2016 Mercedes C 300 cabriolet review, test drive

Mercedes' C-class cabriolet is good-looking and drives well too. It takes open-top motoring to a whole new level.

Published on Jul 22, 2016 07:00:00 AM

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2016 Mercedes C 300 cabriolet review, test drive

Make : Mercedes-Benz

Model : C-Class

The rain comes almost as soon as I set off. First in large, coin-sized droplets that thud against the canvas top, and then in a steadier, more even flow, with rivulets running down the side of the car. I twirl the slick steering, point the nose of the Merc down the side road and ease forward. There’s a vineyard up ahead and the winding road looks quite inviting. A mere pat on the accelerator gets the C cabriolet moving smartly, and the purr from under the bonnet and the creamy throttle response are so sophisticated, the car really feels relaxed and easy to drive.

In fact, its whole demeanour is laid-back and fuss free. And sitting in the driver’s seat feels more like sitting in your favourite armchair, with you cocooned in your own bubble of refinement and calm. These thick pile leather chairs aren’t the regular seats off the C-class for sure: they feel so sumptuous and comfortable. And with the driving mode set to Comfort, the C-class cabriolet just seems to glide over any and all of the rough patches; of which, there are quite a few on these side roads. What also gets my attention as we carry on up the road is that the suspension works silently, and there’s almost no up and down movement from these air springs. And it seems to just float over some of the rougher bits like it’s a mini S-class when I up the pace a bit. Magic.

Then, just as it seems like the rain just won’t let up, we see a patch of blue in the distance and the rain slows to a soft drizzle. Time to jump out, find a suitable backdrop and take some pictures. And doesn’t Merc’s new drop-top look just stunning; especially with the hood down. There’s a nice wedge-like taper to the rear, the sharp lines stand out on this ‘Polar White’ car and there seems to be plenty of character from just about any angle.