SANTA MONICA, California — Recently, Inside Line broke the story that Mercedes will introduce a C-Class coupe in an effort to lure younger buyers and battle both the successful BMW 1 Series and 3 Series. And now we have the first image of the coming C-Class convertible.
Partially replacing the discontinued but very popular CLK cabriolet, which was part C-Class (chassis) and part E-Class (price), this C-Class convertible will be sold alongside Mercedes' new E-Class convertible. We're told it will be a 2011 model.
Like the E-Class Cabriolet, the C-Class drop top will get a cloth folding top instead of the heavier and more complicated retractable hardtop used on the BMW 3 Series convertible and the Infiniti G37 convertible. The cloth top will also help keep the price down, which is vital if the C-Class is also going to steal buyers from the BMW 1 Series convertible.
Like the C-Class Coupe, the C-Class Convertible will be powered by a new family of direct-injected DOHC V6s, including a 3.5-liter naturally aspirated version and a smaller unit with twin turbochargers designed to take on the turbocharged BMW 135i and 335i. Expect the turbo engine to produce just north of 300 horsepower. We also keep hearing about a hybrid version of the C-Class coupe, which would use a smaller naturally aspirated version of the V6, but a hybrid version of the convertible is unlikely.
Then, of course, there's the question of an AMG version. Remember, we reported two weeks ago that the naturally aspirated 6.2-liter V8 that powers the AMG fleet will be replaced in 2011 with a 5.5-liter twin-turbo V8. Well, that switch includes the C63, which means the twin-turbo V8 will fit very nicely in the new C-Class coupe and of course the C-Class convertible.
Fact is, BMW sells many more M3 coupes and convertibles than M3 sedans, so Mercedes needs these two-door versions of the C63 to compete for those high-performance car buyers.
Inside Line says: BMW vs. Mercedes is the Ford vs. Chevy of our time. Welcome to the next round. — Scott Oldham, Editor in Chief
Add A Comment »
fllmtr says:
04:34 PM, 01/17/2010
This car needed a new skin... particularly new rear taillamps. I see no reason to buy a convertible based on a dated look.
srlracing says:
07:43 PM, 01/14/2010
Cadillac needs a 4 passenger convertible so I don't have to buy German... of course there is the Camaro coming... and the Mustang... but what if I want luxury, Cadillac style, and 556hp...
cr_driver says:
09:10 AM, 01/14/2010
Boring......
ag4 says:
07:40 AM, 01/14/2010
The New E-class Coupe and Cabriolet uses the same formula as the previous CLK.
They are still based on the C-class, just look at the dimensions alone.
2010 C-class sedan
Wheelbase: 108.7 in
Track (F/R): 60.4 in/ 59.6 in
Width: 69.7 in
2010 E-class coupe
Wheelbase: 108.7 in
Track (F/R): 60.8 in/ 60.6 in
Width: 71.7 in
2010 E-class sedan
Wheelbase: 113.1 in
Track (F/R): 62.4 in/ 63 in
Width: 75.9 in
"The new Mercedes-Benz E-class coupe was given the signature look of the E-class sedan, visible in the sweep of the rear pontoon fender.
But beneath its compact, muscular exterior lies several components of the smaller, less expensive C class."
"The E-class sedan comes off the line in Sindelfingen, but the coupe is built in Bremen, as is the C class."
- Autonews
The big question is what will this new C-class Cabriolet be? is there enough space below the similar E-class Cabriolet?
sebastien2 says:
12:26 AM, 01/14/2010
Already oldfashioned...
angry_mushroom says:
11:31 PM, 01/13/2010
Hopefully the AMG version won't disappoint and offer a decent alternative to the M3.
sgude says:
03:38 PM, 01/13/2010
I am surprised at how nice this looks. Smooth, Mercedes, smooth. A bit more like the Sacco designs than the rest of the current lineup.
luxurycarlover says:
03:24 PM, 01/13/2010
Love it