When the new
Mercedes-Benz C-Class sedan and coupe hit the streets, they brought S-Class
styling and technology at a fraction of the price. Now, Mercedes-Benz adds
three new convertible models to the C-Class mix, and like the hardtop versions
also called the C300, AMG C43 and AMG C63S.
 | |
| Mercedes Benz Convertible C-Class Line C300, AMG C43 and AMG C63S |
There a
minimum differences between the three different models. They all feature a
sharp horizontal crease along the side, upswept headlights and a curvy rear
end. They also all share the same convertible top, one that opens and closes in
20 seconds. When opened up the convertible top leaves plenty of room in the
trunk for you to store 2 golf bags.
Underneath
the hood is where these cars differ. The C300, being the least powerful of the
three. It sports a 2-liter turbo engine that puts out 245 horsepower and 273-
pound- foot torque and has a nine-speed transmission.
The midrange
AMG C43 convertible has a 3-liter V6 puts out 367 horsepower and 384 pound-foot
torque. The standard rear-biased 4Matic all-wheel drive system gives it most of
the fun of a rear-wheel drive car but with a bit more stability and poise. The
nine-speed automatic transmission is the same as in the C300, but with more
power on tap.
The big
daddy of the C-Class convertibles is the AMG C63S. The 4-liter biturbo V8 puts
out 510 horsepower and 516 pound-feet of torque, all going to the rear wheels
through a seven-speed automatic transmission. The Sport Plus mode ratchets up
the stiffness in the chassis to a point not felt in the other two convertibles.
The transmission can be locked into manual mode, like the C43, but the lack of
two extra gears means the car wails a bit more when pushed to the limit.
