Mercedes-Benz C-Class Cabriolet first drive review

It's been a perennial summer of discontent for buyers desiring a C-Class that allows them to feel the wind in their hair.

The closest approximation was Mercedes' CLK Cabriolet, which was based on the underpinnings of former C-Classes before disappearing in 2010.

Benz's biggest-selling model, however, has at last added a convertible to the long-running sedan, wagon and coupe body styles.

Starting notably lower than the CLK ever did, from $85,900 (plus on-road costs), the simply named C-Class Cabriolet is priced to divert prospects away from the likes of the Audi A5 Cabriolet and BMW 4-Series Convertible.

Like the BMW, the dollar jump from the coupe upon which it is based is a sizeable one: $20,000 in the case of the C200, or $16,545 with the C300. The AMG C43 and C63 twins arrive early 2017, priced at $119,900 and $179,900, respectively.

Equipment gains over the C-Class Coupe comprise upholstery manufactured from genuine rather than fake leather, a head-up display, and an LED Intelligent Light System incorporating features such as adaptive high beam and cornering illumination. There are also heated front seats for the C300.

The Cabriolet picks up many of the Coupe's design cues, including AMG body kit and a rear end more rounded than the C-Class sedan's, though naturally it's all change overhead.

Mercedes shares the folding-fabric-roof approach with Audi in contrast to BMW's all-metal philosophy, though Australian-market models feature a multi-layer acoustic roof that's derived from the S-Class Cabriolet's version and optional in Europe.

Besides some minor wind leakage from where the side windows interconnect with the roof, the cabin is pleasantly insulated when it's in place. Vision is also mostly good, with only the rear-three-quarter view restricted.

Pulling the silver metallic lever just ahead of the split-lidded console bin fully exposes the upmarket, four-seater interior to the elements in 20 seconds as the roof disappears into a section sandwiched between the rear seats and boot lid.

The operation can be performed up to 50km/h – 32km/h faster than the BMW – and the lowered roof accentuates the classy chrome cabin surround.

Access to the back seat is simple enough, with a flick of a lever moving the front seat forward electrically. Another flick puts it back in place.

Rear passengers taller than 175cm will prefer the roof down for head space, though knee space is good for the class, if still not ideal for longer journeys.

As with most convertibles, the roof system inevitably reduces boot space. It initially loses 40 litres (360L) to the Coupe even when erected, before shrinking to 285L when stowed.

That still compares favourably with its 4-Series rival, which switches between 370 and 220 litres roof up/down. And the two rear seatbacks also fold down via electric levers to help accommodate longer, though not necessarily larger, items, due to the narrow access section.

While the launch drive didn't give us the opportunity to ride in the rear seat, where passengers most benefit from the Aircap deflector that rises out of the windscreen's uppermost edge upon request, there's plenty of wind protection up front.

A freeway run with all four windows lowered was bearable, and the sections of glass can be cleverly raised or lowered in unison via a single lever.

You'd rather be in the C300 than the C200 on a chilly day, as heated front seats and the neck-warming Airscarf system are standard where they are optional on the base model.

Both link a 2.0-litre four-cylinder turbo petrol with a smooth-shifting, economy-focused nine-speed auto, with the 180kW/370Nm C300 providing a 45kW and 70Nm output advantage.

An upgrade to an AMG model is necessary for a more exciting soundtrack, though under hard acceleration a sports exhaust complements paddle-flicked upshifts with notes that almost convince you a trombonist is seated behind.

We drove only the C300, though it's extra performance is undoubtedly beneficial considering the Cabriolet's additional body strengthening piles on an extra 140kg over the Coupe.

On paper it loses four-tenths of a second to the fixed-roof C300 in the run to 100km/h (6.4 seconds), though its enthusiasm feels more dimmed in corners than on straights.

Slightly dulled turn-in aside, there's otherwise the familiarly positive C-Class handling traits of strong tyre grip, progressive steering and predictable balance.

Bumpier sections of bitumen highlight subtle differences in rigidity despite the Cabriolet's stiffening measures, even if the experience is far removed from the wobbly days of Saab 9-3 Convertibles.

Our C300 was susceptible to mild steering rack shudder and body vibrations over bumpier patches of road, while the ride was generally lumpy despite the addition of the optional air suspension that smooths progress on other variants of the C-Class.

If the prevailing winds wouldn't send us in the Cabriolet's direction for the best-driving C-Class, the otherwise elegant package is sure to keep many buyers contented.

Visit Drive's Mercedes-Benz showroom for more details

Mercedes-Benz C300 Cabriolet pricing and specifications

On sale: Now

Price: From $99,900 plus on-road costs

Engine: 2.0-litre 4cyl turbo petrol

Power: 180kW at 5500rpm

Torque: 370Nm at 1300-4000rpm

Transmission: Nine-speed auto, rear-wheel drive

Fuel use: 7.2L/100km