Picked up my new C63S cab this weekend. My initial thoughts after 150 miles and a nice twisty road trip to the mountains.

What I like:
* I wanted a car that could be enjoyed comfortably, quietly, etc and then could be a lot of fun too—this car is pretty amazing in bridging that range of character
* in comfort mode with the top up it is as smooth and quiet as any car I have driven—I don’t find the ride harsh at all
* everything is correct and as I ordered. mirrors fold automatically, HUD is on, etc
* went over plenty of rough road and no rattles—solid as any convertible I have driven and similar to most hard tops
* the front camera and 360 camera are really nice
* my wife loves the heated air coming from the headrest
* the car’s character shifts a little with each mode and unlike many other cars with various modes, this one changes: suspension, exhaust, throttle response, etc
* feels very solid, no cowl shake at all
* great noise especially in sport plus mode
* love all of the technology, I hope a bug in an app doesn't start the car in our parking garage. Feels strange that you can just hit a button on an app and the car starts.


Not as crazy about
* the loud pops and burbles on downshift are only present to a significant degree in sport plus mode; you get some of it in sport, but not the same (folks will either like or dislike it)
* I like all of the cameras, but the “auto parking” option is a bit scary. the “concierge” at the dealer rode with me while we tested it and I am afraid this would take a long time to trust. I am more comfortable looking at the camera views and parking it myself—at least for now
* not sure what to make of the aircap. I can’t tell much difference in wind turbulence in the front seats whether it is up or down. I believe it is primarily for rear seat passengers (haven’t checked that yet)

Have owned the following cabs: 996, maserati, F type, 355, Aston Vantage S, boxster, M3 and relative to these, the AMG is by far the most balanced. It has most of the good parts without some of the bad parts. If you are really a sports car person then this does remind you every now and then that it is over 4k lbs and thus requires over 500 hp to match many of the above cars. I have a 4C which is a nice alter ego to the C63S—totally different cars, but both fast and fun.

A few pics from the drive to the mountains east of San Diego. Still early, but I really am impressed with this car. My first MB--off to a good start.

 

BEAUTIFUL! So wish that the cab would have worked for me, but alas I have 3 children and need the sedan haha.

Enjoy!

 

My Cab should be here in a few weeks. I cannot wait. Glad to hear you are very happy with the car.

 

Looks fantastic , congratulations ! Is that Iridium Silver ? What colour is top ?
I'm planning to purchase a c43 cabrio next year and was concerned about the stiffness of the suspension, but from your report it sounds like I needn't worry .
More pictures (with top up and inside ) would be appreciated .
I think the aircap is designed primarily for rear passengers .
Thanks for the report - very interesting .

 

congrats buddy ! car looks perfect ! what a wonderful one, enjoy it mate

 

It is silver with black top. In comfort mode the suspension is very compliant. Stiff in sport plus, but not stiff like an Alfa 4c. I like that it can sort of be whatever you want.

 

Despite having owned a convertible before (Stage 3 Roush), I'm generally not a fan... but that's a damn good looking car.

 

I have 3 kids too, but rarely have all 3 in my car. Decided to take a leap and replace my M5 with the cabrio.

 

Great review and nice car. Love the convertibles. Wished I had the front and 360 camera.

 

for those that have driven both the coupe and the vert, is there a discernible difference in seat of the pants speed along with handling characteristics?


I know must verts lose performance thru weight gain and chassis flex (roof components) but the Turbo S Vert is one that really doesn't lose all too much in the performance gain for a soft top. I was at the dealer today and the Selenite Vert was brilliant looking.




OP your car is striking!

 

Have not driven the coupe, but I agree with your general assessment. I think this is a really solid cab based on others I have driven. I doubt the speed difference could be felt, but the handling and feel probably will be. I had an M3 cab and drove a coupe and really preferred the coupe. I did drive a C63S sedan and I like the cab better. My understanding is the cab has the same underpinnings as the coupe minus the top vs the sedan so that makes sense.

 

She's a beauty no doubt!!

 

Anyone know why MB hasn't made the move to hardtop convertibles on these?

 

I would assume weight and cost.

 

Agree, have read that in addition to weight, the new cloth top are just as quiet as well. I can vouch that this one is amazingly quiet at freeway speed.

 

In addition to the benefits of less weight , cost and complexity , there is a huge difference in useful trunk space when the top is down . This , to me would be the main advantage .
I also hear the soundproofing is excellent and I feel the look is smoother and less 'lumpy' compared to the hardtop . I really see no advantage of hardtop except maybe security