2017 Mercedes-AMG C43 Cabriolet Review | All-Rounder Works Best In Drop-Top Form
Among the five human senses the 2017 Mercedes-AMG C43 Cabriolet aims to heighten your hearing, sweeten the smells and perhaps become even more tantalisingly tasty than the coupe (that last one metaphorically speaking of course).
The C43 Cabriolet should allow a greater number of 3.0-litre twin-turbo V6-engined decibels into the cabin, and expectedly extra-special AMG ones at that. And unless travelling through an underground freeway, the fresh delights of country cruising should drift towards the noses of up to four sun-tanned occupants in a fuller fashion.
There can be generalised downsides to a coupe-based cabriolet, with body rigidity often folding away with the roof. The folding stuff in an owner’s wallet also finds its way to a Mercedes dealer faster, yet heavier drop-tops are typically slower on-road.
In the C43 Cabriolet’s case, it’s 210kg heavier than the coupe but only a tenth slower from standstill to 100km/h. And, at $120K plus on-road costs, it’s $14K costlier.
Vehicle Style: Sports cabriolet
Price: $119,900 (plus on-road costs)
Engine/trans: 270kW/520Nm 3.0 twin-turbo V6 petrol | nine-speed automatic
Fuel Economy Claimed: 8.5 L/100km | Tested: 12.4 L/100km
OVERVIEW
The $119,900 (plus orc) C43 Cabriolet seems expensive, particularly now that BMW offers a 331kW/550Nm M3 Pure for $129,900 (plus orc). But a sedan comparison?
Well, basically, it isn’t much of a stretch to move up from the 270kW/520Nm offered here in what becomes a 300kg-heavier AMG cabriolet by comparison – and, driving enthusiasts take note, it’s all for the apparent delights of two fewer doors and no roof.