Spied: C-Class Cabrio Climbs Corporate Ladder

Now that Mercedes-Benz’s entry-level positions for various markets are established by the A-Class, B-Class, or, as in the U.S., by the CLA four-door coupe, the new C-Class chassis (W205) will be positioned as a more premium family of cars including a cabriolet model.

Last year’s black-plastic-clad C-Class cabriolet mule has moved closer to production form as these spy shots show more surface details, albeit obscured now by a swirling “Op Art” camouflage scheme and a false hardtop hiding the production car’s planned soft fabric roof. Although a folding hardtop has its advantages, it makes more sense on the SLK and SL models due to size and weight considerations. Also, as seen on the defunct CLK cabriolet and current E-Class cabriolet, an impeccably tailored soft-top fabric roof can provide a very elegant solution to a classic problem.

The new C-Class cabriolet is expected to arrive in showrooms as a 2016 model with similar powertrain options as its sedan and wagon siblings.