than in the 4 Series Convertible and a world apart from the wobbly (soon-to-be-replaced) A5 Cabrio. All the C300s on the launch were equipped with air suspension, which is a worthwhile addition for its ability to smother imperfections while keeping the body level. And when the roof is raised, refinement is excellent.
The final reckoning
Benz’s decision to engineer the C-Class Cabriolet with a soft-top instead of a similar arrangement to the 4 Series’ solid roof has paid off. Visually, it doesn’t look as compromised as its rival because it has to fit a smaller roof and simpler mechanics into the boot area; refinement doesn’t suffer; and the vehicle is light enough to still be entertaining when the road turns twisty.
Pricing, of course, will be a major factor in deciding whether the 4 Series or C is the better buy, and we’ll know what the Benz costs when it’s launched locally in October [update: local pricing is out]. However, based on this initial acquaintance, Benz’s “first” stab at a C-Class drop-top has the measure of its talented German rival.
