Skip to main content

Mercedes wants you to follow your dreams of freedom and buy a C-Class convertible

The new C-Class Cabriolet TV commercial “Amazed again” - Mercedes-Benz original
Summer is top-down season and Mercedes-Benz has officially declared 2016 as the “year of the new roadsters and cabriolets.” Four new models are debuting this year, including new SL and SLC roadsters (two-seaters) and S-Class and C-Class cabriolets (4-5 seats). The company’s biggest push is for the C-Class four-seat ragtop, promoting it for prospective owners interested in “Bringing back a sense of wonder.”

The C-Class cabriolet is due to launch later this year as a 2017 model with three variants: the C300 RWD, C300 4MATIC, and Mercedes-AMG C43. Pricing for the various models in the body style are not available, but they will be the first ever C-Class convertibles.  The most powerful version will be the Mercedes-AMG C43 4MATIC Cabriolet. It is powered by a 367 hp, 3.0L, biturbo V6 engine, AMG Performance 4MATIC all-wheel drive, and a unique, dedicated chassis.

Recommended Videos

The rear-wheel drive C300 and the C300 4MATIC share a 2.0L 241-hp turbocharged four-cylinder engine and a 9-speed automatic transmission, the 9G-TRONIC. An optional air suspension system will also be available.

Please enable Javascript to view this content

The message in the marketing push for the C-Class cabriolets — and you can pretty much bet that M-B is focused on stirring an emotional reaction — is about connecting with the feelings and images in a young man’s life, from crib to cruising.

“In the campaign, we draw a connection between our roadsters and cabriolets and the mindset they represent: one of spontaneity, joy, and freedom – on the road and in life,” said Dr. Jens Thiemer, Head of Marketing, Mercedes-Benz passenger cars. “We are telling a moving story which is based very much in real life and works with emotional imagery, showcasing each vehicle in an inspiring setting.”

So if you’re in touch with your inner child, or just like Mercs but want a convertible with seating for four, get ready to start stalking your Mercedes-Benz dealership for the ’17 C-Class cabriolets.

Bruce Brown
Bruce Brown Contributing Editor   As a Contributing Editor to the Auto teams at Digital Trends and TheManual.com, Bruce…
Mini’s infotainment system is very charming, but still needs work
Main screen of the Mini infotainment system

When you think Mini, you probably don’t think of infotainment. Personally, I think of the British flag taillights, the distinct exterior, and the surprising room on the inside. But after driving the Mini John Cooper Works Countryman over the past week, infotainment might well be something I think of more often when it comes to Mini. It’s charming.

It also, however, suffers from all the traps that other legacy automakers fall into when it comes to software design. Mini has something on its hands here — but it still needs some work.
Bringing the charm
The first thing that stood out to me about the system when I got in the car was how fun it was. That all starts with the display. It’s round! No, it’s not curved — the screen is a big, round display sits in at 9.4 inches, and I found it plenty large enough for day-to-day use.

Read more
Plug-in hybrids are becoming more popular. Why? And will it continue?
Kia Niro EV Charging Port

There's a lot of talk about the idea that the growth in electric car sales has kind of slowed a little. It's not all that surprising -- EVs are still expensive, early adopters all have one by now, and they're still new enough to where there aren't too many ultra-affordable used EVs available. But plenty of people still want a greener vehicle, and that has given rise to an explosion in hybrid vehicle sales.

That's especially true of plug-in hybrid vehicles, which can be charged like an EV and driven in all-electric mode for short distances, and have a gas engine as a backup for longer distances or to be used in combination with electric mode for more efficient driving.

Read more
EV drivers are not going back to gas cars, global survey says
ev drivers are not going back to gas cars global survey says screenshot

Nearly all current owners of electric vehicles (EVs) are either satisfied or very satisfied with the experience, and 92% of them plan to buy another EV, according to a survey by the Global EV Drivers Alliance.

The survey of 23,000 EV drivers worldwide found that only 1% would return to a petrol or diesel car, while 4% would opt for a plug-in hybrid (PHEV) if they had to replace their car.

Read more