Four Soft-Top Colors Available

2016 is the year of the cabriolet. Mercedes-Benz proclaimed this and unveiled a host of new models. In 2016, the newSLand the flagship open-top S-Class Cabriolet,S-Class Cabrioletand the SLK, which was renamed the new SLC-Class after a minor change, were released.SLCThese modelsLaunched in Early June 2016 in Japanhave been generating buzz. And in Europe, the C-Class Cabriolet has already arrived.

The test drive event was held in Trieste, Italy. Trieste faces the Adriatic Sea and borders Slovenia to the north. Croatia is also nearby. It was once part of the Habsburg Empire, and the borders shifted frequently until World War II. In peacetime, it became a popular seaside resort, but in recent years, the coastline has been redeveloped to appeal to the affluent as a marina.

The C300 Cabriolet measures 4,686mm in length, 1,810mm in width, and 1,409mm in height (European figures).

The drag coefficient (Cd) is a very good 0.28.

Mercedes-Benz allowed us to experience the elegant C-Class Cabriolet along the breezy coastline and the rolling hills of Slovenia. The model lineup in its home market is extensive, ranging from the 1.6-liter "C 180 Cabriolet" and the 2.1-liter diesel "C 220 d" to the Mercedes-AMG "C 63 S Cabriolet" with 375kW (510hp). We hear that the "C 300 Cabriolet," "Mercedes-AMG C 43 4MATIC Cabriolet," and "C 63 S Cabriolet" will be introduced in Japan.

As the C-Class shares the same styling theme as the S-Class, its derivative, the C-Class Cabriolet, also boasts a flowing silhouette that immediately catches the eye. The soft top, with its three layers, is available in four colors. The interior colors include a vibrant red, reflecting Mercedes-Benz's assertion that a cabriolet is not just for driving, but also for enjoying the view – and being seen. The driving experience is highly impressive, and the build quality is astonishing.

No Need for Unnecessary Hardship

The Mercedes-Benz C 300 Cabriolet was the first model I drove. Its 1,991cc four-cylinder engine produces a maximum output of 180kW (245hp) and a maximum torque of 370Nm, driving the rear wheels through a nine-speed automatic transmission. The power is ample for a car with a body length of 4,686mm (European figures). With maximum torque available from 1,300rpm, the drive is smooth. When the revs exceed 2,000rpm, the impression of power intensifies.

The ride comfort is excellent, with minimal interference from road imperfections. Even with the top fully down, the lack of wind buffeting is remarkably impressive (though 'remarkably' might be an odd word choice). The car I drove was equipped with the optional AirCap system. With the flick of a switch, a screen behind the rear seats and a spoiler at the top of the windshield deploy to prevent wind from entering the cabin. This system is particularly effective at higher speeds.

The interior styling largely follows the C-Class Coupe.

The ride height is 15mm lower than the sedan.

Personally, I'm fond of the Dynamic Select drive mode selector located near the shift lever. While the standard "Comfort" mode is perfectly fine, selecting "Sport" and then "Sport Plus" unleashes the C 300 Cabriolet's full potential. Along with the robust torque, the ride becomes firmer, and the joy of driving is significantly enhanced. It was particularly exhilarating on the country roads connecting villages in Slovenia, a region known for its vineyards.

The weather changed rapidly. Although people were already at the beach at the end of May, the Slovenian hills were surprisingly cool. The powerful heater meant I rarely felt cold. Raising the side windows reduced the amount of wind entering the cabin, but with such a stylish car, one wants to show off its open-top elegance to others. Therefore, open-top driving sometimes requires a bit of stoicism, but with the C-Class Cabriolet, it felt almost unnecessary. A Mercedes-Benz engineer at the test drive event explained that the windshield's angle is exquisite, and the pillars, side mirrors, and body shape have been cleverly designed.

In terms of driving pleasure, the Mercedes-AMG models take it a step further.

An Emotionally Stirring Driving Experience

Mercedes-AMG models are apparently selling very well. A Mercedes-AMG technician I met at the C-Class Cabriolet test drive event mentioned that they had expanded factory facilities to increase production. For the C-Class Cabriolet, three models are offered: the C 43 4MATIC Cabriolet, the C 63 Cabriolet, and the C 63 S Cabriolet. As mentioned earlier, the C 43 4MATIC Cabriolet and the C 63 S Cabriolet will be introduced in Japan.

The C 43 4MATIC Cabriolet is powered by a 2,996cc V6 engine, producing a maximum output of 270kW (367hp) and a maximum torque of 520Nm. It is paired with a full-time four-wheel-drive system that typically distributes 31 percent of the torque to the front wheels and 69 percent to the rear. This is a superb car. The setup fully utilizes the potential of the V6 engine, and from the very first press of the accelerator, you experience an exhilarating excitement.

The soft top is composed of three layers.

Soft top opens and closes in 20 seconds at speeds up to 50 km/h.

Acceleration is brisk, and the feel during acceleration is incredibly refined. The engine responds instantly to the slightest movement of your foot on the accelerator pedal, offering a direct, sports-car-like driving feel that is a major draw. The handling is precise, and when cornering, there are no discernible drawbacks of a 4WD system (at normal speeds). The nose tucks in beautifully, and the agility through corners is breathtakingly exhilarating. The C 43 line, equipped with the V6 twin-turbo engine introduced from the C-Class Coupe, is light and exceptionally well-executed.

While "Comfort" mode is sufficiently fast with Dynamic Select, selecting "Sport" or "Sport Plus" further enhances the refinement. The gear selection of the nine-speed transmission is also superb. The shifting parameters reportedly take into account longitudinal and lateral acceleration, as well as body inclination. By constantly utilizing the widest torque band, there's a sense of sharpened performance. The Mercedes-AMG engine development team described this "Sport Plus" mode as an "emotional function." It's easy to understand why; it allows for a driving experience that stirs the emotions.

Even more powerful Mercedes-AMG models are available.

A Different World

The most powerful model in the Mercedes-Benz C-Class Cabriolet lineup is the Mercedes-AMG C 63 S Cabriolet. It is powered by a 3,982cc V8 engine. Unlike the C 43 4MATIC Cabriolet, which features full-time four-wheel drive, this model is rear-wheel drive. It boasts a maximum output of 375kW (510hp) and a maximum torque of 700Nm. Below it is the C 63 Cabriolet, which uses essentially the same V8 engine but with a slightly more modest output of 350kW (467hp) and 650Nm.

This V8 engine features a sophisticated dry-sump design to lower the center of gravity. Furthermore, the C 63 S Cabriolet is exclusively equipped with an electronic limited-slip differential, dynamic engine mounts with hydraulic damping, and ceramic brakes. "In a nutshell, it's packed with features you'd find on a track car," explained a Mercedes-AMG spokesperson. The transmission is a seven-speed "Speedshift." Based on an automatic transmission, it uses a wet multi-plate clutch instead of a torque converter for faster shift speeds.

The C 63 S Cabriolet accelerates from 0 to 100 km/h in 4.1 seconds.

The C 63 S Cabriolet's 3,982cc V8 produces a maximum output of 375kW (510hp) at 5,500-6,250rpm and a maximum torque of 700Nm at 1,750-4,500rpm.

Driving it is like being in another world. It's astonishingly fast. The acceleration, the cornering with its stable attitude control, and the braking with its powerful brakes are all on a different level from the other models. There is absolutely no sign of body flex. Reinforcing the chassis without adding significant weight must have been an immense challenge. Is such a powerful engine necessary for an elegant, four-seat, fully open car? There's no logical answer.

The lineup is rich, featuring four-cylinder, V6, and V8 engines. "This is because we have customers who aspire to step up," said a Mercedes-AMG spokesperson. The C-Class Cabriolet lineup skillfully taps into the desire for larger displacement and higher horsepower. It's not just an elegant, style-focused four-seater convertible; it has real substance. That's why it's always authentic. It is expected to be introduced in Japan in the not-too-distant future.