Mercedes C 300, S 500 Cabriolets launched in India

Mercedes has added the C-class Cabriolet and the S-class Cabriolet to its India line-up. The models are part of Mercedes' drop-top range that also includes the SLC43 and the E 400 Cabriolet.

The C-class Cabriolet comes in the C 300 guise, equipped with a 2.0-litre turbo, four-cylinder petrol engine. This is the same 245hp powerplant that powers the recently launched GLC 300 SUV. The motor is paired with a nine-speed automatic gearbox as standard and comes with the option of Dynamic Select, which allows the driver to choose from five transmission modes. At Rs 60 lakh (ex-showroom, Delhi), the C 300 Cabriolet is the cheapest Mercedes four-seat drop-top on sale in India.

Mercedes has not skimped on equipment with the C 300 getting bits like a 13-speaker Burmester audio system, Garmin navigation system, dual- zone climate control, Agility Control suspension with selective damping and Mercedes PreSafe safety system. Mercedes claims that the car can operate its roof mechanism at speeds up to 50kph. Also offered is a choice of colours for the fabric roof and the option of an acoustic soft-top that reduces noise levels in the cabin.

The second drop-top model from Mercedes is the S 500 Cabriolet which is priced at Rs 2.25 crore (ex-showroom, Delhi). Like the S Coupe, the Cabriolet is based on the full-size S-class, and is powered by a 4.7-litre twin-turbo V8 developing 442hp and 700Nm of torque with power sent to the rear wheels. The styling is similar to the S-class Coupe, with an identical overall length of 5,027mm and width of 1,899mm, essentially making this car a soft-top convertible version of the coupé.

The S-class Cabriolet's roof can be extended or folded away electrically in 20 seconds at speeds up to 50kph; it can also be remotely operated through the key fob. As with its less expensive sibling, the C 300 Cabriolet, the S 500 too gets a choice of colours for the fabric roof. On the boot lid is the Mercedes logo, which acts as a lever to manually open the boot.

Being Mercedes’ flagship drop-top, the S500 Cabriolet gets equipment such as AirMatic air suspension, Thermotronic automatic climate control with sensors located across the cabin to automatically modulate the temperature, active park assist (the car automatically steers into a parking lot), a 360-degree camera, a 23-speaker Burmester audio system and massage function for the front seats. Both the C 300 and the S 500 Cabriolets are being imported as CBUs.

Mercedes also has comprehensive customisation options on offer for the S 500 via its Designio customisation platform.