2017 Mercedes-AMG C 63 S Cabriolet review

Mark Twain once said "there are no grades of vanity, there are only grades of ability in concealing it."

It's a great philosophical quote, but also the perfect way to summarise the Mercedes-AMG C 63 S Cabriolet.

For starters, it's the first time Mercedes-Benz has offered a C-Class convertible range and the first compact four-seater drop-top from AMG since the CLK Cabriolet ceased production almost a decade ago, making it less of a showboat than the ultra-expensive S63 Cabriolet and more practical than AMG's succession of two-seater roadsters, from the SLK to the iconic SL and upcoming GT convertible.

Then again, having had the full Aafalterbach makeover, the C63 S Cabriolet could be viewed in the same light, as the epitome of vanity; a muscular, loud-mouthed brute that loves taking its top off and sings and dances at a whim.

Compared to its more pragmatic C63 S siblings, the Cabriolet isn't as affordable as the sedan, or as flexible as the wagon, or as dynamic as the two-door coupe which is its closest relative. It isn't as quick as any of them either, dropping a couple of tenths in the dash to triple figures (as a result of carrying an additional 190kg to keep its basic structure as stiff as possible). You could say the drop-top is the C63 for those that want to be seen - and heard - but still demand a high level of performance.

Like its companions, the Cabriolet is offered in Australia exclusively in AMG's top-flight 63 S specification. Costing $179,900 (plus on-road costs), it sits at the pinnacle of the C-Class range and commands a significant premium over the hard-top variants - almost $25k more than the sedan and $17k more than the Coupe - for the privilege only of its electric folding fabric roof. It also costs a fair chunk more than its closest rival, the $161,615 (plus on-roads) BMW M4 Convertible with a metal folding hard top.

But it doesn't lack for anything in terms of equipment, coming fully loaded with Nappa leather interior, heated front sports seats with Airscarf ventilation, keyless entry and ignition, Merc's top-spec infotainment with wifi hotspot, sat nav, smartphone mirroring, Bluetooth, digital radio and TV tuner and a high-grade, 13-speaker Burmester audio system.

There's also a full suite of safety functions too, including nine airbags, rollover protection, a 360-degree camera, autonomous emergency braking, adaptive cruise control, lane keeping assistance and forward collision, side blindspot and rear cross traffic warnings.

Under the bonnet resides the same 4.0-litre twin-turbo V8 as the rest of the C63 range, producing 375kW and 700Nm, and driving the rear wheels through a limited slip differential via a nine-speed automatic transmission.

The three-stage suspension has been specifically tuned for the Cabriolet but it still rides on the same 19-inch front and 20-inch rear alloys as the Coupe, and is fitted with oversized composite braking system that features six-piston front callipers and four-piston rears.

It is visually identified from mainstream C-Class soft-top models by its unique AMG body kit that includes an aggressive front bumper, side sills, rear valance with an F1-style diffuser and signature four-pipe exhaust layout and a subtle boot lid spoiler.

We drove the C63 S Cabriolet from Sydney to Bathurst for the annual 12-Hour sportscar race, taking in busy urban streets, freeways, country roads and the twisty Bells of Line of Road across the Blue Mountains.

In any of those environments, it is immediately clear that the apple doesn't fall far from the tree in the way the Cabriolet drives compared to other C63 variants. For starters, and no matter whether the roof is in place or stowed away, it offers the same modern muscle car experience with taut suspension settings, well weighted steering and that glorious V8, which is completely docile as it burbles along at leisurely speeds, using its low-rev pulling power to barely tick above 1200rpm as the automatic quickly shifts through to the highest gear possible for maximum economy.

The omnipresent exhaust note is somewhat subdued and it's all quite civilised in the default Comfort setting, but the beast that lies beneath is quickly awakened by flicking the drive mode selector into either Sport or Sport+ modes, where a series of valves open up to reveal a deeper, throatier soundtrack while the engine also becomes instantly more responsive, the transmission drops into the middle gears and the electric power steering has more substance to the weight across its ratio.

With everything primed, the C63 S Cabriolet is still a ballistic machine - both in a straight line and through the twisty stuff. It isn't quite as sharply focused as the Coupe as the additional weight blunts its dynamic prowess somewhat and the body isn't as rigid, which is noticeable on bumpy sections of road as there's a small degree of shake across the windscreen and through the steering column. But you don't lose any of the AMG character that has been admired in every other variant. 

For some, the ability to expose their senses to more of it - the V8 bellowing and its tyres squealing with the wind whistling through their hair - will only serve to amplify the experience.

As for the roof (which is the main difference really), it insulates the cabin from road and wind noises quite well when it is in place and there's decent headroom for all four occupants, but vision across the shoulder is restricted by the large C-Pillar section at the back.

It can easily be retracted by the press of a button on the leading edge of the centre console, stowing behind the rear seats in less than 20 seconds and at speeds up to 50km/h. It does cut into boot space though, with the permanent compartment reducing its cargo carrying capacity.

It's pretty easy to maintain a conversation between front-seat passengers at suburban speeds with minimal turbulence, but it becomes a bit blustery once on the highway. That is at least until you wind all four windows up and release the Aircap spoiler from the leading edge of the windscreen - a spoiler that lifts the air flow further above the cabin. Although it doesn't look very pretty from the outside, it is effective enough, combined with the Airscarf that blows warm air on the back of your neck, to make the C63 S Cabriolet thoroughly enjoyable to drive at any speed, on any road, at any time of the year (if it's not raining, of course).

And that is what it this car is all about; not being the fastest, or sharpest, or most practical member of the C63 family, but the one that doesn't conceal the vanity of those behind the wheel. Instead, it shines a spotlight on them without dimming the experience in any way.

2017 Mercedes-AMG C63 S Cabriolet Price and Specifications

Price: $179,900 (plus on-road costs)

Engine: 4.0-litre V8 twin-turbo petrol

Power: 375kW at 5500rpm

Torque: 700Nm at 1750-4500rpm

Transmission: 9-spd automatic, RWD

Fuel use: 9.1L/100km 

- For more information visit our Mercedes-Benz showroom page