cars news 10: 2017 Mercedes-Benz C-Class Cabriolet Drops its Top

The Mercedes-Benz C-Class was completely redesigned for the 2017 model year, and with the coupe model soon to hit U.S. dealerships, the automaker has revealed its drop-top counterpart. The 2017 Mercedes-Benz C-Class will feature a classic fabric soft top and will be available in both 4Matic and rear-wheel drive configurations.

The new entry-level Mercedes-Benz convertible will be powered by a 241-hp inline-four that propels it from 0-60 mph in 6.3 seconds and to an electronically limited top speed of 130 mph, according to the automaker. The engine is paired with the new standard 9G-Tronic automatic transmission, start/stop system, and comes with five selectable drive modes. In addition, Mercedes is showing the 2017 Mercedes-AMG C63 Cabriolet, which packs the same 362-hp, 384-lb-ft twin-turbo 3.0-liter V-6 as the C43 coupe. Mercedes estimates the car can hit 60 mph in 4.7 seconds, just a tenth of a second slower than its coupe counterpart.

Designers of the new C-Class Cabriolet adapted the body shell of the coupe model to provide more body stiffness. The drop-top also features a lightweight construction of aluminum, including the fenders, hood, and trunklid. To improve open-air driving, Mercedes added the optional electric Aircap system, which is coupled to an electric wind blocker behind the rear seats.

Mercedes will offer its Attention Assist and Collision Prevention Assist safety systems as standard features on the new 2017 C-Class Cabriolet. Optional safety features include the Driving Assistance package, which includes Distronic Plus with Steering Assist, Pre-Safe Brake with pedestrian detection, and the Brake Assist BAS Plus system.

The new 2017 Mercedes-Benz C-Class Cabriolet will hit the U.S. market late this summer.

Source: Mercedes-Benz