Brabus to unveil 650hp version of the Mercedes C-Class sedan

Debuting tomorrow at the 2016 Geneva Motor Show and set to go on sale later this year as a 2017 model, the new C-Class Cabriolet marks the three-pointed star’s first true foray into the compact convertible segment, reports Motor Authority. The models of the auto that were highlighted in the show were the Mercedes-Benz C300 Cabriolet and the more powerful Mercedes-AMG C43 4MATIC Cabriolet.

Mated to this powerhouse is the 9G-TRONIC automatic transmission which has double-de-clutching function which comes to play during downshifts and particularly short response time when in “Sport Plus” mode.

Mercedes-Benz promises that, thanks to an intelligent lightweight construction, the C-Class Cabriole doesn’t suffer from the usual illness of this type of body structure: reduced stiffness. The C43 carries on with its 3.0-liter twin-turbo V-6, putting out 362 hp and 384 lb-ft of torque, offered with the same nine-speed.

The Brabus 650 Mercedes C-Class offers serious drivers 367hp, a 0-100km/h time of 4.7 seconds and a top speed of 250km/h.

More prosaic C-Class Cabriolets can be had with a choice of petrol and diesel engines, including the 154bhp C180, 182bhp C200, 208bhp C250, 243bhp C300 and 330bhp C400, with diesel options of the 168bhp C220d and 201bhp C250d.

The Mercedes-Benz C-Class convertible has already been unveiled, but you can get a better look when it rolls out during the automaker’s press conference. When folded away, the roof is stored in the boot. The vehicle runs on 18-inch AMG 5-spoke light-alloy wheels, painted in high-gloss black with a high-sheen finish.

Britain loves a cabrio, and Britain is quite cold, so keeping you warm is Merc’s optional Airscarf system, which blows hot air onto the back of your neck as you drive along. Top speed is electronically limited to 155 miles per hour. 4Matic all-wheel drive is standard. A sport suspension and AIRMATIC air suspension are available as optional upgrades.

Standard features include Mercedes’ Attention Assist driver-drowsiness monitor, forward collision warning with automatic emergency braking, blind spot warning, a backup camera, pop-up roll bars behind the rear seats and upward-deploying side curtain airbags in the front doors. Buyers can also choose from active lane keeping assistance, adaptive cruise control, a 360-degree parking assistance program and pedestrian detection.

Basically, the C-Class Convertible is everything you’d expect from an open-top C-Class.