THE MAGIC OF AMG TAKES C-CLASS CABRIOLET TO HIGHEST LUXURY LEVEL
The C-Class has served as a introductory model for Mercedes-Benz enthusiasts since its debut as a “baby Benz” sedan in the early 1990s.
It has grown up considerably since then, however, and there is nothing “baby” about the AMG C43 Cabriolet I recently had the pleasure of driving for a week, from the performance, to the luxury, and yes, to the price tag.
Can you envision a C-Class that starts in the $60,000 range and nearly reaches $80,000 when fully equipped?
That’s quite a jump from the base C-Class Cab that starts at just a couple of notches over the $50,000 mark but it is what often happens when the folks who labor in the company’s AMG workshops get done with their tinkering.
AMG versions of Mercedes models are not really for those who only care about getting from Point A to Point B. They are for those who look forward to the ride itself!
It starts under the hood, where AMG has pumped up the 3.0-liter bi-turbo V6 to 385 horsepower and 384 pound-feet of torque, big steps up from the 255 hp and 234 lb.-ft. the turbo-4 in the C300 Cabriolet delivers.
Mated with a 9-speed automatic transmission, the V6 scoots the C43 from zero-to-60 mph in under 5.0 seconds with fuel numbers of 18 miles-per-gallon city, 25 highway, 21 combined.
Driving modes include Comfort, Sport, Sport-Plus, and Individual, and if you want more sound from the dual exhaust, you can push a button on the console to get that, too. Sport-Plus mode disengages the stop/start system as well as stiffening the suspension and increasing throttle response.
In fact, the increased throttle response almost can be a bit too aggressive at times, especially considering that even in Comfort the C43 gets off the line quickly.
The interior is impeccable with lots of leather, natural grain wood, and brushed aluminum throughout. The triple-layer, acoustic soft top gives the C43 a quiet ride, more like of hardtop quality than a typical soft top. When riding with the top down in chillier temperatures, the Airscarf system and heated seats keeps things comfortable.
With South Florida’s summer temperatures, the optional ventilated seats and an A/C set on high are more appreciated than the Airscarf!
That roof, incidentally, raises and lowers in about 20 seconds, and you can do it at speeds up to 30 mph, a handy feature if a sudden shower appears and you can’t pull over.
Among standard features for the base MSRP of $64,645 (including destination and delivery) are a Burmester surround-sound audio system, push-button start, Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, dual zone climate control, rain-sensing windshield wipers, a 10.25-inch display screen for infotainment features that operate with a central controller or touchpad (both on the center console) and Bluetooth connectivity.
The AMG, flat-bottom performance steering wheel is included in the base price, but other AMG-inspired touches like performance exhaust, carbon fiber rear spoiler, and illuminated door sills plus packages that include navigation and safety features like lane-keeping assist, active blind spot detection,, etc. are options.
Thus the total for my test drive model came to $78,105.
What I liked about the 2019 AMG C43 Cabriolet: In a word, everything. The AMG version of Mercedes-Benz’ so-called “entry level” convertible offers the highest level in performance and comfort features for a superb motoring experiences for both driver and passenger. The interior oozes luxury touches. You don’t have to be at a standstill to lower or raise the soft top.
What I didn’t like about the 2019 AMG C43 Cabriolet: The trunk is small, though I was able to slide in two beach chairs and an umbrella and still ride with the top down. The COMAND system to operate infotainment features can be very distracting. Much of the really good stuff is only available as options that can add nearly $15,000 to the starting MSRP. The backseat is practically useless.
Would I buy the 2019 AMG C43 Cabriolet? If cost was not an issue, sure. But if it was, I would find nearly just as much happiness in the basic C300 Cabriolet.
FOR TOPS IN FUN AND DRIVING EXPERIENCE, YOU CAN’T BEAT THE AMG S63 CABRIOLET
If you’re looking for a vehicle that tells the world “I’ve got it made” yet exudes a more carefree air and fun driving experience than you might ordinarily find in the Super Luxury Class, the Mercedes-AMG S63 Cabriolet may be a perfect fit.
The S-Class has served as the flagship sedan for Mercedes-Benz for quite some time and is always packed with the latest exotic technology (like its infra-red night-vision system for enhanced visual detection of pedestrians, animals and other object in the darkest of conditions) and is the ultimate in luxurious comfort.
After bringing the coupe back to the S-Class portfolio from under the CL banner for 2015, Mercedes unveiled its first S-Class convertible since 1971 with the the S-Class Cabriolet a year later as a 2017 model.
Like just about any vehicle that the German manufacturer puts its mind to, it’s a stunner.
The S-Class Cab comes is offered in three trim levels with the AMG S63 sitting between the S560 and the AMG S65.
All things considered, the AMG S63 hits the sweet spot
Its 4.0-liter biturbo V8 engine pumps out 603 horsepower and 664 pound-feet of torque which delivers a neck-snapping, zero-to-60 mph time of 3.4 seconds and an electronically limited top speed of 184 mph (16 mph than what is shown on the speedometer.
That’s less horsepower than what the AMG S65 offers with its biturbo V12 (621 and 738, respectively), but a slightly quicker zero-to-60 than the S65’s 4.0 seconds.
The biturbo V8 in the S560 is rated at 463 hp and 516 lb.-ft. with a zero-to-60 time of 4.5 seconds.
The 2018 AMG S63 gets a 9-speed, AMG Speedshift transmission to replace the 7-speed on the 2017 model.
Also, the 4.0L V8 in the 2018 S63 replaces the 5.5L V8 in the previous model and in addition to upping the power numbers from the 2017’s 577/664 also is slightly more fuel efficient with mileage ratings of 15 miles-per-gallon city, 24 highway, 18 combined to the 2017’s 15/23/18.
According to government figures (And who doesn’t trust the government?) that will result in your spending about $5,000 more for fuel over a five-year period compared to the average new vehicle. Like, if you’re driving an S-Class Cabriolet, you’re going to care about that.
While what’s under the hood is important, what’s in the cabin is impressive as well.
The leather front seats are heated and ventilated and come with an adjustable massage function for both driver and passenger. Despite a multitude of infotainment features, the dash has a clean appearance.
That’s because infotainment functions such as audio and navigation are operated via through the COMAND System screen using the ubiquitous knob at the center of the console.
A warning that flashes upon starting the engine cautions you not to let the COMAND System not to distract you from your driving, but frankly, that is hard to do. That is especially so if you are not all that familiar with the functions, though I have found that the more I operate the system, the easier and less-distracting it becomes.
The cabin is roomy enough upfront, but as with nearly all convertibles, the back can get a bit snug. Passengers over six-feet tall may find the back cramped both in legroom and headroom (with the top up, of course), and the front-seat riders will find their legroom a bit snugger when give those in back more space.
Front seats automatically move forward to free up access to the rear and then recede when the backs are returned in place.
When it comes to price, all S-Series Cabriolets are six figures, but the S63 with its MSRP of $180,495 (including $995 destination and delivery) is closer to the S560’s $134,295 than the S65’s $251,895.
Adding such extras as a Carbon Fiber package (carbon fiber front splitter, rocker panel inserts, mirror covers, rear diffuser insert and engine cover) for $6500, a Burlmester High-End 3D sound system for $6,400), a Driver Assistance Package (active steering assist, active lane-change assist, lane-keeping assist, emergency steering assist and other such safety features) for $2,350, Night View Assist for $2,260, Swarovski Chrystal headlight accents for $1,750, 20-inch forged AMG wheels for $1,700, and AMG Night Styling for $750 ran the total for this particular 2018 AMG S63 Cabriolet to $208,645.
That’s a hefty chunk of change, but still less than the starting MSRP for the AMG S65 Cabriolet.
What I liked about the 2018 Mercedes-AMG S63 Cabriolet: Pretty much everything really. It surrounds you with luxury, and despite its heft (over 4,800 pounds), it drives like a much more sprightly vehicle. The zero-to-60 time is 3.4 seconds. The only time you really notice its size (198.9 inches long, 83 inches wide including mirrors) is when you’re parking in a crowded mall lot. It’s also very quiet with the top up. The screen for infotainment features is nicely incorporated into the flow of the dash instead of sticking up in the middle like an iPad as Mercedes has a habit of doing. Finally, the top operates (raises and lowers) at speeds up to 37 mph.
What I didn’t like about the 2018 Mercedes-AMG S63 Cabriolet: The rake of the windshield can make getting in somewhat tricky, more so for the passenger than the driver. You can easily bump your head if you’re not paying attention. As is typical of many modern droptops, trunk space is severely reduced when the top is lowered. It not that much to begin (12.4 cubic feet) and probably is no more than two-thirds that with the roof lowered.
Would I buy the 2018 Mercedes-AMG S63 Cabriolet? It’s at the top of its class, so it’s where I would start if shopping in the super luxury segment, and there’s a good chance I would go nowhere else.
