For the first time in the history of the C-Class series, there will be a convertible version of Mercedes’ compact executive car that will rival BMW’s 4-Series and Audi’s A5 convertibles. The new cabriolet will be based on the upcoming C-Class Coupe, itself riding on the lighter underpinnings of the already available W205 sedan featuring a sleeker appearance with a pillar-less design.

This new convertible tester has dropped the black plastic body panels of previous prototypes to allows us a slightly better view of its figure, but it continues to sport a hardtop, even though the production car will adopt a multi-layered fabric roof, similar in design to the E-Class Convertible.

The open top C-Class’ engine lineup should largely mirror that of the sedan, sans the lower powered units and possibly, the bi-turbocharged V8 of the C63 AMG, and may be offered with the brand’s all-wheel drive 4MATIC system too.

Mercedes hasn’t set an introduction date yet, but we hear that the C-Class Convertible could arrive late next year.

By John Halas

Photo Credits: CarPix for CarScoopS

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