The new C-Class Cabriolet: Unlimited opening times
Mercedes-Benz is launching into the open-air season with the first cabriolet based on the C-Class, thereby rounding off its range of cabriolets with a classic fabric soft top. The new cabriolet's design interprets modern luxury with a youthful touch. Featuring plenty of high-quality details, its distinctive character is most apparent when the top is down. The cabriolet is optionally available with the AIRCAP automatic draught stop system and AIRSCARF neck-level heating – for exceptional comfort during open-top driving 365 days a year. Efficient, powerful engines delivering between 115 and 270 kW (156 to 367 hp) and a suspension designed for dynamics (with optional AIRMATIC air suspension) ensure sportily agile handling. The new 9G-TRONIC automatic transmission is available for all engine variants. Also on board: proven assistance systems and state-of-the-art infotainment. The new C-Class Cabriolet launches in summer 2016.
"Our new C-Class Cabriolet is the entry into the world of premium cabriolets from Mercedes-Benz. Sporty and youthful in character and styling, it offers unadulterated open-air driving pleasure all year round," says Prof. Dr Thomas Weber, Member of the Board of Management of Daimler AG and responsible for Group Research and Mercedes-Benz Cars Development.
Sporty and youthful
As the new entry-level model into the cabriolet world of Mercedes-Benz, the C?Class Cabriolet is also a consistent embodiment of the Mercedes-Benz design philosophy: sensual purity as the definition of contemporary luxury. It exhibits an independence of character with a visibly sporty expression and youthfully fresh appeal.
With its top up, the profile of the new two-door cabriolet resembles that of the C?Class Coupe with virtually identical basic dimensions: with a striking front end featuring a diamond radiator grille, LED High Performance headlamps, long bonnet and high beltline. Its tightly stretched soft top with glass window transitions harmoniously into the distinctly styled rear end, which has a highly sporty look with its wide shoulders and flat LED tail lights. With a capacity of 360 litres (285 litres with the roof open), the boot is capable of holding an exceptional amount of luggage for a cabriolet, thus offering high everyday practicality.
At the sides, an elongated dropping line extending over the rear wheel arch lends an emphasis typical of Mercedes-Benz design. Thanks to its 15 millimetre lower suspension as standard compared with the Saloon, the vehicle already gives a sporty impression with its 17-inch standard tyres, underlining the sporty character of the Cabriolet, which excels aerodynamically with a cd value of 0.28.
AMG version with distinct looks
The same dropping line is taken up by the new Mercedes-AMG C 43 4MATIC Cabriolet which, however, has an even sportier look with its distinct AMG design and specific light-alloy wheels. It thus underscores the progressive nature and performance of the brand.
Exterior and interior from the same mould
With the roof open, the meticulously coordinated harmony between exterior and interior design becomes apparent. High-grade details include chrome trim on A?pillar and windscreen as well as a beltline moulding, which extends as far as the soft-top compartment, which it borders with a broad chrome trim.
Premium-class fabric soft top
The fully automatic classic cabriolet fabric soft top comes in black in the basic variant or is optionally available with a multi-layer acoustic soft top in dark brown, dark blue, dark red or black. It significantly reduces the wind/driving noise. This is made noticeable in the form of improved speech intelligibility, including at high speeds, and better insulation from disruptive ambient noise. The acoustic soft top thus offers optimal climate comfort and quiet-running characteristics.
Based on the S-Class Cabriolet, the soft top also meets high quality standards in terms of durability and function. It can be opened and closed in less than 20 seconds up to a speed of 50 km/h. After opening, it folds down quietly and carefully and is stored in the soft-top compartment in the boot. In terms of its shape and colour, the cover of the soft-top compartment is an integral part of the interior and is made of the same material as the beltline.
Interior – modernity and lifestyle
The occupants enjoy an ambience that, while based on the interior of the C-Class Saloon, offers a fresh interpretation with typical cabriolet features. Especially high-grade materials and build quality give the interior a modern feel of sportiness and lifestyle. The equipment includes heat-reflecting leather in a total of five colour shades (optional) as well as a curved switch in matt silver chrome in the centre console for opening and closing the fully automatic cabriolet soft top. Based on the Coupe, the sport seats feature an integral look with muscular side bolsters and organically integrated head restraints as well as optional AIRSCARF neck-level heating. Automatic belt extenders as standard help the occupants with buckling up.
The rear seats are in the form of individual seats. Their backrests offer a through-loading feature, can be split 50:50 for high everyday practicality and can be completely folded down.
AMG with special details
The interior of the Mercedes-AMG C 43 4MATIC Cabriolet reinforces the consistently dynamic bias of the performance brand with numerous specially designed details. Ideal for a committed driving style, the multifunction sports steering wheel in black leather features a flattened bottom section and red contrasting topstitching, and sits perfectly in the hand.
Individual highlights
The Cabriolet already comes as standard with a high equipment specification, which is augmented by a wide range of individualisation options (some examples: 13 upholstery variants, such as designo Bengal red / black, seven trim variants, four soft-top colours, twelve paint finishes – including a matt finish, leather-covered instrument panel). The roof liner of the soft top is available in black, porcelain and crystal grey. Numerous trim elements in sporty aluminium, carbon fibre or glass fibre are complemented by authentic open-pore wood species in shades of brown and black.
The AMG Line is available as an alternative to underline the dynamism of the Cabriolet. It differs by virtue of exterior features such as special bumpers and sills with AMG bodystyling, a diamond radiator grille with pins in chrome and 18-inch AMG light-alloy wheels. In the interior, the AMG Line comes with sporty, exclusive highlights, including a multifunction sports steering wheel with flattened bottom section as well as AMG sports pedals.
At the market launch an Edition 1 will be available for a limited time. With a host of perfectly coordinated equipment lines, it combines sportiness with lifestyle, thus perfectly fitting with the sporty-modern look of the new cabriolet.
Summer is included
Customers opting for a cabriolet like to drive as often as possible with the top down. The fact that, also in the C-Class Cabriolet – as in the E- and S-Class Cabriolets – the occupants can enjoy maximum open-air comfort is made possible by AIRCAP and AIRSCARF, which make the joys of fresh air pleasant even at low temperatures.
Inconspicuously integrated into the roof frame, the electric AIRCAP draught stop system was specially developed for Mercedes-Benz cabriolets and is coupled to an electric draught stop behind the rear seats, which reduces the interior turbulence also for the rear passengers at the press of a button. AIRCAP is part of the Cabriolet Comfort package, which also includes AIRSCARF neck-level heating for the driver and front passenger. The combination of these two systems extends the open-top season to the entire year.
Alternatively, there is also the option of a retrofitted manual folding draught stop behind the front seats. This noticeably stops draughts in the front seats.
Suspension: sportily agile and comfortable
The suspension offers a high level of comfort with low road roar and tyre vibration characteristics while ensuring agile driving dynamics – the basis for driving enjoyment. The suspension on the Cabriolet, which is 15 millimetres lower in comparison with the Saloon, comes as standard with steel springs with a selective damping system. An optional sports suspension with firmer springing and damping, including the Sports Direct-Steer system, makes for even more agile handling.
Riding on air
The Cabriolet is optionally available with AIRMATIC air suspension. Its electronically controlled, continuously adjustable damping on the front and rear axles ensures low road roar and tyre vibration characteristics in every situation.
DYNAMIC SELECT – standard with AIRMATIC and optionally available with a steel suspension – allows the driver to choose their desired setting: sporty, comfortable or fuel-efficient. To this end, the driver can select one of five transmission modes using the DYNAMIC SELECT switch: "ECO", "Comfort", "Sport", "Sport Plus" and "Individual". Selecting "Individual" allows the driver to customise the vehicle settings to suit their personal preferences.
Dynamic: 4 and 6-cylinder engines and, for the first time, 4MATIC
Powerful and efficient petrol and diesel engines with ECO start/stop function and an extensive 4MATIC range make for sporty performance and driving pleasure all year round. All are compliant with the Euro 6 emissions standard.
Six petrol engines are available for the Cabriolet. The range of outputs extends from the 1.6-litre four-cylinder unit in the C 180 rated at115 kW (156 hp) to the 3.0-litre six-cylinder engine in the Mercedes-AMG C 43 4MATIC Cabriolet (270 kW/367 hp). The C 200 is optionally available with 4MATIC all-wheel drive.
The diesel models are powered by a four-cylinder engine delivering125 kW(170 hp) in the C 220 d or 150 kW(204 hp) in the C 250 d and are equipped with eco-friendly SCR technology (Selective Catalytic Reduction) for exhaust aftertreatment. 4MATIC is available for the C 220 d.
The new 9G-TRONIC automatic transmission can be ordered for all engine variants.
Light and safe bodyshell
In a cabriolet, the lack of a roof often results in reduced body stiffness. This fact was taken into consideration by the designers in developing the C-Class Saloon. This allowed them to adapt the bodyshell at the front end and on the floor to meet the particular needs of the Cabriolet. Consequently, this model, too, features an exemplary stiff design of the kind required for high driving dynamics.
The Coupe's intelligent lightweight construction with a high proportion of aluminium was retained - among others, the wings, bonnet and boot lid are made of light alloy. The Cabriolet not only meets all current national and international laws, but also all rating requirements as well as the more stringent internal Mercedes-Benz safety requirements, which are based on what actually happens in a real-world accident.
Safe semi-autonomous driving to reduce stress
There are many safety and assistance systems based on the Mercedes-Benz Intelligent Drive concept to choose from. ATTENTION ASSIST with adjustable sensitivity, which can warn the driver of inattentiveness and drowsiness, is included as standard. Further standard equipment includes COLLISION PREVENTION ASSIST PLUS. In addition to a visual proximity warning and an additional audible collision warning, it includes Adaptive Brake Assist, which can help prevent collisions by boosting the brake pressure to suit the situation. When a danger of collision persists and the driver fails to respond, the system is able to carry out autonomous braking at speeds of up to 200 km/h, thereby reducing the severity of collisions with slower or stationary vehicles or, in the best-case scenario, even avoiding a collision altogether. At speeds of up to 50 km/h, the system also brakes in response to stationary vehicles and is thus able to help prevent rear-end collisions at up to 40 km/h.
The optionally available Driving Assistance package includes additional assistance systems that have been significantly extended in terms of their functions. As part of the Intelligent Drive concept, these merge data from various sensor technologies, such as radar sensors and stereo camera, and thus make for significantly enhanced safety and comfort. These functions include for example DISTRONIC PLUS with Steering Assist and Stop&Go Pilot or the PRE-SAFE® Brake with pedestrian detection plus the Brake Assist BAS PLUS, which also offers situation-adaptive brake boosting if there is a risk of collision from crossing traffic. A further function of the Driving Assistance package is Active Lane Keeping Assist, which is capable of preventing unintentional lane departure by means of one-sided, lane-correcting application of the brakes. The system intervenes if the driver crosses a solid lane marking and can assist even in the case of discontinuous lane markings if there is a risk of collision with a vehicle in the adjacent lane.
The multiplicity of assistance systems also includes a Parking Assist for semi-automated parking; a 360° camera for assistance during parking and manoeuvring; a camera and navigation-based Traffic Sign Assist with wrong-way warning function as well as Adaptive Highbeam Assist Plus, which allows continuous high beam by selectively blanking out other vehicles from the high-beam light cone.
Safe protection
In an accident, optimal protection is afforded by the high structural safety of the body as well as by the restraint systems, especially the comprehensive complement of airbags. These include:
adaptive front airbags for driver and front passenger
a kneebag on the driver's side
thorax/pelvis bags for driver and front passenger
windowbags integrated in the top edges of the front door panels
The roll-over protection system is specific to the Cabriolet. It consists of two cartridges that are fully retracted behind the rear seats and therefore invisible. If a roll-over is imminent, these cartridges are pyrotechnically fired, whereupon they shoot out to provide a survival space together with the A-pillar.
Sensitive climate control for open-air driving
Specially developed for cabriolets, the climate control system responds to whether the vehicle is being driven with the roof up or down. With the roof closed, the system performs in the same way as in the Coupe. With the soft top down, the climate control system adapts by, for example, blowing warmer air onto the driver's hands on the steering wheel and deactivating the air recirculation function. The special adjustments for open-top driving make allowance for whether cooling or heating is required and respond sensitively to the transition zones in between.
Vibrant infotainment experience
Intuitive operation with animations and visual effects is offered by the infotainment system. Frontbass ensures a listening experience almost on a par with a concert hall – especially if the optionally available Burmester® sound system has been specified. The Frontbass system uses the space within the cross-member and side member in the body structure as a resonance chamber for the bass speakers.
The navigation system, which supplies the driver with precise traffic information in real time (Live Traffic Information), processes its contents interactively. Its features include an animated compass and a "Drive Show" with information for passengers similar to the on-screen presentations on an airliner.
Extensive networking even in the basic version
A Bluetooth®-compatible mobile phone with data option is all it takes to give the Audio 20 system internet capability. This allows internet surfing without restriction when the vehicle is stationary. Mercedes-Benz apps can be used while driving. Audio and video playback is possible from various sources.
The alternatively available COMAND Online system provides not only a larger display with a resolution of 960 x 540 pixels, but it also optionally allows digital TV/radio reception, for example, while offering fast hard-drive navigation, integral WiFi hotspot functionality and LINGUATRONIC voice control as well as many other features.
The basic Audio 20 system as well as Audio 20 CD and COMAND Online all offer basic telephony as standard, which links up a mobile phone to the vehicle via a standardised Bluetooth® interface.
Mercedes me connect: connected with the car
Like other models, the new C-Class Cabriolet comes with an extensive range of free Standard Services and Remote Online Services as part of the "Mercedes me connect" package. Standard Services include automatic emergency call, Accident Recovery as well as breakdown assistance and after-sales service. The Remote Online services make it possible at any time and from anywhere to access vehicle information such as the status of windows and doors, mileage, tyre pressures and other diagnostic data. There is also a Vehicle Tracker function as well as remote door locking and unlocking.
The new Mercedes-AMG C 43 4MATIC Cabriolet
Open for maximum driving pleasure
Affalterbach. Mercedes-AMG is unveiling the first open-top member of the still young C-Class family in the shape of the new C 43 4MATIC Cabriolet. Just like the C 43 4MATIC Coupe, the all-season Cabriolet features a combination of 270 kW (367 hp) 3.0-litre V6 biturbo engine, fast-acting 9G-TRONIC automatic transmission and standard-fit AMG Performance 4MATIC all-wheel drive. The open-air enjoyment for four people is backed by the brand's hallmark Driving Performance thanks to discrete suspension with stiffer elastokinematics unique to AMG and three-stage adjustable damping. Driving pleasure is accompanied by high efficiency as the open-top version of the Mercedes-AMG C 43 consumes a mere 8.3 litres of fuel per 100 kilometres (NEDC combined figure).
Mercedes-AMG is bringing two models from the C-Class performance family to the 2016 Geneva Motor Show. In addition to the C 43 4MATIC Coupe, the sports car and performance brand based in Affalterbach is now also showcasing the C 43 4MATIC Cabriolet. "The AMG product portfolio will continue to grow rapidly this year, making the world of Driving Performance more diverse than ever. Our new product line continues to expand at a fast pace and, with the C 43 4MATIC Cabriolet, we are offering a younger target group yet another alternative to discover the fascinating world of AMG," says Tobias Moers, Chief Executive of Mercedes?AMG GmbH.
The 3.0-litre V6 biturbo engine in the new Cabriolet delivers impressive performance with its 270 kW (367 hp) maximum power and peak torque of 520 Nm: sprinting from rest to 100 km/h in 4.8 seconds, its speed is electronically limited at 250 km/h. The agile driving experience is mainly thanks to the standard-fit AMG Performance 4MATIC all-wheel drive with rear-biased torque distribution, the newly developed front axle, the stiff elastokinematics and the highly precise steering.
AMG: the 3.0-litre V6 biturbo engine
The new 3.0-litre V6 biturbo engine is part of the BlueDIRECT engine family from Mercedes-Benz. Technical advances including a modified boost pressure allowed the AMG engineers to increase the engine's power output and torque as well as its dynamism and flexibility to typical AMG levels. With 270 kW (367 hp) and 520 Nm, the V6 engine sets new standards in its segment. The same NANOSLIDE® coating of the cylinder liners is used in the Formula One engines of MERCEDES-AMG PETRONAS. Especially tough and, therefore, wear-resistant, this coating also reduces friction, thereby contributing to higher efficiency. The AMG powerplant can be identified by the red aluminium insert in the engine cover.
Short shift times, high efficiency: 9G-TRONIC
The 9G-TRONIC automatic transmission is specially matched to the demands of the C 43 4MATIC. By specifically adapting the software, the AMG developers have been able to significantly shorten the 9-speed transmission's shift times. The multiple downshift allows faster short bursts of speed, while the double-declutching function in the "Sport" and "Sport Plus" transmission modes makes for an even more emotive driving experience.Furthermore, defined ignition adjustments allow even faster gear changes than in the "Eco" and "Comfort" modes.
"Manual" mode can be selected by pressing a button on the centre console. The gear changes are based on the selected transmission mode, and the driver can now change gear using the paddles on the steering wheel. Also, the transmission stays in the selected gear and does not automatically shift up when the engine speed reaches the limit.
With automatic adjustable damping: the sports suspension
Equipped as standard with the AMG RIDE CONTROL sports suspension with adaptive three-stage adjustable damping, the Mercedes-AMG C 43 4MATIC Cabriolet has all the right ingredients to deliver outstanding driving dynamics and exceptionally high comfort on long journeys. The front axle has been provided with stiffer steering knuckles, improved elastokinematics and increased negative camber. In combination with the likewise newly developed wishbone guide bearings, this design results in significantly more agile cornering plus more precise and direct suspension feedback from the road. The driver can select the automatic adjustable damping system's three suspension modes "Comfort", "Sport" and "Sport Plus" using a button on the centre console to fully customise the driving impression.
Characteristics at the tap of a finger: AMG DYNAMIC SELECT
With the five AMG DYNAMIC SELECT transmission modes "Eco", "Comfort", "Sport", "Sport Plus" and "Individual", the characteristics of the C 43 4MATIC Cabriolet can be individualised even further at the tap of a finger. The available range extends from efficient and comfortable to very sporty. This modifies key parameters, such as the response of the engine, transmission, suspension set-up and steering.
To increase efficiency, the ECO start/stop function and the gliding function reduce fuel consumption in "Eco" mode: when the driver releases the accelerator in a speed range between 60 and 160 km/h, the clutch is disengaged and the engine is decoupled from the powertrain. The electronics reduce the engine speed to idle level, and the driving resistance is reduced by the compression and frictional forces of the engine in overrun mode.
Direct and with clear feedback: speed-sensitive sports steering
With its variable ratio, the speed-sensitive sports steering enhances the agile cornering of the new C 43 4MATIC Cabriolet. It impresses with its precise and exceptionally authentic feedback. The power steering assistance can be varied in the "Comfort" or "Sport" setting. The corresponding characteristic is automatically activated depending on the selected AMG DYNAMIC SELECT transmission mode or can be personalised in "Individual" mode.
Muscular with an emphasis on width: the exterior design
The Mercedes-AMG C 43 4MATIC Cabriolet is likewise sporty in appearance, making it instantly recognisable as a member of the AMG family. Hallmark features include the distinctive AMG design and the specific light-alloy wheels. They underscore the progressive nature and performance of the brand. The engine cover with red aluminium insert accentuates the strengths of the new twin-turbo six-cylinder engine.
The AMG design includes the front apron with sporty distinctive air intakes, diamond meshes, silver chrome trim, as well as the rear apron with matt iridium silver diffuser insert. The diamond radiator grille features chrome-plated pins, a louvre in high-gloss black and AMG lettering. Below this, the silver chrome front splitter ensures an optimal flow of air to the cooling modules.
Additional highlights are the black exterior mirror housings, the high-gloss black beltline trim strip and window frame, and the two chrome-plated tailpipe trim elements with centrepiece. Further distinguishing features include the new "BITURBO – 4MATIC" lettering on the front wings as well as the "AMG" and "C 43" lettering on the left and right of the boot lid respectively.
Customers are also able to order the optional Night package, which includes dark-tinted thermal insulation glass from the B-pillars to the rear, a trim element in the front apron in high-gloss black, a diffuser-look insert at the rear in high-gloss black and two tailpipe trim elements in black with centrepiece.
AMG 5-spoke light-alloy wheels painted in high-gloss black with a high-sheen finish round off the design visually. Size 225/45 R 18 tyres on 7.5 x 18 light-alloy wheels are fitted at the front, while the rear axle comes with 245/40 R 18 tyres on 8.5 x 18 wheels. Attractive 48.3 cm (19-inch) light-alloy wheels in various designs are optionally available for even greater individualisation.
Sporty look with model-specific details: the interior design
The interior reinforces the car's consistently dynamic bias with numerous specially designed details. Ideal for a committed driving style, the multifunction sports steering wheel in black leather features a flattened bottom section and red contrasting topstitching, and fits especially well in the hand.
The enhanced lateral support offered by the sports seats keeps the driver in a secure position even when pushing the car to its limits. The upholstery in ARTICO man-made leather/DINAMICA microfibre and the dashboard in ARTICO create an exceptionally sporty ambience. The man-made leather is also used on the beltlines, the armrests, the door centre panels and the centre console. Red contrasting topstitching, designo red safety belts and black floor mats with red edging add attractive highlights. The trim in light longitudinal-grain aluminium embedded in the dashboard and the doors provides effective contrasts.
The AMG instrument cluster delivers all relevant information in a clearly arranged layout optimised for a dynamic driving style. An authentic sports car look and feel is provided by two tube-shaped round dials, 11.4 cm (4.5-inch) multifunction colour display, RACETIMER and 280 km/h scale in chequered-flag design.
Suitability for everyday use is additionally enhanced by intelligent comfort functions such as optional AIRSCARF neck-level heating, operation of the fabric soft top while driving (up to 50 km/h, initiated below 5 km/h) and optional automatic closing of the boot separator.
Exclusive options include the fully automatic fabric acoustic soft top, which is available in black, dark blue, brown or dark red. The multi-layered structure incorporating various insulation materials effectively reduces ambient noise and thus reduces the interior noise level.
