THE NEW MERCEDES-AMG C43 CABRIOLET
Open for maximum driving pleasure
February 29, 2016 – Affalterbach — Mercedes-AMG is unveiling the first open-top member of the still young C-Class family in the shape of the new C43 Cabriolet. Just like the C43 Coupe, the all-season Cabriolet features a combination of a 362 hp 3.0-liter V6 Biturbo engine, fast-acting 9G-TRONIC automatic transmission and standard-fit AMG Performance 4MATIC all-wheel drive. The open-air enjoyment for four people is backed by the brand’s hallmark Driving Performance thanks to discrete suspension with stiffer elastokinematics unique to AMG and three-stage adjustable damping.
Mercedes-AMG is bringing two models from the C-Class performance family to the 2016 Geneva Motor Show. In addition to the C43 Coupe, the sports car and performance brand based in Affalterbach is now also showcasing the C43 Cabriolet. “The AMG product portfolio will continue to grow rapidly this year, making the world of Driving Performance more diverse than ever.Our new product line continues to expand at a fast pace and, with the C43 Cabriolet, we are offering a younger target group yet another alternative to discover the fascinating world of AMG,” says Tobias Moers, Chief Executive of Mercedes-AMG GmbH.
The 3.0-liter V6 Biturbo engine provides impressive performance with 362 hp and peak torque of 384 lb-ft, sprinting from 0-60 mph in 4.7 seconds and on to a top speed of 155 mph (electronically limited). The agile driving experience is mainly thanks to the standard-fit AMG Performance 4MATIC all-wheel drive with rear-biased torque distribution, newly developed front axle, stiff elastokinematics and highly precise steering.
Key data
| Mercedes-AMG C 43 Cabriolet | |
| Engine | 3.0-liter V6 Biturbo |
| Displacement | 2996 cc |
| Output | 362 hp @ 5500-6000 rpm |
| Peak torque | 384 lb-ft. @ 2000-4200 rpm |
| Acceleration 0-60 mph | 4.7 s |
| Top speed | 155 mph* |
*Electronically limited
The highlights
- 3.0-liter V6 Biturbo engine with modified engine control unit for increased boost and high-revving ability
- 9G-TRONIC automatic transmission with double-declutching function when shifting down and exhilaratingly short response times in “Sport Plus” mode
- AMG Performance 4MATIC all-wheel drive with rear-biased torque distribution of 31 to 69 percent (front axle to rear axle)
- AMG RIDE CONTROL sport suspension with adaptive variable damping in three stages; mode can be selected via button, adopted from Mercedes-AMG C63
- AMG DYNAMIC SELECT switch for dynamic, individually-selectable driving experience with five drive modes and AMG-specific tuning
- Three-stage ESP® Electronic Stability Program
- Front axle with newly developed steering knuckles and load-bearing joints on the spring link. Elastokinematic adjustments to the links have been adopted from the Mercedes-AMG C63
- Rear axle with elastokinematics tailored to higher driving dynamics
- Large braking system with internally ventilated compound brake discs, perforated at the front with a diameter of 14.2”, and with a diameter of 12.6” at the rear
- AMG styling with distinctive front and rear bumper as well as special tailpipes
- Diamond radiator grill with chrome-plated pins and louvers in high-gloss black
- 18″ AMG light-alloy wheels in 5-spoke design, painted high-gloss black with a high-sheen finish
- AMG instrument cluster with checkered flag design with 180 mph scale and AMG main menu
- Multifunction sports steering wheel in leather with deep embossing in grip area, flattened bottom section and red contrasting topstitching
- Upholstery in MB-Tex / DINAMICA microfiber in black with sport seat upholstery layout and red topstitching
- Fully automatic all-season fabric soft top offering outstanding climate comfort and an exceptionally low noise level, which can be opened or closed in just 20 seconds when driving at a speed of up to 31 mph
AMG-specific: the 3.0-liter V6 Biturbo engine
The C43’s 3.0-liter V6 Biturbo engine has seen several technical advances including a modified boost pressure allowed AMG engineers to increase the engine’s power output and torque as well as its dynamism and flexibility to AMG levels. With 362 hp and 384 lb-ft, the V6 engine sets new standards in its segment. The NANOSLIDE® coating of the cylinder liners is also used in the Formula One engines of the MERCEDES-AMG PETRONAS team. Especially tough and wear-resistant, this coating reduces friction, thereby contributing to higher efficiency. The AMG powerplant can be identified by the red aluminum insert in the engine cover.
Short shift times, high efficiency: 9G-TRONIC
The 9G-TRONIC automatic transmission is especially matched to the demands of the Mercedes-AMG C43. Thanks to the model-specific software application, AMG developers managed to substantially reduce the shift times of the 9-speed transmission. The ability to downshift multiple gears at once allows for even faster short bursts of speed, while the double-declutching function in the “Sport” and “Sport Plus” transmission modes makes for an even more emotional driving experience. Defined ignition adjustments also provide faster gearshifts in the “Eco” and “Comfort” modes.
“Manual” mode can be enabled by pressing a button on the center console. The gear changes are based on the selected transmission mode, and the driver can change gears using the paddles on the steering wheel. Moreover, the transmission stays in the selected gear and does not automatically shift up when the engine speed reaches redline.
With automatic adjustable damping: the sport suspension
Equipped as standard with the AMG RIDE CONTROL sport suspension with adaptive three-stage adjustable damping, the Mercedes-AMG C43 Cabriolet has all the right ingredients to deliver outstanding driving dynamics and exceptionally high comfort on long journeys. The front axle has been provided with stiffer steering knuckles, improved elastokinematics and increased negative camber. In combination with the likewise newly developed wishbone guide bearings, this design results in significantly more agile cornering plus more precise and direct suspension feedback from the road. The driver can select the automatic adjustable damping system’s three suspension modes “Comfort,” “Sport” and “Sport Plus” using a button on the center console to fully customize the driving impression.
Characteristics at the tap of a finger: AMG DYNAMIC SELECT
With the five AMG DYNAMIC SELECT transmission modes “Eco,” “Comfort,” “Sport,” “Sport Plus” and “Individual,” the driver can tailor the characteristics of the C43 Cabriolet to further individualize the vehicle at the tap of a finger. The available range extends from efficient and comfortable to very sporty. These modes modify several key parameters, including the response of the engine, transmission, suspension and steering.
In order to increase efficiency, the ECO start/stop function and the ‘sailing’ function reduce fuel consumption in “Eco” mode; when the driver releases the accelerator in a speed range between 37 and 99 mph, the clutch is disengaged and the engine is decoupled from the powertrain. The electronics reduce the engine speed to idle level and driving resistance is reduced by the compression and frictional forces of the engine in overrun mode.
Direct and with clear feedback: speed-sensitive sports steering
The speed-sensitive sport steering assists the agile cornering of the new C43 Cabriolet. It stands out with its precise, highly authentic feedback. The servo assistance can be varied with the “Comfort” or “Sport” settings. The relevant characteristics are automatically activated depending on the selected DYNAMIC SELECT transmission mode or can be personalized in “Individual” mode.
Muscular with an emphasis on width: the exterior design
The Mercedes-AMG C43 Cabriolet is likewise sporty in appearance, making it instantly recognizable as a member of the AMG family. Characteristic features include distinctive AMG styling as well as specific light-alloy wheels, underscoring the brand’s progressive nature and performance. The engine cover has a red aluminum insert that accentuates the strengths of the six-cylinder Biturbo engine.
Exterior AMG styling includes the front apron with sporty distinctive air intakes, diamond meshes, silver chrome trim, as well as the rear bumper with matte iridium silver diffuser insert. The diamond radiator grill features chrome-plated pins, louvers in high-gloss black and AMG lettering. A silver-chrome front splitter ensures an optimal flow of air to various cooling modules.
Additional highlights include black exterior mirror housings as well as the two chrome-plated tailpipes with a center divider. Further striking features come courtesy of the new “BITURBO – 4MATIC” lettering on the front fenders and the “AMG” (left) and “C43″ (right) lettering on the trunk lid.
AMG 5-spoke light-alloy wheels painted in high-gloss black with a high-sheen finish round off the design visually. Size 225/45 R 18 tires on 7.5 x 18 light-alloy wheels are fitted at the front, while the rear axle comes with 245/40 R 18 tires on 8.5 x 18 wheels. 19” light-alloy wheels in various designs are optionally available for even greater individualization.
Sporty look with model-specific details: the interior design
The interior reinforces the consistently dynamic bias with numerous specially designed details. Ideal for a spirited driving style, the multifunction sport steering wheel in black leather features a flattened bottom section and red contrasting topstitching.
The driver finds a secure and comfortable seating position even at speed thanks to improved lateral support provided by sport seats. The MB-Tex / DINAMICA microfiber upholstery and the instrument panel trimmed with MB-Tex create a sporty ambience. The man-made leather is also used on the upper edges of the body, the armrests, the door center panels and the center console. Red contrasting topstitching, designo red safety belts and black floor mats with red edging add attractive highlights. The aluminum trim pieces with light-tone longitudinal grain embedded in the instrument panel and the doors provide effective contrasts.
The AMG instrument cluster delivers all relevant information in a clearly arranged layout optimized for a dynamic driving style. An authentic sports car look and feel is provided by two tube-shaped round dials, 4.5-inch multifunction color display, RACETIMER and 180 mph scale in checkered-flag design.
Suitability for everyday use is additionally enhanced by intelligent comfort functions such as optional AIRSCARF neck-level heating, operation of the fabric soft top while driving (up to 31 mph, initiated below 3 mph) and optional automatic closing of the boot separator.
Exclusive options include the fully automatic fabric acoustic soft top, which is available in black, dark blue, brown or dark red. The multi-layered structure incorporating various insulation materials effectively reduces ambient noise and thus reduces the interior noise level.
The 2017 Mercedes-AMG C43 Cabriolet launches in the fall.
2017 Mercedes-Benz C300 Cabriolet
THE NEW C-CLASS CABRIOLET
Unlimited opening times
February 29, 2016 – Stuttgart — Mercedes-Benz is launching into the open-air season with the first cabriolet based on the C-Class, thereby rounding off its range of cabriolets with a classic fabric soft top. The new cabriolet’s design interprets modern luxury with a youthful touch. Featuring plenty of high-quality details, its distinctive character is most apparent when the top is down. The cabriolet comes standard with AIRSCARF neck-level heating and optionally available AIRCAP automatic draft stop system for exceptional comfort during open-top driving 365 days a year. Efficient, powerful engines and a suspension designed for dynamics (with optional AIRMATIC air suspension on the C300) ensure sportily agile handling. The new 9G-TRONIC 9-speed automatic transmission is standard for all engine variants. Also on board: proven assistance systems and state-of-the-art infotainment. The new C-Class Cabriolet launches in late summer 2016.
“Our new C-Class Cabriolet is the entry into the world of premium cabriolets from Mercedes-Benz. Sporty and youthful in character and styling, it offers unadulterated open-air driving pleasure all year round,” says Prof. Dr. Thomas Weber, Member of the Board of Management of Daimler AG and responsible for Group Research and Mercedes-Benz Cars Development.
Sporty and youthful
As the new entry-level model into the cabriolet world of Mercedes-Benz, the C300 Cabriolet, available in both rear-wheel-drive and 4MATIC drivetrains, is a consistent embodiment of the Mercedes-Benz design philosophy: sensual purity as the definition of contemporary luxury. It exhibits an independence of character with a visibly sporty expression and youthfully fresh appeal.
With its top up, the profile of the new two-door cabriolet resembles that of the
C-Class Coupe with virtually identical basic dimensions: with a striking front end featuring a diamond radiator grill, standard LED headlamps, long hood and high beltline. Its tightly stretched soft top with glass window transitions harmoniously into the distinctly styled rear end, which has a highly sporty look with its wide shoulders and flat LED tail lights.
The dimensions at a glance:
| Cabriolet | Coupe | Difference | |
| Wheelbase (in) | 111.8 | 111.8 | 0 |
| Length (in) | 184.5 | 184.5 | 0 |
| Width (in) | 71.2 | 71.2 | 0 |
| Height (in) | 55.5 | 55.3 | +.2 |
At the sides, an elongated dropping line extending over the rear wheel arch lends an emphasis typical of Mercedes-Benz design. Thanks to its 0.6-inch lower suspension as standard compared with the sedan, the vehicle already gives a sporty impression with its standard 18-inch standard tires, underlining the sporty character of the Cabriolet.
AMG version with distinct looks
The same dropping line is taken up by the new Mercedes-AMG C43 Cabriolet which has an even sportier look with its distinct AMG design and specific light-alloy wheels. It thus underscores the progressive nature and performance of the brand.
Exterior and interior from the same mold
With the roof open, the meticulously coordinated harmony between exterior and interior design becomes apparent. High-grade details include chrome trim on the A-pillar and windscreen as well as a beltline molding, which extends as far as the soft-top compartment, which it borders with a broad chrome trim.
Premium-class fabric soft top
The fully automatic multi-layer fabric acoustic soft top comes standard in black and is additionally available in dark brown, dark blue and dark red. The multi-layer acoustic soft top noticeably improves speech intelligibility, including at high speeds, and provides better insulation from disruptive ambient noise. The acoustic soft top thus offers optimal climate comfort and quiet-running characteristics.
Based on the S-Class Cabriolet, the soft top also meets high quality standards in terms of durability and function. It can be opened and closed in less than 20 seconds up to a speed of 31 mph. After opening, it folds down quietly and carefully and is stored in the soft-top compartment in the trunk. In terms of its shape and color, the cover of the soft-top compartment is an integral part of the interior and is made of the same material as the beltline.
Interior – modernity and lifestyle
The occupants enjoy an ambience that, while based on the interior of the C-Class sedan, offers a fresh interpretation with iconic cabriolet features. Especially high-grade materials and build quality give the interior a modern feel of sportiness. The equipment includes heat-reflecting leather in a total of five color shades (optional) as well as a curved switch in matte silver chrome in the center console for opening and closing the fully automatic cabriolet soft top. Based on the Coupe, the sport seats feature muscular side bolsters and organically integrated head restraints as well as standard AIRSCARF neck-level heating. Automatic belt extenders equipped as standard help the occupants with buckling up.
The individual rear seats offer a through-loading feature and can be split 50:50 for everyday practicality and can be individually folded down.
AMG with special details
The interior of the Mercedes-AMG C43 Cabriolet reinforces the consistently dynamic bias of the performance brand with numerous specially designed details. Ideal for a committed driving style, the multifunction sport steering wheel in black leather features a flattened bottom section and red contrasting topstitching.
Individual highlights
The Cabriolet already comes as standard with a high equipment specification, which is augmented by a wide range of individualization options (some examples: 13 upholstery variants, seven trim variants, four soft-top colors, twelve paint finishes – including a matte finish, leather-covered instrument panel). The roof liner of the soft top is available in black, porcelain and crystal grey. Numerous trim elements in sporty aluminum, carbon fiber or silver fiber glass are complemented by authentic open-pore wood in shades of brown and black.
The AMG-inspired “Sport Package” is available as an alternative to underline the dynamism of the Cabriolet. It differs by virtue of exterior features such as special bumpers and sills with AMG bodystyling, a diamond radiator grille with pins in chrome and 18-inch AMG light-alloy wheels. In the interior, the Sport Package comes with sporty, exclusive highlights, including a multifunction sports steering wheel with flattened bottom section as well as AMG sports pedals. Mechanically, the Sport Package gains a sport suspension and larger machined front brakes with Mercedes-Benz branded calipers.
At the market launch an Edition 1 C-Class Cabriolet will be available in limited supply on rear-wheel-drive and 4MATIC versions of the C300. With a host of perfectly coordinated equipment lines, it combines sportiness with lifestyle, thus perfectly fitting with the sporty-modern look of the new cabriolet.
Summer is included
Customers opting for a cabriolet like to drive with the top down as often as possible. As in the E- and S-Class Cabriolets, all occupants can enjoy maximum open-air comfort thanks to AIRCAP and AIRSCARF, which make the joys of open air driving pleasant even at low temperatures.
Inconspicuously integrated into the roof frame, the optional electric AIRCAP system was specially developed for Mercedes-Benz cabriolets and is coupled to an electric wind blocker behind the rear seats, which reduces the interior turbulence for the rear passengers at the press of a button. AIRCAP is part of the Premium Package. In combination with standard AIRSCARF, these systems extend the open-top driving season to the entire year.
Alternatively, there is also a standard manual folding wind blocker behind the front seats.
Suspension: sportily agile and comfortable
The suspension offers a high level of comfort with low road roar and tire vibration characteristics while ensuring agile driving dynamics – the basis for driving enjoyment. The suspension on the Cabriolet, which is 0.6-inches lower in comparison with the sedan, comes as standard with steel springs with a selective damping system. The sport suspension, included with the Sport Package on the C300 RWD and 4MATIC, has firmer springing and damping, including the Sport Direct-Steer system, making for even more agile handling.
Equipped as standard with the AMG RIDE CONTROL sport suspension with adaptive three-stage adjustable damping, the Mercedes-AMG C43 Cabriolet has all the right ingredients to deliver outstanding driving dynamics and exceptionally high comfort on long journeys. The front axle has been provided with stiffer steering knuckles, improved elastokinematics and increased negative camber. In combination with the likewise newly developed wishbone guide bearings, this design results in significantly more agile cornering plus more precise and direct suspension feedback from the road. The driver can select the automatic adjustable damping system’s three suspension modes “Comfort,” “Sport” and Sport Plus” using a button on the center console to fully customize the driving impression.
Riding on air
The C300 Cabriolet is optionally available with AIRMATIC air suspension, which is unique in the C-Class segment. Its electronically controlled, continuously adjustable damping on the front and rear axles ensures low road roar and tire vibration characteristics in every situation.
DYNAMIC SELECT – standard on all C-Class Cabrios – allows the driver to choose their desired setting: sporty, comfortable or fuel-efficient. To this end, the driver can select one of five transmission modes using the DYNAMIC SELECT switch: “ECO,” “Comfort,” “Sport,” “Sport Plus” and “Individual.” Selecting “Individual” allows the driver to customize the vehicle settings to suit their personal preferences.
Dynamic: 4 and 6-cylinder engines and, for the first time, 4MATIC
Powerful and efficient gasoline engines with ECO start/stop function and an extensive 4MATIC range make for sporty performance and driving pleasure all year round.
The new 9G-TRONIC automatic transmission is standard on all engine variants.
The model line-up at a glance:
| Cylinders/ arrangement | Displacement (cc) | Output (hp) | Torque (lb-ft.) | 0-60 mph (s) | Top Speed (mph) (electronically limited) |
|
| C300 RWD and 4MATIC | 4/in-line | 1991 | 241 | 273 | 6.3 | 130 |
| C43 | 6/V | 2996 | 362 | 384 | 4.7 | 155 |
All data provisional; *combined
Light and safe bodyshell
In a cabriolet, the lack of a roof often results in reduced body stiffness. This fact was taken into consideration by the designers in developing the C-Class sedan. This allowed them to adapt the bodyshell at the front end and on the floor to meet the particular needs of the Cabriolet. Consequently this model features an exemplary stiff design of the kind required for high driving dynamics.
The Coupe’s intelligent lightweight construction with a high proportion of aluminum was retained, including the fenders, hood and trunk lid.
Safe semi-autonomous driving to reduce stress
There are many safety and assistance systems based on the Mercedes-Benz Intelligent Drive concept to choose from. ATTENTION ASSIST with adjustable sensitivity, which can warn the driver of inattentiveness and drowsiness, is included as standard. Further standard equipment includes COLLISION PREVENTION ASSIST PLUS. In addition to a visual proximity warning and an additional audible collision warning, it includes Adaptive Brake Assist, which can help prevent collisions by boosting the brake pressure to suit the situation. When a danger of collision persists and the driver fails to respond, the system is able to carry out autonomous braking at speeds of up to 122 mph, thereby reducing the severity of collisions with slower or stationary vehicles or, in the best-case scenario, even avoiding a collision altogether. At speeds of up to 31 mph, the system also brakes in response to stationary vehicles and is thus able to help prevent rear-end collisions at up to 25 mph.
The optionally available Driving Assistance package includes additional assistance systems that have been significantly extended in terms of their functions. As part of the Intelligent Drive concept, these merge data from various sensor technologies, such as radar sensors and stereo camera and thus make for significantly enhanced safety and comfort. These functions include DISTRONIC PLUS with Steering Assist, PRE-SAFE® Brake with pedestrian detection plus the Brake Assist BAS PLUS, which also offers situation-adaptive brake boosting if there is a risk of collision from crossing traffic. A further function of the Driving Assistance package is Active Lane Keeping Assist, which is capable of preventing unintentional lane departure by means of one-sided, lane-correcting application of the brakes. The system intervenes if the driver crosses a solid lane marking and can assist even in the case of discontinuous lane markings if there is a risk of collision with a vehicle in the adjacent lane.
The multiplicity of assistance systems also includes a Parking Assist for semi-automated parking; a 360° camera for assistance during parking and maneuvering and Adaptive Highbeam Assist Plus, which allows continuous high beam by selectively blanking out other vehicles from the high-beam light cone.
Safe protection
In an accident, optimal protection is afforded by the high structural safety of the body as well as by the restraint systems, especially the comprehensive complement of airbags. These include:
- adaptive front airbags for driver and front passenger
- kneebags on both the driver and passenger side
- thorax/pelvis bags for driver and front passenger
- windowbags integrated in the top edges of the front door panels
A roll-over protection system has been specifically designed for the Cabriolet. It consists of two cartridges that are fully retracted behind the rear seats and therefore invisible. If a roll-over is imminent, these cartridges are pyrotechnically fired out to provide a survival space together with the A-pillar.
Sensitive climate control for open-air driving
Specially developed for cabriolets, the climate control system responds to whether the vehicle is being driven with the roof up or down. With the roof closed, the system performs in the same way as in the Coupe. With the soft top down, the climate control system adapts by blowing warmer air onto the driver’s hands on the steering wheel and deactivating the air recirculation function. The special adjustments for open-top driving make allowance for whether cooling or heating is required and respond sensitively to the transition zones in between.
Vibrant infotainment experience
Intuitive operation with animations and visual effects is offered by the infotainment system. Frontbass ensures a listening experience almost on a par with a concert hall – especially if equipped with the optional Burmester® sound system. The Frontbass system uses the space within the cross-member and side member in the body structure as a resonance chamber for the bass speakers.
The navigation system, which supplies the driver with precise traffic information in real time, processes its contents interactively.
The optionally available COMAND Online system provides not only a larger display of 8.4” and a resolution of 960 x 540 pixels, but offers hard-drive navigation, integral WiFi hotspot functionality and LINGUATRONIC voice control as well as many other features.
Mercedes me connect: connected with the car
Like other models, the new C-Class Cabriolet comes with an extensive range of free Standard Services and Remote Online Services as part of the mbrace connect. Standard Services include automatic emergency call, Accident Recovery as well as breakdown assistance and after-sales service. The Remote Online services make it possible at any time and from anywhere to access vehicle information such as the status of windows and doors, mileage, tire pressures and other diagnostic data.
The 2017 Mercedes-Benz C300 Cabriolet launches in late summer in both rear-wheel-drive and 4MATIC configurations. The 2017 Mercedes-AMG C43 Cabriolet launches in the fall.
