Published: 23 March 2016
The new Merc C63 rag-top in New York
► Convertible version of C63 Coupe
► Same 4.0 twin-turbo V8 under the hood
► Two models: 469bhp C63 and 503bhp C63 S
A few weeks after Mercedes first officially revealed the new C-class Cabriolet, here’s the rumbling V8-powered C63 AMG version. The Mercedes-AMG C63 Cabriolet has made its world premiere at the 2016 New York motor show, and will reach showrooms in August.
It’s the fourth C63 variant, joining the saloon, estate andcoupe – sharing most of its architecture with the latter. Up front there’s the same twin-turbo 3982cc V8, which packs its turbos within the vee of the cylinder banks and drives the rear wheels via a seven-speed automatic gearbox.
Two models are available, the regular C63 Cabriolet with 469bhp and the C63 S Cabriolet with a supercar-worrying 503bhp.
Contents
So, that roof?
It’s a multi-layer electrically powered fabric contraption with a glass window, and when it’s up it traces a roofline similar to the C-class Coupe. It can be called into action while the car’s travelling between 3mph and 31mph, in case you get caught in the rain between pina coladas. Roof down, there’s 260 litres of bootspace; roof up, that increases to 355.
Depending on market, buyers can pick from four colours for the roof: black, dark brown, dark blue or dark red.
Will the Mercedes-AMG C63 Cabriolet drive as well as the tin-top C63 models?
We’ll have to wait and see what kind of impact the convertible’s extra weight and reduced rigidity has on the C63’s fun-filled handling, but it features the same suspension layout and adaptive dampers (with three driver-selectable modes from Comfort to Sport+), a limited-slip differential and active engine mounts.
It’ll certainly be fast; the S version gets from 0-62mph in 4.1sec, and the non-S is only a tenth tardier.
A more affordable C43 Convertible model will also be available, with a 362bhp V6 turbo in place of the V8. Read more about the C43 here.
Click here to watch the C63 S saloon driven on track by CAR’s Ben Barry
C63 and C63S Cabrios: the stats
C63 Cabriolet
Power: 469bhp
Torque: 479lb ft
Kerbweight (with nominal driver, fuel and luggage): 1910kg
0-62mph: 4.2sec
Top speed: 155mph (limited)
C63 S Cabriolet
Power: 503bhp
Torque: 516lb ft
Kerbweight (with nominal driver, fuel and luggage): 1925kg
0-62mph: 4.1sec
Top speed: 155mph (limited)
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