2017 Mercedes-Benz C-Class Cabriolet Makes Global Debut Looking Like a Mini S-Class

The 2017 Mercedes-Benz C-Class Cabriolet made its global debut the day before the Geneva Motor Show officially begins, taking a lot of cues from its S-Class bigger brother.

Coming in the form of a C300 Cabriolet with RWD or 4Matic and a performance-focused Mercedes-AMG C43 Cabriolet, the two cars are the latest droptops to join the German automaker’s lineup, and the very first convertibles based on the compact C-Class.

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The two convertibles come standard with Mercedes’ wonderful AirScarf, a clever neck-level heating system that helps you enjoy open-air motoring even when it starts to get chilly. The climate control system also changes based on whether the top is up or down. If the top is up, it functions as it does in the coupe, and when the top is down, it directs air to the driver’s hands and steering wheel.

With its top up, the C-Class has nearly identical dimensions to the coupe, except it’s a wee bit taller. The multi-layer acoustic soft top helps keeps things quiet in the cabin and comes in four colors: black, dark brown, dark blue and dark red. It takes 20 seconds to open or close and can be operated at speeds of up to 31 mph. The seats are also covered in heat-reflecting leather, so it won’t burn your butt after sitting in the sun for a while, and the car has automatic seatbelt extenders so you won’t strain your precious arm reaching for the buckle.

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A 2.0-liter four-cylinder engine with stop/start will power the C300 and is hooked up to a standard nine-speed automatic transmission. The engine outputs 241 hp and 273 lb-ft of torque. Zero to 60 mph happens in 6.3 seconds and top speed is limited to 130 mph.

The C43 is powered by biturbo 3.0-liter V6 with 362 hp and 384 lb-ft of torque. The AMG can get to 60 mph in 4.7 seconds and top speed is 155 mph. The AMG comes standard with 4Matic, but has a 31/69 front/rear bias.

Mercedes also promises that the roofless car has not lost any structural integrity or practicality, as the back seats fold 50/50 and have a pass through to store longer items.

Of course, the C-Class Cabriolets come with all the latest safety technology like attention assist, collision prevention, autonomous braking, adaptive cruise control, a 360 degree camera, and adaptive highbeams.

The C300 arrives in late summer and the AMG model lands at dealers in the fall. Pricing information has not yet been announced.

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