Trieste in Italy, abutting on the Slovenian border, was an ideal locale for the global first drive in the all-new Mercedes-Benz C-Class Cabriolet
Story: Aspi Bhathena
Photography: Mercedes-Benz
The locale for the global drive in the Mercedes-Benz C-Class Cabriolet was Trieste, Italy. Trieste is located in the north-east part of Italy on the Adriatic Sea and is very close to the Slovenian border. In fact, we were more in Slovenia than Italy. Manufacturers select the best driving roads and conditions most suitable to the model.
The all-new C-Class Cabriolet is dominated by the large diamond grille with a central Mercedes star which is flanked by LED headlamps with the torch-design LED daytime running lights which is typical of Mercedes-Benz. The large air intakes in the front bumper hint at the air requirements of this high-performance engine and underscore the sense of width and sportiness of the front end. An extended dropping line adds to the dynamics of the car.
In a manner typical of convertibles, frameless doors, the omission of B-pillars and fully retractable side windows particularly accentuate the extended, sporty lines when the roof is open. Clean lines and sensually arranged surfaces structure the side sections into vivid light-and-shadow effects. As a hallmark the dropping line extending across the rear wheel-arch provides a dynamic highlight. In tandem with a counter-line rising in the lower part of the vehicle from the front wheel, it creates a formal sense of tension. The counter-line also makes the vehicle appear longer, and finally transitions the sides into the rear, creating a sense of balance. Exterior mirrors mounted on the beltline further emphasise the sporty characteristics of the Cabriolet, while improving forward visibility at the same time.
Muscular shoulders give the car an unmistakable presence. Flat two-section LED tail-lights resemble the AMG GT tail-lamps and they emphasise the vehicle’s width. The characteristic graphics of the lights, with four horizontal LED bands, provide a recognition factor by day and night. The third brake light of white glass is located at the centre of the soft-top compartment cover and blends harmoniously into the chrome strip. The exhaust system, with two visible tail-pipes integrated flush into the black lower section of the bumper and connected by chrome trim further underscores the car’s sporty character.
The side windows slightly retract automatically when opening and closing the doors and are then raised again. This means that they are fully enclosed by the seals. This also minimises wind noise. In conjunction with Keyless Start or Keyless Go, the soft top can be opened and closed using the electronic key or the soft top switch in the centre console. The opening/closing procedure stops as soon as the soft top switch is released. Immediate reversal of the movement sequence is possible at any time. The roof can be opened and closed at speeds up to 50 km/h.
You can enjoy the charm of the Cabriolet in a high-quality ambience. Once the roof is opened, it reveals the carefully co-ordinated harmony between the exterior and interior design. It is replete with high-quality details. A chromed frame surrounds the A-pillars and windscreen. It is visually extended by a chromed beltline trim strip continuing to the soft-top compartment which, in turn, sits stylishly in a wide chrome surround.
