2020 Mercedes-Benz C-Class

Not all the manufacturers in this segment focus on luxury, some seek to provide you good economy with a utilitarian interior like the BMW M240i, while some may focus their attention to make the car driver-centric and dynamic like the Porsche 718 Boxster. Let’s see how the 2020 Mercedes-Benz C300 4Matic cabriolet fares in the diverse yet competitive segment.

The C300 coupe is available as either a rear-wheel drive cabriolet or an all-wheel drive 4Matic cabriolet. A 7-inch infotainment is standard with dynamic select as well as Android Auto and Apple CarPlay.

Trims	C 300
MSRP	$43,800
Key Features	9G-TRONIC 9-speed automatic transmission
	7" COMAND display screen
	DYNAMIC SELECT
	All-Season Tires
	ECO Start/Stop
	Power sunroof and extendable sun visors
	KEYLESS START
	Rearview camera
	Wood trim with analog clock
	FrontBass 5-speaker Audio System
	40/20/40-split folding rear seats
	ATTENTION ASSIST
	Active Brake Assist
	PRE-SAFE

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The 4Matic all-wheel drive is a must have in the C300 cabriolet, perfect for fun rides as well as seamless handling in adverse conditions. The Mercedes-Benz C300 cabriolet is the best bang for your buck in this segment combining performance with luxury.

Mercedes grafts new front and rear ends on all models, and graces them with LED headlights and taillights, with multi-beam technology offered as an option. The silhouette remains the same, with a long nose, a tall glass area, and a stubby trunk that integrates better on the lissome coupe than on the sedan. - Car connection

Engine and Transmission

With a new brawnier engine under the hood, the 2020 Mercedes-Benz cabriolet now produces 255 horsepower and 273 pound-feet torque from a dual-scroll turbocharged inline-4 with variable intake-valve lift technology. The exhaust note isn't as sonorous as its elder brothers; the C43 and the C63 which get the AMG treatment.

The 9-speed automatic transmission delivers power to all four wheels with Mercedes' 4Matic system. With smooth upshifts and ample power throughout the rev range, you'd wonder why there is no roar following the dauntless acceleration.

Models	Chevrolet Corvette Stingray w/1LT convertible	Porsche 718 Boxster convertible	BMW M240i convertible	Ford Mustang Ecoboost Convertible	Mercedes C-Class Cabriolet	Chevrolet Camaro Convertible
MSRP	$60,590	$59,000	$50,400	$31,180	$51,850	$31,500
Engine	6.2L V8 Gas	2.0L H4 Intercooled Turbo Premium Unleaded	3.0L i6	2.3L, Turbocharged 4-cylinder engine	2.0L, Turbocharged, Inline-4 engine	2.0L Inline-4 Turbo engine
Transmission	7 Speed manual	6 Speed manual	8 Speed automatic	6-speed manual	9-speed automatic	6-speed manual
Horsepower	455 hp@ 6000rpm	300 hp@ 6500rpm	335 hp@ 5500rpm	310 hp @ 5500 rpm	255 hp @ 5800	275hp @ 5600
Torque	460 ft-lbs@ 4600rpm	280 ft-lbs@ 1950rpm	369 ft-lbs@ 1520 rpm	350 lb-ft. @ 3000 rpm	273 lb-ft @ 1800	295 lb-ft @ 3000-4500

At this price point, the rival convertibles, get significantly more powerful engines compared to the Mercedes. The 2-series BMW convertible gets a 3.0L inline-6 which makes 335 hp in contrast to the 255 hp Merc. The Camaro convertible, with a 2.0L inline-4 comes closest, making 275 hp, but it costs $20,000 less than the Merc.

Acceleration

The 4Matic Silver Arrow darts to the mile-a-minute mark in 6.2, while the rear wheel drive C300 takes 6.1 seconds to the same, nonetheless faster than the 2018 model. The massive torque at the lower end of the spectrum guns the sedan all the way through the quarter mile in 14.1 seconds.

Models	Chevrolet Corvette Stingray w/1LT convertible	Porsche 718 Boxster convertible	BMW M240i convertible	Ford Mustang Ecoboost Convertible	Mercedes C-Class Cabriolet	Chevrolet Camaro Convertible
0-60 MPH	3.6 sec	4.9 sec	4.5 sec	5.0 sec	6.1 sec	5.4 sec
Quarter mile	N/A	12.7 sec	13.1	13.0 sec	14.1 sec	14 second
Engine	6.2L V8 Gas	2.0L H4 Intercooled Turbo Premium Unleaded	3.0L i6	2.3L	2.0 Liters	2.0 Liters
Emission (Tons/yr of CO2 Emissions @ 15K mi/year)	N/A	N/A	7.4	7.1

First to reach 60 is the Corvette in merely 3.6 seconds, followed by the BMW M2401 convertible taking 4.5 seconds. The EcoBoost Mustang and the Porsche 718 Boxster finish in similar times taking about 5 seconds. The Camaro takes 5.4 seconds, while the Mercedes lags behind the rest.

Ride and Handling

Despite the initial turbo lag, the engine recovers quite well with the torque rush that follows. The Mercedes' signature all-wheel drive system - 4Matic - delivers more torque to the rear wheels, making the ride engaging and dynamic.

The chassis, perched atop reasonably stiff suspension, is well balanced through the corners and handles bumps and undulations a bit more maturely than the previous gen model. The optional AirMatic suspension is significantly an improvement over the standard.

Braking

The brakes on the Merc bite down hard and scrape away speed with amazing efficiency. The 13-inch rotors up front and 11.8 at the back are incrementally better than the previous gen and stop the 3500-pound convertible from 70 miles an hour to a standstill in 153ft.

Model	Chevrolet Corvette Stingray w/1LT convertible	Porsche 718 Boxster convertible	BMW M240i convertible	Ford Mustang Ecoboost Convertible	Mercedes C-Class Cabriolet	Chevrolet Camaro Convertible
Brake Front (in.)	12.6	13	13.4	12.6	13	12.6
Brake Rear (in.)	13.3	11.8	13.6	12.6	11.8	12.4
Curb Weight (lbs.)	3362	2944	3790	3706	3894	3627
60-0 MPH (ft.)	N/A	112	104	106	153 (70-0)	129

The Porsche 718 Boxster and the Mercedes possess equally massive brakes, while the BMW M240i surpasses the rest with 13.4-inch discs up front. However, Ford Mustang is the only convertible to have comparable performance to the Mercedes in the panic brake test.

Mercedes' engineers have improved the economy figures from the past model quite significantly, without sacrificing power in the process. The tiny twin-turbo 2.0L engine exhibits a decent 21 miles to the gallon in the city premises and upto 29 mpg on the highways.

Model	Chevrolet Corvette Stingray w/1LT convertible	Porsche 718 Boxster convertible	BMW M240i convertible	Ford Mustang Ecoboost Convertible	Mercedes C-Class Cabriolet	Chevrolet Camaro Convertible
MPG (city)	16	21	21	20	21	20
MPG (highway)	25	28	30	28	29	30
MPG (combined)	19	24	24	23	24	23

BMW M240i gives the C class cabriolet a run for its money, boasting better fuel economy both in the city and on highways, while the Porsche 718 Boxster keeps at pace with the silver arrow. However, mileage does not seem to be the forte for American manufacturers like Chevrolet.

Where the C-Class excels unabashedly is in fit and finish. The glamorous look of the current Benz sedan lineup all but obliterates any memories of tacky, plastic-filled cockpits from the turn of the century - Car and Driver

Seating and Comfort

As you'd expect from a Mercedes, the C-class cabriolet is decked out with premium quality interiors and comfortable, yet supportive leather seats. The rear seats are comfortable but not for 3 adults, even in shorter rides, unlike the sedan.With the AMG package, you get suede sport seat with power adjustable bolsters and headrests, along with a flat-bottomed AMG steering.

Model	Chevrolet Corvette Stingray w/1LT convertible	Porsche 718 Boxster convertible	BMW M240i convertible	Ford Mustang Ecoboost Convertible	Mercedes C-Class Cabriolet	Chevrolet Camaro Convertible
Passenger capacity	2	2	4	4	4	4
Front (Head/Shoulder/Leg (In.)	37.9/55.2/43.0	N/A	40.5/54.4/41.5	37.6/56.3/45.1	38.8/54.8/42.0	38.5/55/43.9
Second (Head/Shoulder/Leg) (In.)	-	-	37.0/42.2/31.8	35.7/44.7/29.2	35.6/51.7/32.0	33.4/TBD/29.9

The low sloping cloth roof of the cabriolet leaves lesser headroom for you compared to the rival convertibles, so if you're taller than six-feet you'd find comfort in taller convertible like the BMW M240i, which comes with premium quality interiors. While, the Porsche has a more driver-centric cabin design.

Infotainment System

The wider 10.2-inch screen seamlessly integrated on the dash, with both Android Auto and Apple CarPlay available as standard. The interface is not as intuitive as you'd find in the S-class models, and it takes a while to recognize voice commands. You'd find a better infotainment in either a BMW or an Audi. The Burmester surround sound system is an audiophile's dream, which fills the cabin with crisp clear sound.

Cargo Capacity

At the back of the cabriolet, the cargo volume is not that great, primarily because of the sloping roofline. However, on the inside you'd find plenty of cubby holes to put your starbucks cappuccinos in.

Model	Chevrolet Corvette Stingray w/1LT convertible	Porsche 718 Boxster convertible	BMW M240i convertible	Ford Mustang Ecoboost Convertible	Mercedes C-Class Cabriolet	Chevrolet Camaro Convertible
Cargo Volume with rear seats up (ft.3)	10.0	9.7	11.8	13.5	8.8	7.3

The award for the biggest cargo bay goes to the Ford EcoBoost Mustang which boasts 13.5 cubic feet volume, followed by BMW M240i with 11.8 cu.ft, and Chevy Corvette with 10 cu-ft. The Mercedes and Camaro have a disappointingly small trunk at the back.

Mercedes says it's replaced as much as 50 percent of the C-Class in the 2020 model year. A lot of it's invisible, but one of the more important changes is a new base engine. The 2.0-liter turbo-4 mirrors last year's displacement, but with a more effective twin-scroll turbocharger - Edmunds

Design and Dimensions

You'd need a keen eye, or be a die hard Merc fanboy to tell the 2020 C300 apart from the previous gen model. The front and rear fascia have undergone a facelift to incorporate bigger air intakes. The LED head and tail lamps are redesigned and give the cabriolet a modern look to fit in with other 2020 models. The cabriolet still has the iconic low, hunkered down look which shouts premium from every angle.

Model	Chevrolet Corvette Stingray w/1LT convertible	Porsche 718 Boxster convertible	BMW M240i convertible	Ford Mustang Ecoboost Convertible	Mercedes C-Class Cabriolet	Chevrolet Camaro Convertible
Curb weight (lbs.)	3362	2944	3790	3706	3894	3627
Length(in)	176.9	172.4	175.9	188.5	184.5	188.3
Width(in)	73.9	70.9	69.8	75.4	71.3	74.7
Height(in)	48.9	50.4	55.2	54.9	55.3	52.9
Ground clearance (in)	N/A	4.3	5.1	NA	3.8	TBD
Wheelbase (in)	106.7	97.4	105.9	107.1	111.8	110.7
Track width (in) F/R	63/61.7	59.6/60.3	59.9/61.3	62.3/64.9	61.5/60.9	62.5/63.7

The Porsche 718 Boxster is the lightest vehicle compared to the competitors, with the Mercedes and BMW M240i convertible on the other end of the scale. However, you might need to be extra careful on speed bumps, given the tiny 3.8-inch ground clearance in the Mercedes cabriolet. The Mustang is the longest and widest convertible in the segment, so if you find yourself frequently having to maneuver through tight traffic, you'd better avoid the Ford Mustang and Chevy Camaro.

• Active Distance Assist DISTRONIC
• Active Blind Spot Assist
• Active Steering Assist
• Active Lane Keeping Assist
• PRE-SAFE PLUS
• Active Brake Assist with Cross-Traffic Function
• Speed Limit Assist
• Active Lane Change Assist
• Evasive Steering Assist
• PRE-SAFE Sound

Mercedes C300 vs BMW M240i

These Germans have got so much going on inside and outside the car, it becomes a bit too difficult certain times which one's better than the other. They stand toe-to-toe in few aspects, while trail amongst the rest. Getting out the differences, the BMW 240i has a superior power and frugal powertrain, is commodious, drives sportingly and better tech.

While the Mercedes C300 and BMW 240i ride smooth and are both comfortable, you'd have to wonder comfort and performance or comfort and laid back driving? Oh, and also the Beemer costs a grand less than the silver arrow. We're leaning towards the spirited driving and plush ride.

Mercedes C300 vs Porsche 718 Boxster

The BMW; a 4-seater convertible has not only more interior capacity but also higher cargo capacity for your luggage making it a more versatile convertible. The engine makes the C300 fun to drive and economical to use as a daily driver. However, in terms of driving dynamics, the Porsche's tiny Boxster is much more stable and composed through fast corners. The steering, throttle and brakes are fined tuned for the performance convertible and much more precise than the BMW and the Mercedes C300

Mercedes C300 vs Ford Mustang EcoBoost convertible

Both muscle cars in spirit, the Ford Mustang has little of any significance when it takes on the German's Mercedes C300. The latter basically thrashes the Mustang on every field, irrespective of the fact its powertrain churns out higher output or how quick it is as in the real world the Merc is far smoother and responsive. Ride quality on the Mustang is comfortable but the Merc has excellent balance between comfort and sport. Premium interior quality also triumphs over the Mustang alongside wider tech availability.

Now all the Merc C300's superiority comes at a hefty cost, around 15 grand more than the Mustang. Are all those improvements worth it? Well, at a budget, you should reconsider your options if Mustang is on your list.

In case you're hoping to get your hands on an entry-level performance car the C300 is the best option in the market. The Germans have equipped the car with a more brawny and eco-friendly motor than the past. The ride is an enhancement from the 2018 model, yet at the same time stays on the stiffer side, which you can tackle by choosing the AirMatic suspension. The 4Matic all-wheel drive is an unquestionable requirement for the frigid winters and matched with the AMG line package, you could have the absolute best coupe in your carport.