With over a year left until the first ever convertible variant of the Mercedes-Benz C-Class is unveiled, the Germans are still getting busy with a number of pre-production prototypes, one of which was recently spotted right outside the Mercedes-Benz research and development center in Sindelfingen.
If our information is correct, the production model should be unveiled at the 2015 edition of the Frankfurt Motor Show, with deliveries to probably start at or closer to the beginning of 2016.
In other words, the C-Class Cabriolet (A205) is now in its final development stage, which explains the odd round taillights and the heavy camouflage on the retractable soft top, both of which will obviously not be featured in the production variant.
Based on the Mercedes-Benz MRA (Modular Rear Architecture) platform that was recently-introduced by the C-Class sedan, the new convertible will be the entry-level four-seat convertible in the Mercedes-Benz range and the fourth model in the C-Class lineup – after the sedan, station wagon and coupe.
Unlike other car manufacturers, Mercedes-Benz actually started developing the convertible independently from the coupe instead of just chopping the roof off the coupe and then strengthening the remaining chassis, which makes us believe that the weight difference between the two will be less than you would normally expect.
Though not unconfirmed yet, there is a rumor that the fantastic AirCap anti-draft system from the Mercedes-Benz E-Class Cabrio will trickle down to the C-Class convertible as well, meaning that the interior atmosphere should be pretty cosy even with the top down, especially with the AirScarf neck-heating system.
Engine-wise, the least powerful unit on the C-Class Cabrio will consist of the turbocharged 1.6-liter turbocharged four-cylinder in the C 180, while a C 63 AMG Cabrio version hasn't been confirmed but is very likely at this point.
In other words, the C-Class Cabriolet (A205) is now in its final development stage, which explains the odd round taillights and the heavy camouflage on the retractable soft top, both of which will obviously not be featured in the production variant.
Based on the Mercedes-Benz MRA (Modular Rear Architecture) platform that was recently-introduced by the C-Class sedan, the new convertible will be the entry-level four-seat convertible in the Mercedes-Benz range and the fourth model in the C-Class lineup – after the sedan, station wagon and coupe.
Unlike other car manufacturers, Mercedes-Benz actually started developing the convertible independently from the coupe instead of just chopping the roof off the coupe and then strengthening the remaining chassis, which makes us believe that the weight difference between the two will be less than you would normally expect.
Though not unconfirmed yet, there is a rumor that the fantastic AirCap anti-draft system from the Mercedes-Benz E-Class Cabrio will trickle down to the C-Class convertible as well, meaning that the interior atmosphere should be pretty cosy even with the top down, especially with the AirScarf neck-heating system.
Engine-wise, the least powerful unit on the C-Class Cabrio will consist of the turbocharged 1.6-liter turbocharged four-cylinder in the C 180, while a C 63 AMG Cabrio version hasn't been confirmed but is very likely at this point.