In Geneva we already saw the new Mercedes-Benz C-class Convertible, and today we're able to drive it. Previous generations were called CLK, but know it's wearing a genuine C-class badge. It's also based on the current C-class.
Mercedes has executed some changes and cut of the roof, if I can put it like that.
The convertible comes with quite a few engines, but today we're driving the C43 AMG. I reckon that'll be a nice one.
One of the things we're wondering with a convertible like this, it is a C-class after all... What's the room like in the rear? Let's find out.
The butler, which also hands you the seatbelt, moves the seat forward. So when the roof is down, getting in is easy. The seat comes back though, and when it does I'm cramped. Tall person problems. Also, because of the straight seats in the back, the seating isn't brilliant.
It's got two seats in the back, which come down simultaneously. That way you have more luggage space. When they're up though, it's a cramped 4-seater convertible. Nothing more.
Right. I always have mixed feelings when it comes to convertibles. On the one hand, you're cutting a car in half, that leaves you with half a car. If I'd want to drive without a roof I'd personally go for a roadster, but that's only two seats.
So, a nice convertible, which I think this is. It's quite an elegant car, even with a closed roof. A little bit like a coupe, not as bad as that weird CLK with the bubble roof.
One of the things you might have to worry about when you're cutting a car in half is losing some of the rigidity. Of course, Mercedes has thought it through and they've made the car very stiff. So you won't see a shaky rear view mirror when you're driving on bad roads.
This car is powered by a 3-litre V6 with two turbochargers. 520 Nm of torque, 367 horsepower, 0-100 km/h well within 5 seconds. And that makes the car very enjoyable to drive.
We've already driven this engine in other models, and it's just as nice to drive in this car.
You could ask yourself if you really need this engine in a convertible, because you'll be cruising most of the time. It's a lovely machine though. With this engine, you'll get 4-wheel drive as standard.
So if you choose "Dynamic" and "Sport Plus"-driving modes and go for manual shifting, you'll have great fun.
The comfort of this car strikes me. I've checked the suspension twice now because I was wondering if it still was in Sport-mode. It's that comfortable. Almost like it's heaving and not like it's a very hard sportscar.
And maybe that's not what you're looking for in a convertible, but the balance is really good. The steering is great as well, I'm really enjoying driving this car. It's is very precise.
One of the disadvantages of driving a convertible is the wind you're getting in your face. Of course, you can close the roof, but that wouldn't make any sense.
That's why this car has got a windscreen in the rear and here, on top of the windshield, called Air-cap. With the press of a button both screens rise up so that you won't be bothered by the wind as much.
The dashboard isn't really different from the regular C-class. It looks good, Mercedes does have nice interiors in their current models. Nicely finished and with an original design,
with these three airvents. And when you're looking at the dials you can even request the oil-temperature for the gearbox,
that's really special. Of course you can see the oil-temperature for the engine as well. That way you can make sure everything is going alright in the engine-bay.
But, seeming that it is a Mercedes, you probably shouldn't have to worry about that. It's a little gimmick from the racing world, but it's quite fun.
The question will be; "Where will Mercedes put this in the pricing list?" Because, when you're looking at the current lineup, the E-Class Convertible is just above this car, and that's not even that much bigger.
I don't think there's going to be that big of a price difference neither. The E-Class starts at €55.000, this car though is newer and it's also a 4-seater convertible,
so the E-Class will experience some competition from this car, maybe there won't be another E-Class convertible. We don't have the prices yet, but my guess is that the C180 will be available from €50.000.