Mercedes-Benz C-Class Cabriolet (2015-2017) interior
The C-Class Cabriolet’s interior is gorgeous – you get sporty circular air vents and lots of plush materials that make it feel a cut above most mainstream machines
Style
The Mercedes C-Class Cabriolet sports an almost identical interior to the C-Class Coupe. That’s no bad thing, however – its simple, minimalist design with glossy metal air vents and pared-back buttons looks far classier than what you’ll find in a BMW 4 Series.
It doesn’t feel quite as bulletproof as an Audi A5 Cabriolet but the Mercedes’ cold-to-the-touch metal switches and glossy black trims look just as upmarket. Be careful not to drop your keys on the piano-black centre console, however – it scratches very easily. Gorgeous ash wood trim is a £195 option on entry-level Sport models but comes fitted as standard to sportier AMG Line cars.
All C-Class Cabriolets come fitted with sports seats trimmed in Artico artificial leather as standard. They’re not only easier to clean and more hard-wearing than fabric seats, but they’re so realistic passengers will assume they’re sitting on real cowhide. Genuine leather – that’s offered in 12 different colour combinations – will set you back an extra £795.
The optional Comand Online infotainment system – available as part of a £2,995 Premium Plus pack – is well worth paying extra for. It replaces the low-rent seven-inch display with a larger 8.4-inch unit with slicker graphics and upgraded satellite navigation with 3D maps.
Don't worry about the man-made leather seats – you'd have to be a total cowhide enthusiast to spot the difference between them and the real deal
- Used
- £15,220
Infotainment
Watch our Mercedes C-Class Cabriolet infotainment and interior review
The Mercedes’ standard infotainment system sticks out like a sore thumb in its otherwise modern cabin. Its rather small seven-inch display comes with a thick, cheap-looking plastic surround, low-resolution graphics and a rather outdated Garmin satellite navigation system.
The scroll-wheel you’ll use to sift through its numerous menus is less intuitive than BMW’s iDrive or Audi’s MMI systems and the odd touchpad position feels like it’ll give you RSI if you use it for long periods. A couple of shortcut buttons help you access key features quickly but they’re mounted up by the screen instead of down by the system’s other controls where you’d expect.
Fork out £2,995 for the Premium Plus pack and you’ll be treated to a larger 8.4-inch screen with upgraded sat nav and voice control features – so you can avoid using the awkward touchpad as much as possible. Its crisper graphics, slightly more responsive menus and 3D maps make it much easier to use but it’s still not quite as user-friendly as the system you’ll find in a BMW 4 Series Convertible.
Unfortunately, no C-Class Cabriolet models come with the option of Apple CarPlay or Android Auto smartphone mirroring. As a result, you can’t mirror your favourite smartphone navigation or media apps to the car’s screen.
The C-Class Cabriolet’s standard stereo sounds fine, but to eke out every last decibel you’ll want the upgraded Burmester system with its 13-speakers and super-slick laser-cut metal grilles. It’s offered as part of the £2,995 Premium Plus Pack and sounds absolutely fantastic – even with the roof down.
- Used
- £15,220