Mercedes C-Class Cabriolet - Interior & comfort
This is very much the Mercedes C-Class Cabriolet’s strong point; quality materials and a beautiful design
Mercedes is regaining some form when it comes to interiors, managing to meld high-quality materials and modern design (as well as hi-tech kit) with some classic touches, too. There’s plenty of wood, leather and aluminium, all of which makes the C-Class Cabriolet feel really special inside and more like a mini S-Class limousine than the entry-level Mercedes drop top.
Mercedes C-Class Cabriolet dashboard
Mercedes’ ‘Russian doll’ design philosophy comes into its own here, as the C-Class really does just feel like a smaller version of the S-Class luxury saloon, with the same circular air vents spread across the fascia. The infotainment screen propped atop the centre console is intuitive and easy to use, controlled as it is from either the controller on the centre console or touchpads on the steering wheel.
It’s the quality of the materials on show that makes it feel really special, though, and it all feels solidly put together too. The seats are tremendously comfortable, too, and while adults in the back may struggle a little for headroom with the roof up, there’s plenty of legroom.
Equipment
The C-Class Cabriolet really is quite lavishly equipped. Only one trim level – AMG Line – is offered, and luxuries like LED lights all-round, front and rear parking sensors, Parktronic, a reversing camera and a range of safety kit are all standard. You also get sat-nav, DAB radio, keyless entry, keyless start and a 10.25-inch full colour infotainment screen. An unusual, and enjoyable, feature is Airscarf and Aircap, the first of which blows hot air around the necks of front-seat occupants – a boon if you have the roof down on a cold day. The other is a wind deflector that helps reduce buffeting with the roof down.
As the AMG Line name suggests, you also get 18-inch alloy wheels as well as a sporty body kit, sports suspension and sporty steering settings. Inside, AMG-branded interior trim, pedals and carpets are standard, while an AMG steering wheel and silver-coloured shift paddles complete the mood.
The AMG C43 flagship also has a performance exhaust system, a different alloy-wheel design and AMG Ride Control sports suspension. A subtle lip spoiler and 'BITURBO 4MATIC' badging confirms what onlookers are gazing at.
Options
The Premium Package is the core of the C-Class Convertible options list. It brings a 12.3-inch digital instrument display, COMAND Online infotainment system with wi-fi and connected services, and an upgraded stereo provides richer sound. Wireless phone charging is included, too. The Premium Plus pack adds the above, a Burmester surround-sound stereo, keyless entry and a 360-degree parking camera. The two packs cost £2,800 and £3,500 respectively.
The optional Driving Assistance package brings semi-autonomous technology, including active lane-keeping assistance, active cruise control with steering assistance and active blind-spot monitoring.
