New 2016 Mercedes C-Class Cabriolet revealed in full

Full details of the new Mercedes C-Class Cabriolet have been revealed, including full UK prices and specifications. Having made its public debut at March’s Geneva Motor Show, the new car is available to order now, priced from £36,200. When the first cars arrive in the UK in September, they’ll be taking on rivals like the BMW 4 Series Cabriolet, while a new Audi A5 convertible is likely to arrive next year.

The Cabriolet is the final part of the completely revamped Mercedes C-Class range to arrive, following on from the launch of saloon, estate and coupe models over the last two years.

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Mercedes describes the new car as embodying “modern luxury with a youthful touch”. A wide selection of petrol and diesel engines will be offered and Mercedes’ latest 9G-TRONIC automatic gearbox is available across the range. Topping the line-up is a new Mercedes-AMG C43 4MATIC high-performance version and the even faster AMG C63s.

Mercedes C-Class Cabriolet styling

From the outside, and with the roof up, the new C-Class Cabriolet is almost exactly the same shape as the Mercedes C-Class Coupe. The fabric soft-top roof comes as standard in black, but can also be specified in dark brown, dark blue or dark red. It can be opened or closed in less than 20 seconds at speeds up to 31mph. High-performance AMG variants get larger brakes, sporty AMG body styling and 18-inch alloys.

Engines, drive and performance

In the UK, the standard C-Class Cabriolet has two diesel and four petrol engines and it’s the two diesels that will doubtless be the biggest sellers. The entry-level C220d makes 168bhp, gets from 0-62mph in 8.3 seconds, returns 63mpg and emits 116g/km of CO2 for £30 annual tax. The C250d ups power to 201bhp, reducing the 0-62mph time to 7.2 seconds. In terms of efficiency, it returns 61mpg and emits 121g/km of CO2 for £110 tax. Both send their power to the rear wheels as standard, while you can also specify the C220d with four-wheel drive. The less powerful diesel can also be had with the nine-speed automatic gearbox that’s standard on the C250d.

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Petrol versions start with the 181bhp C200 turbocharged 2.0-litre four-cylinder model. This is capable of returning an average of around 47mpg, which equates to CO2 emissions of 139g/km. It’s available either with a six-speed manual gearbox or the nine-speed automatic as an optional extra. This means you’ll have to stump up £130 a year in road tax. If this doesn’t tickle your fancy, there’s also a 242bhp version of the same engine in the C300, where the nine-speed auto is the only gearbox option. In terms of running costs, this will set you back a little more, returning about 42mpg, with CO2 emissions of 155g/km. This means an annual tax bill of £185.

There are two high-performance versions to choose from as well, starting with the four-wheel-drive AMG C43. This comes with a 362bhp twin-turbocharged 3.0-litre petrol V6 and the nine-speed automatic gearbox, as well as a 0-62mph time of just 4.8 seconds.

The full-fat AMG C63 model, meanwhile, boasts a twin-turbocharged 4.0-litre V8 producing 461bhp. This version is rear-wheel drive as standard and comes with a seven-speed dual-clutch automatic gearbox. It’ll do 0-62mph in just 4.2 seconds, while the 503bhp C63 S will do it in just 4.1 seconds. All three AMGs are electronically limited to 155mph.

The C-Class Cabriolet’s suspension is 15mm lower than the saloon’s. Optional sports suspension firms things up for better handling on smooth roads, but UK buyers may be more interested in the optional AIRMATIC adjustable air suspension, which lets you tweak the car for a nicer ride on rough roads or sharper handling on better surfaces.

Standard with the air-suspension and optional elsewhere is a driving mode selection system, with four different setups – Eco, Comfort, Sport and Sport Plus – plus an Individual mode that lets you set the car up precisely to your taste.

Interior and equipment

Aside from the high-performance AMG models, there are two trim levels available. Entry-level Sport gets the AIRCAP and AIRSCARF systems, the first of which deflects the airstream over the occupants’ heads to reduce buffeting. Meanwhile the AIRSCARF pumps warm air from the headrests to keep you and your passengers warm whatever the weather.

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This version also gets a reversing camera, heated sports seats upholstered in Artico man-made leather, sat nav, keyless entry and start (on auto versions only), DAB radio and Active Parking Assist (which can automatically find and steer the car into parallel parking spaces; all you have to do is operate the accelerator and brake). You also get LED headlights, 17-inch alloy wheels, black and brushed aluminium trim pieces, as well as a diamond grille.

The AMG Line trim apes the look of high-performance AMG models. There’s a sporty body kit, 18-inch alloy wheels, a multifunction sports steering wheel and AMG sports pedals. This version also gets black ash wood interior trim.

There’s plenty of in-car technology available, including Bluetooth phone connectivity, digital TV and radio reception, on-board wi-fi, sat nav and voice control. A high-end Burmester stereo system can also be specified.

Practicality & safety

As for practicality, the C-Class Cabriolet has a 360-litre boot, but the capacity reduces to 285 litres when you lower the roof. There are two individual rear seats, which have a through-loading function and can be split and folded 50:50.

Like other modern Mercedes, a full suite of hi-tech safety equipment is available here, including driver alertness monitoring, collision-prevention braking, adaptive cruise control, pedestrian detection, lane-keeping assistance, parking assistance, adaptive high-beam headlights and traffic-sign recognition.

The C-Class Cabriolet also gets a rollover protection system that quickly deploys supports if it detects the car is about to roll over.

Price & on sale date

You can put your order in for the new Mercedes C-Class Cabriolet now, with prices for the entry-level C200 Sport starting at £36,200. The AMG-Line model costs £1,495 more than the Sport, while the AMG C43 model starts at £50,160. If you’re after the full-fat AMG C63, it starts at £65,685, with the C63 S costing from £72,245. First deliveries are expected in September.