Mercedes-Benz C-Class Cabriolet Review 2023

First launched in 2016, the Mercedes-Benz C-Class Cabriolet entered the competitive world of four-seat convertibles with a premium badge and handsome styling on its side. In a market where image matters, both help the C-Class stand apart from the rival BMW 4 Series and Audi A5. Furthering the desirability of the C-Class Cabriolet is a high-quality interior, equipped with a considerable amount of standard technology. A vast range of engines, including potent AMG models, is also a major plus-point. Only a stiff ride and limited space in the rear seats detract from an impressive package.

As the smallest four-seat Mercedes convertible, the C-Class also adds a dose of relative affordability into the mix, helping broaden its appeal. 

A premium interior helps justify the still-steep price tag, while the folding fabric roof retracts quickly to allow maximum time in the sun.

The ‘four-seat’ label does need to be taken with a degree of cynicism, however. Although there are four seats inside, only the front two offer impressive levels of comfort for adults. Those in the back will lack legroom and headroom – unless they are small children.

Alternatively, the back seats can be used to supplement the boot space of the C-Class Cabriolet. Although competitive against key rivals, lowering the roof sees luggage capacity diminish to less than that offered by a supermini. 

Mercedes fits the C-Class Cabriolet with a number of clever features to make roofless adventures more palatable. The Aircap system sees a special spoiler pop up from the top of the windscreen, helping direct air over the top of the cabin. Combined with a smaller deflector behind the rear seats, it helps keep things calm and composed inside. 

In fact, the only air blowing around your hairdo should come from the handy Airscarf. Using vents built into the front seats, warm air is blown across your neck to recreate the feeling of wearing a scarf. It opens up the option of driving the C-Class with the roof down well into autumn and winter.

It all comes as part of a generous standard specification from the factory. Satellite navigation, LED headlights and a wealth of safety equipment can be found on every model. This includes front and rear parking sensors, plus a reversing camera, helping overcome the limited rear visibility when parking. 

Whether in town, or out on the open road, driving the C-Class Cabriolet should be an effortless affair. The steering is light enough to make manoeuvring around urban streets easy, but will allow a degree of fun when the road becomes twisty. 

The engine range is comprehensive, with the choice of multiple petrols and diesels to pick from. Go for one of the efficient diesels if you cover lots of motorway miles, but the petrol units will suffice for the suburbs. True performance hedonists will want the full-fat AMG models, which bring an extra helping of speed and drama. The V8-powered AMG C 63 S is fast enough to frighten dedicated sports cars. 

All-weather ability is aided by four-wheel drive on certain models, and a nine-speed automatic gearbox is fitted with most engines. It helps further the relaxed cruising experience much more than the standard six-speed manual.

Only a stiff ride, thanks to the extra chassis strengthening, counts against the C-Class. Bigger alloy wheels make things worse, but the optional air suspension brings a degree of comfort. 

It all makes for a premium convertible with very few drawbacks, beyond the limited practicality and firm ride. For most, these will not be issues, as the handsome styling, premium badge and luxurious interior will be enough to make the C-Class a winner. 

Room for those in the front is plentiful, aided by seats with plenty of standard adjustment. But those in the back will feel more cramped, with headroom a particular issue with the roof in place. 

The rear backrests are also notably upright, making them uncomfortable for adults on longer journeys. Isofix attachments are fitted, though, allowing them to be used with child car seats.  

Keeping the roof up does at least mean a boot with usable 360 litres of luggage space. Like its main convertible rivals, lowering the fabric roof of the C-Class sees this capacity drop to just 285 litres. The rear seats do fold flat to carry bigger items, and using the back bench as extra cargo storage is perhaps the most sensible approach.

The interior of the C-Class Cabriolet is reassuringly well made, ensuring it feels worth the price of admission.

Gloss black trim is used inside earlier models, with later cars featuring modern black ash wood. It gives the sweeping dashboard an impressive finish, and is complemented by the use of either real or artificial leather for the seats.

Although some plastics lower down in the cabin look a little cheaper, everything else exudes an air of quality. Buttons and switches feel made to last, with ambient LED lighting adding an additional classy touch.

Multimedia systems in the C-Class Cabriolet are managed through a digital display in the centre of the dashboard. Most early models use a 7.0-inch display, while the 2018 facelift saw it increase in size to 10.25 inches for all cars. 

While it looks like a touchscreen, it is actually operated by a separate controller on the centre console. Newer models also feature touchpads on the steering wheel, which can seem a little confusing at first. 

All C-Class Cabriolets come fitted with satellite navigation, Bluetooth and USB connections for smartphones. The Comand Online system, offered on higher trim levels, includes live traffic data.

The 13-speaker Burmester surround-sound system is an expensive option, but delivers an incredible audio experience.

Mercedes has reduced the range of options for new C-Class Cabriolet models, meaning the petrol C 200 AMG Line Edition is now the cheapest on sale. Priced at £43,230, it is marginally more expensive than the rival Audi A5, which starts from £42,390. 

At the other end of the scale, the AMG C 63 S Night Edition is the most expensive version. It has a list price starting at a considerable £86,580, making V8 performance a costly experience. 

Finance deals for those considering a new C-Class Cabriolet are generous, with large deposit contributions available for those using the Agility PCP scheme from Mercedes-Benz. This includes a substantial £7,000 discount on regular cars, while AMG models have a smaller reduction of £2,000. 

It means that a new C 200 Cabriolet AMG Line Edition could cost £380 per month, assuming a 48-month agreement. Such a PCP finance offering would require a £2,500 customer deposit contribution, and see a cap of 10,000 miles per annum. 

On the used market, the earliest examples of the C-Class Cabriolet can be found from less than £20,000. Given the popularity of diesel models, this is likely to be a C 220d in AMG Line specification. Second-hand Sport models are particularly hard to find, not least due to Mercedes discontinuing the trim line in 2018.

Mercedes-Benz dealerships will have access to nearly-new models. Prices for manufacturer-approved cars should begin at less than £28,000. With a £2,500 deposit, expect to pay around £430 a month on a four-year PCP finance deal. 

Tracking down an AMG model on the used market is likely to require some dedicated searching. The AMG C 63 S is the rarest of all, with prices from around £60,000.

The popular C 200 petrol can achieve up to 47.1mpg with a manual gearbox, with the more powerful C 300 officially rated at 42.2mpg. However, HonestJohn Real MPG results have shown the C-Class Cabriolet to be less efficient in the real world. 

Diesel drivers will be pleased by the potential for up to 61.4mpg in the C 220d. It comes close to delivering this in reality, too. Early examples of the C 220d, sold before April 2017, also offer the bonus of VED (road tax) at just £30 per year. 

The list prices of the C-Class Cabriolet see almost all models cross the £40,000 VED threshold. This adds an additional £325 charge, payable for five years, to the standard £150 tax rate. 

As a four-seat convertible wearing the desirable Mercedes-Benz badge, insurance costs are high. C 200 petrol models start at group 32 (out of 50), with the diesel C 220d falling into group 31. 

AMG models are naturally more expensive to run. The range-topping AMG C 63 S scores the top insurance group 50 rating, but counters with acceptable average fuel economy of 31.4mpg.

Building a cabriolet typically requires extra strengthening to cope with the lack of a solid roof. The work done by Mercedes-Benz on the C-Class in this department is impressive, but does come with a sting in the tail.

The steering is light and precise, and is speed-sensitive on all models. AMG versions do have their own bespoke setup, with an extra degree of weight to enhance their sportiness. 

Where the C-Class Cabriolet suffers for this rigid design is ride quality. Even the Sport model, confusingly fitted with comfort-tuned suspension, can feel harsh over the worst bumps and ruts in the road. AMG Line models with larger wheels and stiffer springs exacerbate this. 

Salvation comes with the optional Airmatic air suspension. With selectable levels of stiffness, it can be adapted to suit the road conditions. It makes a noticeable difference to the driving experience, and promotes the cruising nature of the C-Class Cabriolet. 

Diesels begin with the four-cylinder C 220d, available with optional 4Matic four-wheel drive. The C 250d uses the same engine, but sees power output upped from 170PS to a more substantial 204PS. Both offer a useful blend of performance and economy, but the post-facelift C 300d is the diesel to pick should you want more power. 

The C 200 and C 300 are the petrol options for the pre-facelift C-Class, both using turbocharged four-cylinder engines. After 2018, an entry-level C 180 petrol joined the range, with the existing engines gaining more power. 

For most buyers, the performance of the C 200 will be enough, and the engine suits the car. Choosing the excellent nine-speed automatic gearbox is important, though, as this adds an extra layer of refinement.  

AMG models begin with the twin-turbocharged 3.0-litre V6 petrol C 43, complete with standard four-wheel drive. It delivers rapid acceleration, and makes a notable step up in performance from the regular models. 

However, ultimate theatrics come from the turbocharged V8-powered AMG C 63 and C 63 S. These make for terrifyingly quick performance, with an exhaust note that will make you want to leave the roof lowered as often as possible.

With a reputation for building safe cars, Mercedes-Benz did not cut any corners when it came to the C-Class Cabriolet. There are seven airbags inside, plus pop-up roll hoops and a strengthened front windscreen should the worst happen. All of this safety equipment proved to be effective when tested by Euro NCAP. 

Front and rear parking sensors are fitted to all versions, along with a standard reversing camera. This is important, given the restricted rearward view with the roof raised. 

Mercedes does not fit a spare wheel as standard, making the tyre pressure monitoring more important. AMG models use run-flat tyres, with other models having a compressor kit to repair punctures.

A drop-top Mercedes-Benz might not seem the most natural choice for a tow car, but the C-Class Cabriolet is officially rated for pulling loads. 

The C43 AMG can tow up to 1000kg, whilst the manual gearbox version of the petrol C 200 will pull 1600kg. Other models are officially rated for a maximum towing capacity of 1800kg.

Prior to the 2018 facelift, the C-Class Cabriolet range started with Sport trim. This meant 17-inch alloy wheels, comfort suspension, LED headlights and satellite navigation as standard. 

Pre-facelift AMG Line cars came with sportier exterior styling, 18-inch alloy wheels and stiffer sports suspension. Inside, a flat-bottomed steering wheel was also fitted. 

Following the 2018 facelift, AMG Line cars began to be sold in optional Premium guise. This brings a digital dashboard, wireless smartphone charging and LED ambient lighting over the normal AMG Line.

The range-topping AMG Line Premium Plus includes keyless entry, a 360-degree parking camera and an impressive Burmester surround-sound audio system.