Mercedes-Benz C-Class Cabriolet 2016 | new car sales price

Mercedes-Benz Australia has added to its line-up by introducing an open-top C-Class Cabriolet in both standard and AMG variants. Given the obvious love of the high-performance models – Australia is number one globally for AMG models as a percentage of overall sales – there’s a big emphasis on using Mercedes-AMG components in every Cabriolet coming here.

To make the convertible usable at short notice, its soft-top can be opened and closed in 20 seconds at speeds up to 50 km/h. We prefer the use of a soft-top to a folding hardtop as even with the top up, which should be on as few occasions as possible, the soft-top cries out that this is a fun car.

Though the C-Class Cabriolet is still a two-plus-two, it comes pretty close to being a full four-seater, with enough room in the back for four adults without too much compromise on knee room with those in the front seats.

A smart move in any convertible is heat-reflecting leather upholstery. The black ash wood trim contrasts nicely with the seats.

The reduced width created by the folding soft-top mean the rear is strictly set out for two travellers, with a pair of individual seats.

A smart move in any convertible is heat-reflecting leather upholstery. The black ash wood trim contrasts nicely with the seats.

The rear backrests have a through-loading feature and can be split 50/50 or completely folded down. The resulting opening is still relatively narrow, check for yourself to see if it meets your needs.

Some space is lost with the roof open, but even with a pair of our aircraft cabin bags in the boot we were still able to have the top down. With the top up the roof stowage space can be opened up to take even more luggage.

The lowest cost model, the $85,900 Mercedes C 200 Cabriolet has a 2.0-litre four-cylinder turbo-petrol engine with 135kW of power and 300Nm of torque. As mentioned, even it comes with the sporting looks of 18-inch AMG wheels, and suspension and body styling. It also has the added safety of LED intelligent headlights.

The C 200 provides Garmin Map Pilot navigation and DAB+ digital radio.

Moving up, the $99,900 Mercedes-Benz C 300 Cabriolet also uses the 2.0-litre turbo engine, but it's revised to produce 180 kW of power and 370 Nm of torque.

A really clever feature is the inbuilt Aircap air deflection system that runs a stream of air off the windscreen, thus pushing the onrushing air higher. This minimises air intrusion to the cockpit.

It comes with 19-inch AMG alloys, a Burmeister surround sound system, Comand online navigation, heated Front Seats and an Airscarf neck-level heating system.

A really clever feature is the inbuilt Aircap air deflection system that runs a stream of air off the windscreen, thus pushing the onrushing air higher. This minimises air intrusion to the cockpit. On the previous Cabriolet the air deflection sat up and reduced the visual appeal of the car's front when the roof was open.

Safety was high on the agenda right from the start of the open-top Merc convertibles. They have nine airbags, including window-bags integrated in the top edges of the front door panels, and side airbags for rear seat occupants. 

A roll-over protection system consists of two cartridges that are hidden fully retracted behind the rear seats. If a roll-over is imminent, these cartridges are pyrotechnically fired and shoot out to provide a survival space. The strengthened A-pillars play their part in maximising protection.

Mercedes-AMG C 43 and C 63 S versions of the Cabriolet will arrive in Australia early in 2017, we have had a look at them but yet to drive one. We will do so next week as Mercedes-Benz Australia has brought in a few early examples. We will do our introductory drive impressions report when we get behind their wheels. 

Would you prefer a C-Class Cabriolet or a Coupe, why? Tell us what you think in the comments below.