This is not a love story. Well, kind of…
It's an exciting feeling, when you meet someone of the opposite sex for the first time. It's a fresh-from-the-oven affection and there's a want, and arguably, a need to explore each other for the sake of understanding one another better.
That's the same feeling when you see the Mercedes-Benz C-Class Cabriolet for the first time. That's because this is a new thing. Not just for the carmaker but also to drop-top lovers because for the first time ever, the Mercedes-Benz C-Class now comes as a cabriolet form.
In the past, there were the Audi A5 Cabriolet/S5 Cabriolet, the BMW 4 Series Convertible and the Lexus IS250C, which made things exciting for a while. But the novelty of seeing them has somehow faded. Now, it seems the Germans have brought along another contender, and a strong one nonetheless.
Up close and Personal
While most cabriolets lose their fine lines and sexy silhouette with the top up, the Merc Cabriolet seems to have accomplished well in replicating the recently launched C-Class Coupe with its soft-top roof in place, thanks to its elegant roofline.
It's an exciting feeling, when you meet someone of the opposite sex for the first time. It's a fresh-from-the-oven affection and there's a want, and arguably, a need to explore each other for the sake of understanding one another better.
That's the same feeling when you see the Mercedes-Benz C-Class Cabriolet for the first time. That's because this is a new thing. Not just for the carmaker but also to drop-top lovers because for the first time ever, the Mercedes-Benz C-Class now comes as a cabriolet form.
In the past, there were the Audi A5 Cabriolet/S5 Cabriolet, the BMW 4 Series Convertible and the Lexus IS250C, which made things exciting for a while. But the novelty of seeing them has somehow faded. Now, it seems the Germans have brought along another contender, and a strong one nonetheless.
Up close and Personal
While most cabriolets lose their fine lines and sexy silhouette with the top up, the Merc Cabriolet seems to have accomplished well in replicating the recently launched C-Class Coupe with its soft-top roof in place, thanks to its elegant roofline.
Along with its smooth and clean surfaces, diamond grille and sizeable 19-inch wheels, the C-Class Cabriolet looks every bit as sexy and graceful as the sweet young girl that makes you curious enough to want to discover more on first glance.
The cabin, as expected from the carmaker bearing the tri-star emblem, is a nice place to be. You're greeted by highly-adjustable leather-swathed seats that are well-bolstered and supportive to ensure comfort over long drives. More relevantly, the cabin is a benchmark in its segment, with easy-to-use rotary dial that takes centre stage and high levels of fit and finish.
As effective as it is odd-looking is the Aircap wind deflector, which acts as a wind blocker and rises from the upper edge of the windshield frame to discourage turbulent from entering the cabin when the roof is stowed. Via a button on the centre console, this system is activated together with a wind blocker that rises from behind the rear benches, further cutting down on what is already minimal buffeting when you're driving in a topless form.
The cabin, as expected from the carmaker bearing the tri-star emblem, is a nice place to be. You're greeted by highly-adjustable leather-swathed seats that are well-bolstered and supportive to ensure comfort over long drives. More relevantly, the cabin is a benchmark in its segment, with easy-to-use rotary dial that takes centre stage and high levels of fit and finish.
As effective as it is odd-looking is the Aircap wind deflector, which acts as a wind blocker and rises from the upper edge of the windshield frame to discourage turbulent from entering the cabin when the roof is stowed. Via a button on the centre console, this system is activated together with a wind blocker that rises from behind the rear benches, further cutting down on what is already minimal buffeting when you're driving in a topless form.
The Drive
With its muscular 2.0-litre four-pot engine that's capable of 245bhp and 370Nm of torque, the C300 Cabriolet covers ground a lot quicker than its stated 6.4-second timing. Couple this with the fact that the powerplant is agreeably and effortlessly mated to the 9G-TRONIC transmission, what you get is a light work as well as smooth and swift cog changes.
This car, while isn't as hardcore as the C 63 S or as juicy as the C 43, is a rather chirpy fellow. Around twists and bends, it encourages you to push harder and faster as it grips tenaciously and relentlessly. You do get that bit of roll but it's never to the point of discomfort or disarray.
Granted, it doesn't have the grunt that's needed to complete the sporty driving experience but there is sufficient feedback from the steering and it's nimble and agile around corners, which certainly gives you enough confidence to brake late in the entry and accelerate out of the corner without having the need to counter or correct.
On the highway or around town, where you take driving a little less seriously and traffic isn't heavy, the C-Class beckons you to drop its top, more so when the weather is cool and peaceful scenery surrounds you. Depress and hold the button on the centre console and the soft-top stows nicely like a work of art in the boot in just 20 seconds and can be operated on the move of up to a speed of 50km/h.
With its muscular 2.0-litre four-pot engine that's capable of 245bhp and 370Nm of torque, the C300 Cabriolet covers ground a lot quicker than its stated 6.4-second timing. Couple this with the fact that the powerplant is agreeably and effortlessly mated to the 9G-TRONIC transmission, what you get is a light work as well as smooth and swift cog changes.
This car, while isn't as hardcore as the C 63 S or as juicy as the C 43, is a rather chirpy fellow. Around twists and bends, it encourages you to push harder and faster as it grips tenaciously and relentlessly. You do get that bit of roll but it's never to the point of discomfort or disarray.
Granted, it doesn't have the grunt that's needed to complete the sporty driving experience but there is sufficient feedback from the steering and it's nimble and agile around corners, which certainly gives you enough confidence to brake late in the entry and accelerate out of the corner without having the need to counter or correct.
On the highway or around town, where you take driving a little less seriously and traffic isn't heavy, the C-Class beckons you to drop its top, more so when the weather is cool and peaceful scenery surrounds you. Depress and hold the button on the centre console and the soft-top stows nicely like a work of art in the boot in just 20 seconds and can be operated on the move of up to a speed of 50km/h.
When you've had enough of romanticising and feel like too many eyes are on you, taking a slow drive with the top back on isn't such a bad idea, too. The cabin is well-insulated from external noises while only the harshest of road conditions and biggest of bumps will send vibrations to the cabin.
Conclusion
The life of a drop-top owner should always be filled with happiness and freshness. With the C-Class Cabriolet's everlasting sweet looks, graceful sheet metal and tight body, it's clear that Mercedes-Benz has raised the bar for the rest of its peers in its segment.
Just like when you meet someone of the opposite sex for the first time, such a car appeals to the heart before the brain, which is why it'll be an exciting feeling when you meet the C-Class Cabriolet at the end of this year when it arrives, we assure you.
Like we said before, this is not a love story. Well, kind of…
Conclusion
The life of a drop-top owner should always be filled with happiness and freshness. With the C-Class Cabriolet's everlasting sweet looks, graceful sheet metal and tight body, it's clear that Mercedes-Benz has raised the bar for the rest of its peers in its segment.
Just like when you meet someone of the opposite sex for the first time, such a car appeals to the heart before the brain, which is why it'll be an exciting feeling when you meet the C-Class Cabriolet at the end of this year when it arrives, we assure you.
Like we said before, this is not a love story. Well, kind of…
