2017 Mercedes C300 Cabriolet Review
Car Tested: 2017 Mercedes C300 Cabriolet; Road Test No.808
Price OTR Mumbai: Rs. 79.81 lakhs
The Mercedes C300 Cabriolet is a comfortable tourer with an open top!
Open top motoring – don’t we all love the thrill that it offers? There is nothing as relaxing as cruising down the country roads with fresh air blowing on your face. The Mercedes C-Class is available in a variety of iterations like the C sedan, C43 AMG, C63 S AMG and now the C300 Cabriolet which Merc is targeting towards those people who want to soak in some fresh air and love to calmly explore some unexplored locations.
Motor Quest: There are very few convertibles available in India and the C300 is one of the relatively cheaper options. Apart from this, Mercedes also offers the E400 Cabriolet and the S-Class Cabriolet. While the E Cabrio gets a V6 engine, the larger S Cabrio gets a V8 engine.
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While the front fascia is similar to the sedan, it is the side and rear profiles that stand out
Exteriors – On the outside, the styling cues of the C-Class are evident from the front fascia which shares a lot of elements with the C sedan. The headlamps, grille, etc. have a strong resemblance to the sedan. Move over to the side and that’s when you realise that what you’re seeing is something different. The long waistline of the car blends into the stylish rear that is inspired by the S-Class coupe while a canvas top in a contrasting shade completes the picture. The C Cabriolet does look premium and commands attention wherever you take it. For the body, you get a choice of 4 colours while for the roof you get to choose from 4 colours too. The styling looks complete and it has the usual royal sense that a Merc boasts of.
[flickr size=”center” float=”medium”]http://www.flickr.com/photos/motorbeam/33265209851/[/flickr]
The dashboard is shared with the C, lots of equipment on offer
Interiors – Step inside the C300 Cabriolet and you notice how a major part of the insides are again shared with the C-Class sedan. The dashboard has a similar layout as the sedan with the steering, instrument cluster, centre console, etc. feeling quite familiar. You also get the updated COMAND system but sadly there’s no touchscreen on offer. However, what you do get is a new set of buttons in the centre which toggle the roof operations. It takes 20 seconds for the soft top to open/close at speeds up to 50 km/hr. Along with that you also get an AirCap which is a spoiler-like wind deflector that pops out above the windscreen along with a screen below the rear seats. Aim? Reduce wind turbulence. Works? Not much of a difference.
[flickr size=”center” float=”medium”]http://www.flickr.com/photos/motorbeam/32578916723/[/flickr]
Some additional buttons on centre console for the roof
Most of the components are shared with C sedan, which is actually a good thing
The front seats are extremely comfortable with good levels of support for the thighs, back, lumbar, etc. The seats are expectedly electrically adjustable and come with memory function too. Space at the front is pretty much more than enough. The doors have a wide opening and the seats move all the way ahead for the rear passengers to get in easily. However, space at the rear is slightly compromised but still it is decent enough for medium-sized adults to sit. What you also get is a host of equipment like Burmester audio system, park assist, navigation, LED lights, etc. since the C300 is offered in only 1 trim. However, what is disappointing is the boot space which isn’t that great and worsens when you open the top, thus reducing the practicality factor.
