The Mercedes-Benz C-Class Cabriolet
So the Mercedes AMG Petronas Formula One team didn’t take Sepang by storm last weekend. But Mercedes-Benz Malaysia certainly is creating one in the local automotive market by going topless with its launch of 2 “Dream Cars Collection” models.
“The Mercedes-Benz Dream Cars Collection is a collection of the most exciting cars available in the market today. Up to now, there has been something missing in our collection – that is why we bring you another exclusive option for the connoisseurs of dream cars, the C-Class Cabriolet and the SLC Roadster.” says Mark Raine, Vice President, Sales and Marketing Passenger Cars, Mercedes-Benz Malaysia.
The first of the 2 Dream Cars models introduced was the C-Class Cabriolet, the first cabriolet launched by Mercedes-Benz in Malaysia. This is the soft-top version of the C-Class Coupe and comes in 3 variants – C 200 Cabriolet, C 250 Cabriolet and C 300 Cabriolet. As this model is parked under the Dream Cars category, it’s not something you buy with your head. The variants are priced at RM 358,888, RM 388,888 and RM 443,888 respectively, inclusive of a 4-year, unlimited-mileage warranty.
Common to Mercedes-Benz vehicles, the C-Class Cabriolet range carries the same drivetrain (2.0-liter 4-cylinder turbocharged engine mated to a 9G-Tronic 9-speed automatic gearbox) albeit in different states of tune. The C 200 Cabriolet produces 184 hp @ 5,500 rpm and 300 Nm of torque between 1,200 – 4,000 rpm; the C 250 Cabriolet, 211 hp @ 5,500 rpm and 350 Nm @ 1,200 – 4,000 rpm; and the C 300 Cabriolet, 245 hp @ 5,500 rpm and 370 Nm @ 1,300 – 4,000 rpm. 0-100 km/h sprint times are claimed at 8.2 seconds, 6.9 and 6.4 respectively, while trivial fuel consumption figures are 6.2 l / 100 km, 6.4 l / 100 km and 6.8 l / 100 km.
The draw of this model is of course, open-top driving and the soft-top opens and closes in 20 seconds at speeds of up to 50 km/h. The roof comes in black fabric in the basic variant but there is the option of a multi-layer acoustic soft top in dark brown, dark blue, red or black, which reduces noise intrusion and maintains optimal climate comfort. Dropping the roof will reduce boot space to 285 liters, from 360. With the roof up, the Cabriolet boasts a Cd figure of 0.28.
The suspension on the Cabriolet is 15 mm lower than the sedans; C 200 Cabriolet is fitted with steel springs and a selective damping system while the C 250 and C 300 get sport suspension with firmer springs and dampers, including the Sports Direct-Steer system for better agility.
Standard kit on the Cabriolet includes Active Brake Assist, Active Parking Assist, reverse camera, DYNAMIC SELECT (sporty, comfortable or fuel-efficient), run-flat tires, tire pressure monitoring system, PRE-SAFE system, THERMATIC climate control, kneebag, high performance LED lights, Audio 20 with Garmin Map Pilot, eco start/stop, ambient lighting, KEYLESS-GO starting function and 18″ AMG light alloy wheels. The C 250 tops that with leather upholstery, high performance LED with Intelligent Light System and KEYLESS-GO, while the C 300 adds on a sports exhaust system, COMAND Online, DVD player, Burmester sound system and 19″ SMG light alloys.
Mercedes-Benz C 250 Cabriolet:
Mercedes-Benz C 300 Cabriolet:
