by Aiden Eksteen
Mercedes' latest sedans, coupes, and convertibles certainly raise the bar of modernity and luxury, but most people don't want to or can't afford to drop over six figures for such an indulgence. Fret not, as the 2021 Mercedes-Benz C-Class Convertible, though still in its fourth- generation form, brings with it the suave and upscale impression, polished performance, and comprehensive selection of plush creature comforts and conveniences one would expect from a Mercedes, all at a felicitous price. Under its svelte hood, a 2.0-liter turbocharged inline-4 engine lays wait, readied to spit out up to 255 horsepower to either the rear- or all-wheel drivetrain. The C-Class Convertible isn't quite as fun or engaging as its competitors - theBMW 4 SeriesandAudi A5, in particular - but it caters to those who seek comfort and luxury and who aren't overly concerned with excessive capability.
Like the coupe, the 2021 C-Class Convertible comes standard-fit with the 12.3-inch digital instrument cluster this year, which used to be an optional extra. It's unlikely Mercedes-Benz will make any more significant updates to the current C-Class Convertible considering how far the vehicle is into its current lifecycle.
See trim levels and configurations:
Trim | Engine | Transmission | Drivetrain | Price (MSRP) |
---|---|---|---|---|
C300 Cabriolet |
2.0L Turbo Inline-4 Gas |
9-Speed Automatic |
Rear-Wheel Drive |
$54,700 |
C300 4MATIC Cabriolet |
2.0L Turbo Inline-4 Gas |
9-Speed Automatic |
All-Wheel Drive |
$56,700 |
For the compact 2021 Mercedes-Benz C-Class Convertible, 255 hp and 273 lb-ft of torque is ample power. Acceleration responses are quick and smooth from off the line and only get better at higher speeds. There's no turbo-lag at all, and while the C-Class is no speedster, it's still capable of galloping from 0 to 60 mph in a decent 6.1 seconds. The 4-cylinder gas engine and 9-speed automatic transmission work superbly together. When you need acceleration, the powertrain is quick to respond, but it is just as comfortable cruising on the highway or down the coast. A rear-wheel drivetrain comes standard, but all-wheel drive is available if you want the extra traction.
You don't need an excessively fast and agile sports car to properly enjoy a scenic coastal road or showboat down a bustling city street. The Mercedes-Benz C-Class Convertible is evidence of this as a calm and collected drop-top that prioritises comfort and luxury over performance. It's a leisure cruiser you can enjoy with the top down when the weather is right, but also use on a daily basis. It's not the most pragmatic everyday car with its confined back seats and tiny trunk, but there aren't many 2-door convertibles that really are. Besides, the C-Class comes standard with plenty of features and is relatively fuel-efficient, which all a successful but savvy professional needs.
Though the 2021 Mercedes-Benz C-Class Convertible hasn't undergone review for an official safety rating, the sedan variant has and it scored superbly. J.D. Power also allotted the sedan with a fairly good reliability rating, which can also be carried over to the convertible. The C-Class Cabriolet would be a superb choice for anyone looking for a genuinely opulent and leisurely drop-top.
Mercedes-Benz puts forward the C-Class Convertible as a single model that's available in either RWD or AWD. In the USA, the RWD 2021 Mercedes-Benz C-Class Convertible bears a price of $54,700, the AWD 4MATIC a price of $56,700. Both come with numerous desirable features including a 10.25-inch infotainment touchscreen, a premium surround-sound audio system, and neck/front seat heating functionality. Driver assists are also plentiful, with forward collision avoidance, blind-spot monitoring, and a rearview camera all coming standard. There are plenty of enticing options available, such as a heated steering wheel, front-seat ventilation, and Nappa leather seating upholstery, but they drastically increase the price of an already expensive car.
The most popular competitors of 2021 Mercedes-Benz C-Class Convertible: