The 2016 Mercedes-Benz C-Class Convertible is just over the horizon, so our spy photographers are having no issues finding it testing in various conditions. This time around, it was caught in northern Sweden testing in cold and snowy conditions. Because it is wrapped up in swirly camo and wearing fake bits, like the grille, headlights, and taillights, it’s hard to make out any real design cues. That said, figuring out what lies under that psychedelic camo shouldn’t be too hard, given we already have the 2015 C-Class Sedan to go by.

I expect the new-gen C-Class Convertible to take styling cues from the 2015 S-Class Coupe. The rear of the C-Class is where you’ll notice most of the S-Class’ inspiration, thanks to its slim LED taillights. You can see more of what we expect the C-Class’ backside to look like in the TopSpeed rendering after the jump.

From the sides, the C-Class Cabrio will be nearly identical to the C-Class Sedan, of course sans a pair of doors and plus a multi-layer, soft roof.

Under the hood, the U.S.-spec C-Class Convertible range will likely include a two models to start: C300 and C400. The C300 will likely include a 2.0-liter, four-cylinder turbocharged engine that will produce the same 241 horsepower as its sedan sibling's, while the C400 will carry a 3.0-liter biturbo V-6 with 329 horses. A C450 AMG Sport with around 370 horses may follow in later years, given that a true AMG->ke8 is likely out of the question.

Click past the jump to read more about the 2016 Mercedes C-Class Convertible.

Why it matters

The C-Class has been a shot in the arm for Mercedes since the new sedan debuted in late 2015, but the German brand is still testing the rest of the lineup. The sooner it can get the S-Class-inspired C-Class Coupe and Convertible on the market, the sooner it can see those sales numbers shoot up again. Seeing the model out doing cold-weather testing in what looks to be a 90 percent production-ready body leads me to believe that we’ll see the Cabriolet make its debut soon. Likely after the 2015 Frankfurt Auto Show in September.

2016 Mercedes C-Class Convertible - spy shots

2016 Mercedes-Benz C-Class Convertible - Rendering