Benz welcomes the open-air season with the first C-Class Cabriolet, thereby rounding off the latest in its exceptional range of dream cars. The sporty four-seater is based on the successful Coupé version. Fascinating design, agile driving characteristics and high day-to-day utility combined with typical Mercedes attributes such as superior presence, safety and efficiency lend it a special charm that appeals to all the senses. The newcomer shares a number of features with the C-Class Coupé, including identical dimensions at 4.6m in length and 1.8m wide, the same grille, LED headlights, high shoulder line, curved boot and tail-lamp design. Distinctive to the convertible is the fabric roof with glass rear screen. "Our C-Class Cabriolet is a true dream car that meets the aspirations of individualists who want to experience pure freedom and independence at the push of a button. Sporty and youthful in character and design, this premium convertible provides open-air driving pleasure all year round," said Lennart Mueller-Teut, Head of Marketing & Communications, Mercedes-Benz Cars Middle East. As the new entry-level model into the world of Mercedes-Benz convertibles, the C-Class Cabriolet is also a consistent embodiment of the Mercedes-Benz design philosophy: sensual purity as the definition of modern luxury – hot and cool. It exhibits independence of character with a visibly sporty expression and youthfully fresh appeal. Its tightly stretched soft top with glass window transitions harmoniously into the distinctively styled rear end, which has a highly sporty look with its wide shoulders and flat LED tail lights. With a capacity of 360 liters (285 liters with the roof open), the boot is capable of holding an exceptional amount of luggage for a convertible, thus offering undisputed everyday practicality. At the sides, an elongated dropping line extending over the rear wheel arch lends an emphasis typical of Mercedes-Benz design. The vehicle is already at sports level with the standard 17-inch tires (18-inch tires are standard for GCC markets) emphasizing the sporty nature of the Cabriolet. 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. Significantly reducing the wind/driving noise, the acoustic soft top offers optimal climate comfort, quiet-running characteristics and full all-year suitability. 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 20 seconds, and at speeds of up to 50 km/h. The interior ambience is similar to that of the C-Class Coupé, though freshly interpreted with features typical of a convertible. Superior materials and build quality give the interior a modern feel of sportiness and lifestyle. The appointments include heat-reflecting leather in a total of five color shades (optional) as well as an attractively curved switch in matt silver chrome in the center console for opening and closing the fully automatic soft top. The rear seats are in the form of individual seats. Their backrests offer a through-loading feature as standard, and can be split 50:50 for high everyday practicality or can be completely folded down. The Cabriolet already comes with a high equipment specification as standard, augmented by a wide range of individualization options, including 13 upholstery variants, such as designo Bengal red / black, seven trim variants, four soft-top colors, twelve exterior paint finishes, and a leather-covered instrument panel. The roof liner of the soft top is available in black, porcelain and crystal grey. Numerous trim elements in sporty aluminum, carbon-fiber or glass-fibre are complemented by authentic open-pore wood species in shades of brown and black. The AMG Line (standard for GCC markets) underlines 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, trim strips on the beltline, A-pillars and soft top compartment in matt anodized aluminum 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. Specially developed for Cabriolets, the climate control system responds to whether the vehicle is being driven with the soft top up or down. With the roof closed, the system performs in the same way as in the Coupé. With the soft top down, the climate control system adapts by e.g. blowing warmer air onto the driver's hands on the steering wheel and deactivating the air recirculation function. Intuitive operation with animations and visual effects is offered by the infotainment system in the new C-Class Cabriolet. Frontbass ensures a listening experience almost on a par with a concert hall – especially if the optionally available Burmester sound system has been specified. 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. The alternatively available Comand Online system provides a larger display with a resolution of 960 x 540 pixels, while offering fast hard-drive navigation, integral WiFi hotspot functionality and Linguatronic voice control as well as many other features. The suspension offers a high level of comfort with low road roar and tire vibration characteristics, while ensuring agile driving dynamics – the basis for driving enjoyment. The suspension on the Cabriolet, which is 15 millimeters lower in comparison with the Saloon, comes as standard with steel springs and a selective damping system. Dynamic Select lets the driver choose how the journey should be: sporty, comfortable or fuel-efficient. To this end, the driver can select one of five transmission modes using the Dynamic Select switch. Powerful and efficient petrol engines with ECO start/stop function ensure sporty performance and driving pleasure. — SG
