Mercedes-Benz has begun taking orders for the new C-Class Cabriolet, which will arrive in showrooms in September.
First seen at the Geneva Motor Show in March, the first-ever drop-top in the C-Class line is based on the Coupe version. It has a fabric, fully automated soft top that opens and closes in less than 20 seconds at speeds up to 31mph.
UK models of the C-Class will be offered with six engine choices and two trim levels. Entry level will be the C 200, priced from £36,200 and using a 2-litre 181bhp petrol engine with either a six-speed manual or 9G-Tronic nine-speed auto transmission.
C300 versions, only offered with the auto transmission, increase the power of the 2-litre engine to 241bhp, while there are two diesels, the 167bhp C220 d, offered in both rear and all-wheel drive form, and C250 d of 201bhp.
Range-topping models will be the AMG versions. The Mercedes-AMG C43 4Matic uses a 3-litre bi-turbo V6 petrol unit of 361bhp which gives the car a 4.8 second 0-62mph time.
Its more powerful sister is the C63 Cabriolet, costing from £65,685. The engine is a 4-litre bi-turbo V8 with 469bhp, shaving the 0-62mph time to 4.2 seconds, while an S variant further boosts the potency to 502bhp – resulting in a 4.1 second sprint to 62mph.
Standard equipment on the entry Sport trim level includes the Airscarf heating system mounted in the headrests for when the hood is retracted, along with the related Aircap and Memory Package. Also included are a reversing camera; keyless start and entry in auto models; a Garmin Map Pilot navigation system; Mirror Package; heated seats; Active Parking Assist; Agility Control comfort suspension; LED headlights; ambient lighting (only on auto versions); a DAB radio and sports seats in Artico leather.
AMG Line versions are £1,495 more than Sport models and add black ash wood trim with brushed aluminium; an AMG sports steering wheel with flat bottom; brushed steel sports pedals and a black roof lining.
The exterior gains an AMG bodystyling kit; 18-inch five-spoke alloy wheels; a diamond grille with chrome pins and 15mm lowered sports suspension.
