As an entry-level luxury performance cabriolet within the AMG lineup, the Mercedes-AMG C43 Cabriolet continues a famous line of Mercedes-branded convertibles that shaped this part of the automotive landscape. With the latest redesign, the Mercedes-AMG C43 Cabriolet brings more power, a more aggressive exterior, and refined tech onboard. Our test drive revealed if it still has the grace and unique character that every Mercedes cabriolet carries with pride.

2019 Mercedes-AMG C43 Convertible - Driven

Specifications

• Make: Array
• Model: 2019 Mercedes-AMG C43 Convertible - Driven
• Engine/Motor: V6
• Horsepower: 210 @ 7500

Pros

Cons

1962 Mercedes-AMG C43 Convertible - Driven

Specifications

• Make: Array
• Model: 1962 Mercedes-AMG C43 Convertible - Driven
• Engine/Motor: V6
• Horsepower: 210 @ 7500
• [do not use] Vehicle Model: Array

Pros

Cons

Mercedes-AMG C43 Cabriolet Exterior

Strictly from the design perspective, the Mercedes-AMG C43 Cabriolet looks a whole lot like the Mercedes-AMG S63 Cabriolet. Walking towards it, will, however, reveal that we are dealing here with a much smaller convertible. Once again, a good thing! Mercedes-Benz and Mercedes-AMG managed to capture the opulence of the flagship on the C.

Designers scaled down the sophisticated shape with such precision that I wouldn't hold anything against any untrained eye who mixes these two. What I would hold against them is them missing all the intricate details that demonstrate the sophistication of the C43 Cabriolet. For its latest generation, we have a twin-louver AMG radiator grille in matt iridium, silver chrome front splitter, and, like on our tester, a carbon fiber package with a dark rear lip spoiler, and carbon-fiber mirror housings. Without it, these come painted in the same color as the body. It is a prolific design smartly complemented by a wider front bumper with larger side fins and quite dominating round four exhaust tips at the back. These, of course, sit framed by a rather massive rear diffuser. It is a piece designed to help with the air turbulence, and it affects the C43 Cabrio handling at high speeds.

The latest generation of the C-class - including the AMG C43 Cabriolet - does cherish its low-drag nature. AMG built on a healthy basis, so, even as a Cabriolet, the AMG C43 feels sleek, composed, and eerie quiet in the cabin even with the top down. Spooky silent for a cabriolet, at least. It all comes down to a rather smart Aircap system. This is a small spoiler on top of the windshield. When activated, it changes the trajectory of air currents above the Cabriolet and lowers the wind and noise inside the open cabin.

Mercedes-AMG C43 Exterior Dimensions vs. The Competition

How Big is the Mercedes-AMG C43 Cabriolet?

Well, let me tell you. It is not a small car. With a length of almost 185 inches and a width of 79.5 inches, the C43 Cabriolet falls just within the grasp of European executive convertibles such as the 4 Series Convertible, or the A5 Cabriolet. It is 2 and a half inches longer compared to it, but the important thing is that they all share the same habitat. While the exterior size isn't much bigger, the cabin does feel considerably larger compared to the one in the 4 Series, or the A5. But, I think it is just a feeling.

The shape of its roomy cabin and an open-top give you a specific authoritative view of the surroundings too. Mercedes-AMG really did an excellent job dimensioning the C43 Convertible to feel like a tailored luxury suit. The Audi and the BMW feel more like a tailored sports garment instead. That is, of course, just how it is supposed to be.

Thus, handling such a car can be strange at moments. While far smaller compared to anything "muscle" from America, the C43 Cabrio gives us certain "large-car" vibes more often than not. Especially if set in Comfort mode. In that case, softer suspension, calmer 385 horsepower, V-6, and a mildly subdued 9G-Tronic offer confident but calm demeanour to the C43 Cabrio. This is perfect for cruising on the coast with a feeling that you command a land yacht. But you do not. Believe it or not, the Mercedes-AMG C43 Cabrio is the same length as the compact convertible Buick Cascada. Not precisely a monstrous car, is it?The Mercedes-AMG C43 Cabrio, on the other hand, is a monstrous car. Not only does it weigh more than 4,200 pounds, but it does evoke a certain prestige and flaunts its ostentatious nature. All thanks to its big wheels (19-inch wheels), quad exhaust and chubby, but compelling profile.

Mercedes-AMG C43 Cabriolet Exterior Dimensions

Mercedes-AMG C43 Cabriolet Interior

I am accustomed to the concept-like interiors of the latest Mercedes-Benz cars. Nevertheless, I still find that flowing center console with 3D effect vents, and large screens behind the wheel, and on the dash, quite sexy. Especially when in this redesigned, luxury-filled interior of our AMG C43 Cabriolet tester. Compared to the previous iteration of the C43 Cabriolet, which I had the luck to drive, the new car comes with a new steering wheel and a bigger standard screen.

AMG Performance Studio, as a $3,000 option, added darkened trim on the exterior, but, more importantly, it added a flat-bottom steering wheel, Nappa leather, and a few other touches to please the senses.

Leather is a big deal in any Mercedes. AMG or not. The C43 Cabrio had it on the seats (unfortunately not AMG Performance seats), on the doors, on the dash, steering wheel, and the armrest. That's a lot of leather that intentionally makes the C-class interior far more luxurious than what one would expect. Coupled with rich brushed-aluminum looking surfaces, and that thick, but gentle handles, the C43 Cabrio interior feels like an interior of a far more expensive car.

Plus, the multi-layered soft-top, designed after the one on the S-Class Cabriolet, offers fantastic insulation from ambient noises. It is actually rather incredible what Mercedes achieved in terms of interior comfort and quietness with the roof up. If you ever find yourself in a C43 Cabriolet, I implore you to listen to that glorious sound of the 3.0-liter V-6, then raise that roof and listen to it again. You'll question if you'd lost your hearing or something. It is such a profound difference. While we're at the soft-top roof, I can tell you that it can go up or down in around 20 seconds, and that while driving at speeds of up to 31 mph. In an almost complete silence as well. It seems that Mercedes-AMG wanted to keep the luxury and sophisticated ambiance regardless of the sporty nature of the beast. The sporty edge is prominent, however, with loud exhaust note, and somewhat harsher ride in the Sport and Sport+ driving modes.

It all comes down to driving modes. This interior can inspire luxury and opulence in Comfort mode. In some of the sportier modes, however, it subliminally transforms into a cocoon of sporty intensity. Bear in mind, only the exhaust note and the driving characteristics change with the alteration of the driving mode. The cabin remains the same; only the driver starts feeling it differently. It is a well-designed place, no question about it.

Mercedes-AMG C43 Cabriolet Interior Dimensions vs. The Competition

Can Adults Fit in the Rear Seat of the Mercedes-AMG C43 Cabriolet?

Yes, they can. You have 0.8 inches more legroom in the Mercedes-AMG C43 Cabriolet than you get in a Ford Fiesta. And I've seen adults, as tall as five foot seven or five foot eight happily driving in the back of the Fiesta. So, yes, adults can fit on the rear seats of the Mercedes-AMG C43 Cabriolet. They will, however, lack the headroom. There's 1.6 inches more of that in the back of the Fiesta than in the back of the C43 Cabriolet with the roof up. Not that you will drive people around with the roof up, but I guess you should know that no one will like it back there if it starts raining.

Mercedes-AMG C43 Cabriolet Interior Dimensions

Mercedes-AMG C43 Infotainment and Technology

Smartphone integration and 10.25-inch display on top of the dash come as standard in the Mercedes-AMG C43 Cabriolet. It is a "digital" push (if you will), for a car that had been on the market for some time. I find that the far more impressive feature is a 12.3-inch digital display behind the steering wheel. It is crisp, presents information in HD, and can change following your preference. With three modes available -  "Classic," "Sport," and "Supersport" - the display exhibits three different personalities (much like the car when you go through the Comfort, Sport, and Sport+ modes).

Our model had a $2,200 option called the Multimedia Package. It includes:

- COMAND navigation 

- No-charge online navigation map updates for 3 years 

- Enhanced voice control

- 3 years of Live Traffic service provided by TomTom

- Car-to-X Communication

And I think it is worth it. If nothing for the superb COMAND navigation system. Other than that, the Mercedes-AMG infotainment system includes the touchpad controller, Apple CarPlay, Android Auto, and Bluetooth media streaming. I found it rather intuitive and friendly. It just works.

Mercedes-AMG C43 and Car Seats

Seats in this car prove that the world of today works like a well-oiled machine. Although I'd like to try the AMG performance seats (which are available for the C43 Cabriolet), the standard leather-wrapped seats in the AMG C43 are fantastic. Adjustable in 14 ways, the seats are also heated, cooled, and provide an Airscarf neck heating system so you can drive with a top-down even when its chilly. That is all cool (or hot), but the shape of the seats offers something spectacular - immense comfort in an ergonomically pleasing manner, and perfect support for spirited driving. I drove a lot of cars and experienced seats good and well.

The standard seats in the Mercedes-AMG C43 Cabriolet are just fantastic. Heck, I wouldn't bother opting for the AMG Performance seats at all. Especially not in a convertible that acts as a significant and substantial cruiser. Keep the AMG Performance seats for the coupé. It needs it more when it hits the track. As far as the back seats go, I can tell you that I just sat in them for the sake of it. Nothing special there, really.

Mercedes-AMG C43 Drivetrain and Performance

This is where things get exciting when it comes to the AMG C43 Cabriolet.

First things first, tough. The Mercedes-AMG C43 Cabriolet is based around the same architecture as the C-class sedan, and, of course, the C-Class coupé. This means that most of the twin-turbocharged V-6 sits behind the front axle. That unit now develops 385 horsepower and 384 pound-feet of torque (23 hp more compared to pre-redesigned model). It connects to a reprogrammed 9G transmission and a rear-biased 4Matic system. Expressed in figures, the 4Matic setup will send 69 percent of the torque to the rear axle and only 31 percent to the front axle. These percentages can give you an idea about the balance AMG wanted to achieve here. It intends to provide us with a precision of the RWD car with the safety of the AWD car. All that in a sexy cabriolet form.

Sure, the Coupé will feel stouter. It maybe even has a bit different weight distribution, but the well-crafted propulsion system and an air suspension that changes the very nature of the car on a touch of a button gives this cabrio more than enough cred for some serious backroad fun. And that is what I did with it. Got that top down, selected Sport+ mode on the Dynamic Select dial and showed it some bends and curves.

The sound is the thing that moves you to no end. It pops, it burbles, it growls and yells. Only in Sport and Sport+ mode tough. In Comfort, it is almost like a normal, dignified six-cylinder. Like the one in the old C300. It is there, it works, but you don't have to care about it as much.

With the Sport+ mode selected a few important things do happen:

- reduction of the electronic power steering assist

- remap of the 9G transmission with a paramount change in shifting points (it holds gears for much longer)

- increased throttle response

- stiffened up suspension

- opened valves in the exhaust

- less intrusive electronic driving aids

- disengaged Start/Stop function

These seven changes affect the C43 Cabrio so much that you would instantly feel like you are driving a different car. The somewhat soft, boat-like driving experience suddenly becomes hard, and harsh. This setup gives you much more information about what is happening under the 19-inch wheels. First of all, harder steering allows you to precisely, and with some heft, point the AMG C43 Cabrio where you intend to. With some wizardry, I suddenly felt much more aware of the mass of the car. It is a massive beast, but that did not discourage me from conquering some nasty hairpins with extreme audacity.

With Sport+, I knew accurately when the C43 shifts its balance and traction between the wheels. Heck, with that kind of insight, the soft, comfortable cabriolet becomes a machine that justifies the AMG acronym. And the power was there. Always. In the Sport+ mode, the 9G-Tronic does not care about regulations or emissions. It only wants to give you as much torque as possible whenever you need it. This reminded me that a 3.0-liter V-6 could be all of it - fun, efficient, silent, loud, powerful, subdued, or just plain dull. In the AMG C43 Cabrio, every single adjective is just a press of a button away.

I feel that you could surprise a bit the driver in a C7 Corvette Stingray. Even give some older Porsche 911s a moment to ponder. But only ponder. This C43 Cabrio, however quick, can never have a composure, linear power delivery, or the predictability of any 911. After all, I am writing about apples and oranges here.

Nevertheless, all the driving beauty is accessible only with the Sport and Sport+ mode. The incredible thing is that, even with the Sport+ and clear awareness about the weight balance, and traction of each wheel, you still feel somewhat comfy. More comfortable than in the BMW M4, let me say that.

Mercedes-AMG C43 Convertible Specs vs. The Competition

Is the Mercedes-AMG C43 Cabriolet Fast?

Numbers never lie. Mercedes-AMG C43 Cabriolet can accelerate to 60 mph in 4.6 seconds. It can achieve a top speed of 130 mph, and it is fast enough to propel you in a manner that outruns the base Maserati Gran Turismo from the mid-2000s could. So yes, it is fast.

Go for a run in the mountains and its air suspension will perfectly tailor itself to suit the roads. Go for a brisk cruise on the coastline and it will be as comfy and boat-y as an old Cadillac. It is a perfect cabriolet for the world of today. It does everything well, but excel at nothing. Except for maybe the V-6 sound. Boy, does it sound well!

Mercedes-AMG C43 Drivetrain Specs

Mercedes-AMG C43 Cabriolet Fuel Economy

I mean, this is an AMG. You shouldn't really wonder about fuel consumption. If you do, however, the Mercedes-AMG C43 Cabriolet can be efficient. Its 17.4-gallon tank can, theoretically, provide you with 435 miles before refuelling. That's at highway speeds where, according to EPA, the V-6 returns 25 mpg. In the city, it drops to 18. You can achieve it with a gentle touch on the gas. Do not do that. While it can be mild, the C43 Cabrio is something else entirely.

Mercedes-AMG C43 Convertible Fuel Economy

Mercedes-AMG C43 Safety

You can consider the latest generation of Mercedes-Benz cars as the safest cars on earth. The AMG C43 Cabriolet included. Apart from structural enhancements that kept the C43 Cabrio structure almost as rigid as the structure of its hardtop brethren, the tester we had included numerous safety features. As standard, the C43 Cabriolet comes with:

- Active Brake Assist

- Attention Assist

- Mercedes-Benz Emergency Call

- LED Daytime Running Lamps

- LED headlamps and taillamps

- Crosswind Assist

- Blind Spot Assist

- Rearview camera

- Pre-Safe

- Pop-up roll bars

- 10 air bags

- Adaptive braking technology

- Antilock Braking System (ABS)

- Brake Assist (BAS)

- Electronic Stability Program (ESP)

- Aluminum and high-strength steel body structure

- Advanced Tire Pressure Monitoring System

- SmartKey with Keyless-Start

- Antitheft alarm system with remote panic feature

- Rain-sensing windshield wipers

Mercedes-AMG C43 Pricing and Warranty

The Mercedes-AMG C43 Cabriolet starts at $63,650 in the U.S. Our test model had a few optional extras that included:

- AMG Performance Studio Package ($3,000)

- Exterior Lighting Package ($900)

- Multimedia Package ($2,200)

- Parking Assist Package ($1,090)

- Driver Assistance Package ($1,800)

The price of the test model you see on the photos is $72,640.

As far as warranty goes, Mercedes-Benz offers the same warranty options for its AMG cars. "All new Mercedes-Benz vehicles are protected by our New Vehicle Limited Warranty, covering defects in material or workmanship for 48-months or 50,000 miles, whichever comes first." You can also purchase the Mercedes-Benz Extended Limited Warranty that offers prolonged warranty coverage.

Mercedes-AMG C43 Cabriolet Pricing

Mercedes-AMG C43 Competition

BMW M4 Convertible

The AMG C43 Cabriolet represents the entry point within the AMG stardom. In much the same shape, AMG offers the much more potent C63 Cabrio with the V-8, so I'd wager that that one is a better competitor to the M4 Convertible. Nevertheless, the matter of a fact is that the C43 Cabriolet engine develops 385 horsepower. The one in the M4 Convertible develops 425 horsepower, which does not sound like much. However, you have to consider that the M4 Convertible features a track-worthy suspension setup, 50/50 weight balance, and a double-clutch transmission. And yes, it is considerably more expensive than the C43 Cabrio with an entry price of more than $77,000. In terms of performance, the M4 Convertible will be quicker to 60 as it needs only 4.2 seconds to achieve the magical number.

Mercedes-AMG C43 vs. BMW M4 Convertible

Audi S5 Convertible

At $65,100, the Audi S5 Convertible and its V-6 engine feels like a perfectly matched competitor to the C43 Cabriolet. Yet, the 3.0-liter from Audi does not develop near as much power. Its 349 horsepower and 369 pound-feet of torque propel it to 60 mph in 4.8 seconds. Regardless of the power deficiency, some would argue that Audi simply looks subtler, but more sophisticated. I leave that for you to decide. What I can tell you is that the C43 Cabriolet does have a buffed up road presence even RS-badged Audis can't exactly match. Regardless of it, I am still quite stumped that Audi has 36 fewer ponies under the bonnet.

Mercedes-AMG C43 Cabriolet vs. Audi S5 Convertible

Jaguar F-Type R-Dynamic Convertible

The latest contender is the Jaguar F-Type R-Dynamic Convertible. Unlike the C43 Cabriolet and all other competitors on this list, the F-Type is a proper, standalone sports car rooted in Jaguar's motorsport heritage. At 380 horsepower, its 3.0-liter turbocharged V-6 is almost as powerful as the engine in the C43 Cabriolet, but the Jag lacks the novel transmission. This directly affects its sprint time as it can achieve 60 mph in 4.8 seconds. It is behind the C43 Cabriolet in that regard.

On the other hand, Jaguar did not limit its top speed. Therefore, the F-Type will smash past 155 mph and reach 171 mph at the far end. The problem, however, is with the pricing. Jaguar values the F-Type's sporty genes and exclusivity far too much. Despite the dated interior and lack of the latest tech on board, the Jaguar F-Type R-Dynamic Convertible starts at $87,400.

Mercedes-AMG C43 vs. Jaguar F-Type R-Dynamic Convertible

Final Thoughts

The latest iteration of the Mercedes-AMG C43 Cabriolet brings more power, a better infotainment system, and even sharper driving characteristics. Yet, compared to its immediate competition, the C43 Cabriolet seems to be the most affordable and the most powerful (considering that the M4 is actually from another planet). It is also the least expensive AMG convertible which puts it in a position to represent a whole brand. And it does represent it quite well. Especially in Sport+, with the top-down, and a twisty road. Preferably on the coast. It is that sort of a car this one.