Despite being based on the same MRA (Modular Rear-wheel-drive Architecture) platform as the Mercedes-Benz C-Class Sedan and Coupe, the first ever C-Class drop top has had the longest development of them all.
In fact, Mercedes-Benz started testing pre-production prototypes of the C-Class Cabriolet as early as 2013, months before even the sedan version was unveiled.
The reason behind such a long gestation is most likely linked to a very simple motive: the new convertible is not an afterthought like the C204 Coupe was for the previous C-Class generation, but a model designed from the ground up as a four-seat convertible.
Set to be introduced in less than two weeks, at the 2016 Geneva Motor Show, the new drop top Benz will offer a similar engine lineup as its Coupe sibling, including a hardcore Mercedes-AMG C63 version to go against the BMW M4 Cabrio.
Unlike the Bimmer, Mercedes has opted to go the canvas roof way for a more classic convertible appearance. Another big difference compared to its arch enemy from Stuttgart will be the inclusion of a system that made the old E-Class Cabriolet one of the coolest four-seat convertibles on the planet.
Called AirCap, the system makes the car look a bit funky when in use, but its anti-draft capabilities more than make up for that small downside. The short teaser below shows it in action inside the Mercedes-Benz wind tunnel, and it looks like it will be at least as effective as the one from the E-Class.
In fact, an even less attractive predecessor to the AirCap system was first fitted to an E-Class A124 Cabriolet prototype as early as 1991, but thankfully the current version is more pleasing to the eye.
As you probably guessed, AirCap works by using an automatic wind deflector that extends from above the windshield and a draft-stop behind the rear seats. Working together, the two parts create a windless cocoon of peace inside the car even at higher speeds with the roof down.
We'll know more details about the new C-Class Cabrio in just a few days, so stay tuned!
Alex handled his first real steering wheel at the age of five (on a field) and started practicing "Scandinavian Flicks" at 14 (on non-public gravel roads). Following his time at the University of Journalism, he landed his first real job at the local franchise of Top Gear magazine a few years before Mircea (Panait). Not long after, Alex entered the New Media realm with the autoevolution.com project. Full profile
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