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Cape Town - A sketch of what could be the new C-Class cabriolet has been revealed by Mercedes-Benz.
The German automaker released an image of its first compact executive cabriolet via social media.
Despite four generations, spanning 23 years, there has yet to be a C-Class in convertible guise. According to Mercedes-Benz: "For the first time in the history of this model series, there will also be a C-Class Cabriolet. The sporty four-seater with a soft top is based on the successful coupe version."
On sale in 2017
The model is likely to be shown at the 2016 Geneva auto show in March and retain an engine line-up close to the coupe (due in April/May). The model will most likely go on sale in 2017.
While BMW offer its 4 Series cabriolet with a folding metal hardtop, it is rumoured that Mercedes' new cabriolet will use cloth to save weight. The downside is it may lack rigidity, how the automaker aims to reduce is will emerge later.
An open secret: for the first time in model history the #CClass will be available as a Cabriolet. pic.twitter.com/tbjupI546r
— Mercedes-Benz (@MercedesBenz) February 13, 2016
More to come from Merc?
Mzansi, be prepared for an onslaught of Mercedes-Benz models in 2016, with nine new models being launched locally:
• C-Class Coupe (April/ May)
• SL ( April)
• SLC (previously SLK) (April)
• E-Class (May)
• GLS (May)
• S-Class cabriolet (June)
• GLC Coupe (September)
Two special models
Smart ForTwo and ForFour – Mercedes-Benz SA’s co-CEO and MBSA Cars executive director, Florian Seidler, told Wheels24 that Mercedes-Benz will introduce two new Smart cars in 2016. The ForFour will compete with Volkswagen's ubiquitous Polo and pricing should in the region of R180 000.
Merc’s bakkie confirmed for 2017 – Mercedes-Benz South Africa’s director of marketing Selwyn Govender confirmed to Wheels24 that the firm’s foray into the bakkie market will happen in 2017. Based on the upcoming Nissan NP300, it will be engineered and designed by Daimler.
