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Mercedes-Benz C-Class Cabriolet

Our unique Expert Rating Index combines scores from 35 of the top UK motoring websites to give you a definitive rating on every new car

Expert Rating

Mercedes-Benz C-Class Cabriolet

(2016 – present)

    Summary


    The Mercedes-Benz C-Class Cabriolet is a four-seater convertible that first arrived on UK roads in 2016 – two years after its executive saloon sibling. Facelifted in 2018, and currently remains on sale despite the C-Class and saloon being replaced by a new model back in 2021.

    The last C-Class generation also included a coupé body style, as well as high-performance models from Mercedes-AMG, but we are only covering the Cabriolet on this page.

    Like its big brother, the E-Class Cabriolet, this convertible C-Class has been commended by the British motoring media for its classy looks inside and out, as well as its strong range of engine options which are both fast and relatively frugal.

    The C-Class saloon is obviously a more practical choice for the daily commute, but Carwow added that the soft-top was “surprisingly spacious” inside, and offered a relaxed driving experience that few rivals could match. “The C-Class Cabriolet pretty much does it all – well, apart from being outright fun to drive”.

    The majority of reviewers agree with this sentiment – the C-Class Cabriolet is one of the most elegant convertibles around, but not the most exciting. Others prefer the interior design of its competitors too.

    “It just lacks that last degree of driving precision you get in a BMW 4 Series Convertible, or the quiet, efficient quality interior of an Audi A5 Cabriolet“, Parkers argued. “That said, it’s the best of the three if you value comfort over driver feedback – and it’s incredibly at home on Britain’s motorways.”

    The Mercedes-Benz C-Class Cabriolet holds an Expert Rating of 74%, based on 13 reviews published by the UK media outlets. This is a higher score than either the Audi A5 Cabriolet or the previous-generation BMW 4 Series Convertible, but rather off the pace of the latest BMW 4 Series.

    At this stage, there is no indication that Mercedes-Benz intends to produce a cabriolet version of the new C-Class, so the line is likely to end when this model is discontinued.

    C-Class Cabriolet highlights

    • Fast but frugal engines
    • Comfortable and well-built interior
    • Alluring drop-top looks

    C-Class Cabriolet lowlights

    • Rather small boot
    • Alternatives are sharper in the corners
    • Pricey on the used market

    Key specifications


    Body style: Convertible
    Engines:
    petrol, diesel
    Price:
    From £49,510 on-road

    Launched: Summer 2016
    Last updated: Autumn 2018
    End of production: 2023?


    Media reviews


    Reviews, road test and comparisons from across the UK automotive media. Click any of the boxes to view.

    Auto Express

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    Auto Trader

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    Car

    +

    Carbuyer

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    Carwow

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    Heycar

    +

    Honest John

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    Parkers

    +

    The Sunday Times

    +

    The Telegraph

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    Top Gear

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    What Car?

    +

    Which?

    +

    Safety rating


    No safety rating

    The Mercedes-Benz C-Class Cabriolet has not been crash tested by Euro NCAP.

    The E-Class Cabriolet may be based on the saloon of the same name but there are significant structural differences – mainly resulting from the car having no roof. As such, the Cabriolet does not inherit the saloon’s 2014 five-star safety rating, which has since expired anyway.

    Eco rating


    Independent economy and emissions ratings from Green NCAP

    Model tested: 2.0-litre diesel C 220d automatic

    Overall score: 3 stars
    Date tested: November 2020
    Read the full Green NCAP review

    Clean Air Index: 7 / 10
    Energy Efficiency Index: 5.7 / 10

    Model tested: C 220d 4Matic diesel automatic

    Overall score: 3 stars
    Date tested: July 2019
    Read the full Green NCAP review

    Clean Air Index: 10 / 10
    Energy Efficiency Index: 5.3 / 10

    The Mercedes-Benz C-Class Cabriolet has not explicitly been tested for its emissions output, but Green NCAP has put the C-Class saloon through its paces – testing two diesel powertrain options that are also available in the Cabriolet range. Both vairants were awared three-star emissions ratings.

    Please note that this rating stands for these specific model configurations, and not petrol models.

    Reliability rating

    MotorEasy logo 600x167

    Reliability data provided exclusively for The Car Expert by MotorEasy

    All data based on MotorEasy average workshop costs for extended car warranty claims

    The Mercedes-Benz C-Class has a lower-than-average reliability score, according to exclusive extended warranty data provided by our partners at MotorEasy. This score covers both the current-generation C-Class and this (pre-2021) version, in saloon, coupé and convertible (Cabriolet) bodystyles.

    More than a third of all reported problems with the C-Class relate to its electrical system, with an average repair bill of just under £500. The other area to look out for is the suspension, which accounts for around a fifth of repair claims. Again, the average bill for these was about £500. Gearbox problems are (unsurprisingly) the most expensive, with an average repair price of £1,600, but fortunately they appear to be relatively rare.

    If you’re looking at a used Mercedes-Benz C-Class, make sure any extended warranty cover you purchase covers all of these potential problem areas.

    Awards


    Trophies, prizes and awards that the Mercedes-Benz C-Class Cabriolet has received

    2017

    • Auto Express Awards – Best Convertible

    Similar cars


    If you’re looking at the Mercedes-Benz C-Class Cabriolet, you might also be interested in these alternatives

    Audi A5 Cabriolet | BMW 4 Series Convertible | Ford Mustang convertibleMercedes-Benz E-Class Cabriolet

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    Strong performance and alluring looks make the Mercedes-Benz C-Class Cabriolet a stand-out drop-top choice, but rivals offer more fun.Mercedes-Benz C-Class Cabriolet