Mercedes-Benz Launches C-Class and S-Class Cabriolets In India

Staying true to its promise of 12 cars in 2016, Mercedes-Benz has today added two new cars to its product portfolio. After their debut in the international market, the German carmaker has launched the cabriolet versions of the C-Class and S-Class in India, carrying a sticker price of Rs 60 lakh and Rs 2.25 crore respectively (both prices are ex-showroom, Delhi). Both cars will be available in India via the CBU route. We have already driven the India-bound C300 Cabriolet in the scenic landscape of north-eastern Italy; click here to read the review.

Let’s talk about the C-Class Cabriolet first. Introduced in the ‘C300’ variant, it is the most affordable convertible by Mercedes-Benz in the Indian market. The overall design of the convertible is based on the C-Class coupe. The only major change in design is the S-Class Cabrio-inspired tail lights and the fabric roof. The interiors are almost identical to the C-Class sedan variant. The main highlight of the car is the soft top that can be folded away under 20 seconds at speeds up to 50kmph. Under the hood, the car is powered by the 2.0-litre turbocharged 4-cylinder petrol motor that produced 244PS of max power and 370Nm of peak torque. The power is transmitted to the rear wheels through a 9G-TRONIC gearbox. 

The second convertible, joining Mercedes-Benz’s flagship S-Class range, is the S500 Cabriolet. The manufacturer claims that in spite of featuring a soft top the S500 Cabrio is one of the quietest convertibles in the world. Making a comeback after 45 years, the S-Class Cabrio marks its re-entry with distinctive and exclusive design, packed with the cutting-edge technology of the S-Class. Powering this beauty is a 4.7-litre V8 engine developing 455PS of power and 700Nm of peak torque. Transmission duties are handled by a 9G-TRONIC auto box transmitting power to the rear wheels. 

In India, for its segment, the C300 Cabriolet does not have any direct rivals. However, the Audi A3 cabriolet can be considered as its only competition. While for the S500 Cabriolet, the closest rival is the Maserati GranCabrio and the Bentley Continental GTC although higher in terms of price.