Currently reading: 2016 Mercedes C-Class Cabriolet previewed ahead of Geneva show debut

New open-top Mercedes-Benz C-Class will be revealed at the Geneva motor show before going on sale in the UK in the summer

The upcoming Mercedes-Benz C-Class Cabriolet has again been previewed ahead of its global debut at the Geneva motor show. The new model will go on sale in the UK this summer, and is described as being "an attactive entry-level model in the range of Mercedes dream cars, with all-season open-air driving enjoyment included as standard."

A previous teaser sketch which showed the rear of the model was accompanied by a short statement, confirming that "for the first time in the history of this model series, there will also be a C-Class Cabriolet. The sporty four-seater with a soft top is based on the successful coupé version."

Revealed: The Mercedes-Benz C-Class Cabriolet is unveiled at the Geneva Motorshow

Set to join saloon, coupé and estate versions of the fourth-generation C-Class in an ever-burgeoning Mercedes-Benz line-up, the C-Class Cabriolet has previously been spotted testing in the run-up to its launch. While the car's styling remains similar to that of the C-Class Coupé, a longer rear deck can be seen, as well as a windscreen-mounted air deflector and a deployable wind break. The car's interior will be identical to that of other C-Class models. 

The rear-wheel-drive convertible will be offered with the same six-cylinder petrol and four-cylinder diesel engines as the coupé. Included in the line-up will be a C450 Sport model, which will feature a 362bhp twin-turbocharged 3.0-litre V6 engine and will be capable of reaching 62mph in less than five seconds. A plug-in hybrid model based on the C350e is also planned.

A high-performance Mercedes-AMG Mercedes-AMG C 63 Cabriolet should join the range before the end of 2016. Like the saloon, it is expected to be powered by AMG's twin-turbocharged 4.0-litre V8 engine with 469bhp in standard form and 503bhp in range-topping C63 S guise.

As with other models in the range, the C-Class Cabriolet will be offered with two different suspension systems. The car’s standard set-up will feature conventional springs and dampers, but Mercedes-Benz’s AirMatic arrangement will be optional.

Read our review on the latest generation Mercedes-Benz C-Class saloon

Read more Geneva motor show news

Mark Tisshaw

mark-tisshaw-autocar
Title: Editor

Mark is a journalist with more than a decade of top-level experience in the automotive industry. He first joined Autocar in 2009, having previously worked in local newspapers. He has held several roles at Autocar, including news editor, deputy editor, digital editor and his current position of editor, one he has held since 2017.

From this position he oversees all of Autocar’s content across the print magazine, autocar.co.uk website, social media, video, and podcast channels, as well as our recent launch, Autocar Business. Mark regularly interviews the very top global executives in the automotive industry, telling their stories and holding them to account, meeting them at shows and events around the world.

Mark is a Car of the Year juror, a prestigious annual award that Autocar is one of the main sponsors of. He has made media appearances on the likes of the BBC, and contributed to titles including What Car?Move Electric and Pistonheads, and has written a column for The Sun.

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J13Dog 14 February 2016

The first plug in hybrid convertible

Well the Porsche 918 Spyder may not be classed as a convertible but it has open roof capability and therefore I think counts. I do however concede this Mercedes will be within my reach where the Porsche is a might rich for my wallet... for now : } O and Koenigsegg Regera anyone?
concinnity 14 February 2016

The first plug in hybrid convertible

The first electrically powered convertible. And what could be better suited to silent running than a car with no roof. These will be a must buy in all those places in the world where conspicious consumption by the rich is de rigeur. And where people want to be seen saving the planet.