2016 New York Motor Show: Mercedes-AMG C63 S Cabriolet revealed

Mercedes-Benz will rip the roof off its most potent C-Class just in time for Christmas.

MERCEDES-Benz’s relentless and predictable model proliferation plan for global domination continues with the unveiling of the AMG-badged C63 version of the new Mercedes-Benz C-Class Cabriolet at the New York Motor Show this week.

The Mercedes-AMG C63 S Cabriolet will join lesser Benz C-Class convertibles in Australian showrooms from December. It packs a 375kW twin-turbocharged 4.0-litre V8 engine that’ll propel it from 0-100km/h in 4.1 seconds, and rip the toupee from your head in a few seconds more. Top speed for C63 S models is 280km/h (if fitted with the optional AMG Driver package).

The C-Class-based AMG Cabriolet was unveiled in two states of tune: 350kW in the ‘base’ model, and 375kW in the S model that also comes with an electronic limited slip rear diff and dynamic engine mounts. Mercedes-Benz Australia is likely to follow the same one-tune strategy it employs with the C63 Coupe and Mercedes AMG GT sports coupe – both of which are only offered in Oz in the more potent 375kW “S” tune.

In contrast with lesser C-Class Cabriolets, the C63 S drop-top rides on a wider track and sports suspension. Its potent twin-turbo V8 teams with a single-clutch seven-speed automatic transmission and drives the rear wheels through the same wider, tougher, AMG-developed rear axle as the C63 S Coupe.

The C63 S Cabriolet also steps up the aggression visually over its lesser brethren. A deep front splitter and twin bonnet bulges – called “powerdomes” – lead the way, supported by flared wheel arches that make the car 64mm wider at the front and 66mm wider at the rear. A ground-hugging body skirt, rear diffuser and 19-inch wheels and tyres complete the visual statement.

The C63 S comes with an electrically operated, three-layer fabric soft-top that – if initiated at a speed below 5km/h – can continue to close or open at up to 50km/h. When stowed in the boot, luggage capacity drops from 355 to 260 litres.

Pricing for the C63 Cabriolet will be released closer to the car’s arrival Down Under, but we can expect it to land around $170,000.