Mercedes Bring the Cabriolet Name to the C-Class Range

Just as you'd expect, the Mercedes-Benz C-Class Cabriolet follows the same design cues as the Coupé with one exception, the multi-layer electronically-operated acoustic soft-top that replaces the standard metal roof. It will fold up or down at speeds of up to 31 mph, and can be had in black, dark blue, dark red or dark brown.

But enough about that, what about the standard equipment? Mercedes will throw in a reversing camera, a Garmin sat nav, heated seats, Active Park Assist, LED headlights, DAB digital radio, and sports seats finished in mad-made Artico leather. That's what makes up entry-level Sport trim, which is finished off with 17-inch alloy wheels and keyless entry (the latter being available solely on automatic models). And if that's not enough, two convertible specialities are included too - Airscarf will keep your neck warm with heater vents built into the headrests, and Aircap will lessen the effects of the wind in your hair by diverting it over the windshield and above the cabin.

For £1,495, you can upgrade to AMG Line. This adds a black ash wood trim with brushed aluminium detailing, a sports flat-bottomed steering wheel, steel sports pedals, black roof lining, AMG bodystyling and 18-inch alloys. The C-Class Cabriolet finished in AMG Line gets a 15 mm lower suspension setup.

Premium Plus package (£1,695) is only available on automatic models, and adds blind spot monitoring, lane keep assistant, Distronic Plus, Pre-safe Plus and Pre-safe Brake with pedestrian detection for everyone's utmost safety.

Two petrols and two diesels are available. The C 200 and C 300 both make use of a 2.0-litre petrol engine, producing 184 and 245 horsepower. Claimed MPG figures are in the 40s, and both are available with the 9G-TRONIC 9-speed automatic transmission however the C 200 comes as standard with a 6-speed manual.

When it comes to diesel power, the C 220 d produces 170 horsepower. The 6-speed manual is reserved for rear-wheel-drive models, however the 9G-TRONIC is available on RWD and AWD. There's also a C 250 d with 204 horsepower and a 9G-TRONIC.

If you want something a bit quicker, Mercedes will sell you the AMG C 43 4MATIC. The 3.0-litre bi-turbo V6 produces 367 horsepower and gets to 62 mph in 4.8 seconds through the 9G-TRONIC gearbox. Standard kit for this sizzling soft-top includes 18-inch alloy wheels, an AMG performance exhaust, black mirrors housings, Artico and Dinamica upholstery and the words 'BITURBO 4MATIC' places on the front wings.

Of course, if this isn't fast enough for you, the C 63 will be what you're looking for. The 4.0-litre V8 produces 476 horsepower and 650 Nm, making it good for 0-62 mph in 4.2 seconds. Upgrade this to the C 63 S for an additional 34 horsepower and 50 Nm, shaving 0.1 s off the sprint time.

The Mercedes-AMG C 63 comes with Nappa leather upholstery, "V8 BITURBO" on the front wings and a spoiler lip. The C 63 S adds a Nappa and Dinamica sports steering wheel, 19-inch alloys, an electronic rear limited-slip differential and AMG performance seats which are an option on the C 63 (£1,405).

The boisterous cars cost £65,685 and £72,245, however if you've got £78,295 that you need to spend, put down your deposit on the C 63 S Edition 1 which features unique diamond-stitched Nappa upholstery in black and brown, matt carbon fibre interior trim and bespoke alloy wheels which measure 19 inches up front and 20 inches at the rear.

Don't worry, for £36,200 you can get the entry-level C 200 Sport, just over £4,500 more than the C-Class Coupé.