A few weeks in the past I used to be given a Mercedes C220d cabriolet to drive for the weekend by my native Mercedes dealership. The climate was bitterly chilly and frosty each mornings nonetheless the clear blue skies made for excellent, gratifying driving situations with the highest down.

I used to be supplied the selection of a Mercedes GLA, Mercedes C-Class Property and a C-Class cabriolet. I selected the latter as I just like the traces of the most recent Mercedes C-Class coupe and cabriolet.

The actual specification of this mannequin was a C220 4MATIC AMG Line Premium Plus diesel. The C220 specified is a 2.1 litre twin-turbo diesel engine. The 4MATIC interprets to 4 wheel drive and AMG Line is the trim specification which incorporates bigger design alloy wheels, sporty entrance and rear bumpers plus facet skirts and upgraded inside.

19″ multi spoke AMG alloy wheels

The C220d cabriolet has 170bhp, 0-62mph time of 8.1 seconds and high pace of 140mph. The transmission is a seamless 9G-automatic gearbox. The bottom value of a Mercedes C220d AMG Line 4MATIC cabriolet is £43,235 with no added extras.

Normal tools contains:

• Absolutely electrical roof that folds in solely 24 seconds, able to opening and shutting as much as 30mph
• AirScarf for the entrance two seats which ventilates heat air to the occupiers’ necks
• Keyless Entry and begin, computerized lights and wipers
• 18 inch AMG alloy wheels with Mercedes branded brake calipers
• Electrically adjustable entrance sports activities seats with built-in headrests
• Seatbelt mechanism that arms seatbelt ahead to entrance seats

The added Premium Plus package deal contains an upgraded Comand multimedia and sat-nav system, Burmester encompass sound audio system, ambient lighting, reminiscence operate for each entrance seats and steering wheel and electrical boot lid. The overall value for this elective additional package deal is £1,300. Metallic black paint is a further additional at a value of £645. 19″ multi-spoke alloy wheels are a further £595.

The general value for a mannequin with this specification can be roughly £46k.

I’m an enormous fan of the most recent Mercedes C-Class coupe and cabriolet fashions. I believe the outside of the automobile is nice with lengthy, sweeping traces and aesthetically good to take a look at. The cabriolet with the roof down has a extremely elongated, tasteful look with out being too blingy. The correct quantity of chrome units the automobile off properly. With the C-Class, I notably like how the 19″ multi-spoke AMG alloys, together with the twin exhaust pipes set the Mercedes cabriolet off.

The sharp nostril, LED headlights, chrome pins in radiator grille and lengthy bonnet set the automobile up for that sporty, but refined look. When viewing from exterior, the C class cabriolet appears hunkered to the bottom due to lowered suspension as a part of the lowered Mercedes suspension.

Contained in the Mercedes C-Class cabriolet is a beautiful place to be. The open-pore ash black wooden trim, stainless silver parts and central analogue clock make it really feel luxurious, while not being excessive. The central show unit is to not everybody’s style, to some showing caught on as an afterthought however I believe it provides the automobile a contemporary focus. The multimedia and management centre is extraordinarily intuitive and straightforward to make use of. From right here you’ll be able to alter together with radio stations, satellite tv for pc navigation, bluetooth cellphone connectivity, USB inputs, driving particulars and statistics and set the ambient lighting of the automobile, plus way more. The gloss black mouse trying touchpad at arm stage controls the show, subsequent to it is a rolling button to pick out the dynamic stage of the automobile.

The settings embody Eco, Consolation, Sport, Sport+ and Particular person. Eco mode retains the engine at low revs and selects the next gear, sooner, to save lots of on gasoline financial system, along with reducing the engine at idle. Consolation is the center floor possibility that’s chosen by default when the automobile is switched on. Sport will get extra responsive gear modifications, firmer steering, longer RPM modifications and in contrast to consolation, will begin in 1st gear and never second, amongst different issues.

The flat bottomed, multi operate sports activities steering wheel is wrapped partly in leather-based and from right here you’ll be able to management options like voice command, sound quantity and the automobile’s pc show between the dials.

The seats are actually snug and supportive. These specific ones have been completed in black artico leather-based and as commonplace on all cabriolets, embody the airscarf operate which vents heat air onto your neck. Along with the heated seats, this was a terrific contact and welcomed characteristic within the chilly climate. The 2 rear passenger seats have been enough for passengers too, one journey I had a automobile full and there have been no complaints on headspace with the roof up, or lack of leg house.

The centre console is cut up, opened on the contact of a launch button and contains two auxiliary USB multimedia slots for telephones or MP3 gamers. The silver button in entrance of the centre console is the cabriolet roof operate, whereby totally different ranges of the roof will be chosen together with having fully down, windbreak up and fully up. These modifications will be made at speeds of as much as 30mph.

The roof may also be opened or closed by the important thing fob, along with the automated boot opening. Regardless of the roof taking on a sizeable portion of the boot, the house is de facto deep so would supply loads of house for on a regular basis utilization, not restricted in any respect.

A useful characteristic while you get into the automobile and sit at your seat, a mechanical lever arms you the seat belt from behind, saving the necessity to twist round and pull it from behind your self.

The engine of the automobile was the extra modest and sensible 2.1L diesel twin-turbo, which has greater than enough energy for on a regular basis utilization however doesn’t blow you away by way of agility and acceleration. Bigger engine sizes will tick this field, with the vary topping C63 AMG offering the enjoyable and sound from the 4.0L V8.

I believe I averaged MPG within the mid thirties, which is to be anticipated, nonetheless my journeys have been largely quick city runs and didn’t embody any prolonged motorway cruising.

On the entire, I believe the Mercedes C-class cabriolet is a superb automobile to drive, notably in these summer season months if you’re lucky sufficient to expertise heat, sunny climate. Regardless of the climate being chilly and frosty the weekend I had this automobile, I loved driving it, partly as a result of properly thought out airscarf and heated seat options that took the sting out of the chilly. The drive is snug, refined and gives a stage of driving pleasure you’ll be able to solely get from a convertible. Mercedes have finished a extremely good job at offering excessive ranges of consolation, practicality and attractiveness of their C-Class cabriolet.

What do you consider the Mercedes C-Class cabriolet?

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