Used Mercedes-Benz C-Class Cabriolet for sale: everything you need to know

The most recent generation of the Mercedes-Benz C-Class Cabriolet made its debut in 2016 and ran until 2023 with no direct replacement - instead, the Mercedes-Benz CLE Cabriolet replaces both the C-Class and E-Class Cabriolets from the previous ranges.

It’s an accomplished, handsome cruiser, with a wide range of engines and trim levels and also a couple of dedicated performance models, and all are just about practical enough to make sense as a day-to-day car for most customers - and really coming into their own in the warmer months.

Both the Audi A5 Cabriolet and BMW 4 Series Convertible squared up to the C-Class Cabriolet when new and both make similarly compelling used buys, and both opted for fabric roofs in their most recent iterations, just like the Mercedes. For a couple of left-field choices, consider a Ford Mustang Convertible, or even a Range Rover Evoque Convertible.

Should you buy a Mercedes-Benz C-Class Cabriolet?

The classy convertible is as much a staple of the Mercedes-Benz range as imposing saloons and practical estates - you can trace open-topped cars right back to the start of the Mercedes brand. And based on the outgoing C-Class Coupe, the Cabriolet is as handsome and well-equipped as you’d expect.

The biggest draw is of course the folding roof, which is well insulated from noise (and the weather) when up, and appropriately hidden when down. Systems like Mercedes’ clever ‘Airscarf’, which directs warm air to the back of your neck from the seats when the roof is down, mean you don’t have to wait for scorching weather to enjoy the experience.

It’s less flashy inside than some of the latest Mercedes, which may be a draw for some buyers - you still get infotainment and driver display screens (more so in later models), but physical switches too. It’s fairly well built, and the rear seats are certainly large enough for kids, if not quite enough for adults over longer trips.

The car’s ride and handling strike a balance that should work for most people. We’ve focused on the later AMG-themed trim levels below but those seeking greater ride comfort may want to look at an older Sport-badged car. This generation C-Class has always driven well though, even if it’s not as dynamic as its BMW rival.

That BMW is the 4 Series Convertible, while the Audi A5 Cabriolet is another car that aims at the same customers as the C-Class. At this level, badge appeal and styling is as much a differentiator as their abilities. If you’re seeking something a little different though, the Range Rover Evoque Convertible is a left-field choice, while if you’re prepared to sacrifice premium quality for pure fun, then consider a Ford Mustang Convertible - especially if it has the V8 engine.

A Mercedes-Benz C-Class Cabriolet not for you? We've got 1000s of used cars for sale to suit all budgets and needs.

What’s the best used Mercedes-Benz C-Class Cabriolet model to buy?

You might think a clattery diesel engine isn’t the best companion for a car that lets you put the roof down, but thankfully the diesels still aren’t that clattery, and their low-down torque makes them adept cruisers. Still, the petrol C 200 is probably more in-keeping with the drop-top vibe, and still has decent performance and economy. If you’ve got the budget though, don’t overlook the C 43 and C 63, which both have storming performance, a great soundtrack, and feel even more special.

We’ve focused on later trim lines here and AMG Line Edition trim already includes most of the equipment we’d want to have in a convertible like this. Earlier Sport models may be worth seeking out for their ‘comfort’ suspension though, and they still got LED headlights and Artico artificial leather upholstery.

Used Mercedes-Benz C-Class Cabriolet fuel economy and performance

• Mercedes-Benz C-Class Cabriolet C 200: With a 1.5-litre turbocharged petrol four-cylinder the C 200 makes 148PS with a 14PS mild hybrid boost. 0-62mph takes 8.5 seconds and combined consumption is 38.2mpg.
• Mercedes-Benz C-Class Cabriolet C 300: The C 300 gets a larger 2-litre turbocharged petrol engine, with 258PS and a 14PS mild hybrid boost. It helps bring down the 0-62mph time to 6.2 seconds, without a huge economy penalty, at up to 37.2mpg combined.
• Mercedes-Benz C-Class Cabriolet C 220d: The 2-litre turbodiesel makes 194PS in C 220d form, for 0-62mph in 7.5 seconds and claimed economy of up to 52.3mpg.
• Mercedes-Benz C-Class Cabriolet C 300d: The same engine makes 245PS as the C 300d, with 0-62mph coming up in 6.3 seconds, and economy dropping slightly to 48.7mpg.
• Mercedes-AMG C 43 4Matic Cabriolet: C 43 models use a 3-litre turbocharged V6 petrol engine with a 390PS output and a 4.8-second 0-62mph time, in part thanks to all-wheel drive. Economy is quoted at 28mpg.
• Mercedes-AMG C 63 S Cabriolet: A 4-litre twin-turbo V8 powers the C 63 S, sending 510PS to the rear wheels for 0-62mph in 4.1 seconds. Combined economy is 25mpg.

What used Mercedes-Benz C-Class Cabriolet trim levels are available?

The C-Class Cabriolet’s trim levels sound like word soup, but luckily you don’t get a badge on the back spelling out the full thing. All are based around some form of AMG-themed trim though, and are comprehensively equipped from the off. The range also includes the dedicated AMG models, two based around the V6-engined C43, and one around the V8-powered C63 S.

• Mercedes-Benz C-Class Cabriolet AMG Line Edition comes with 18-inch alloy wheels, AMG body styling, Dynamic Select driving modes, LED headlights, parking sensors and a reversing camera, AMG sports seats, a wind deflector when the top is down, Airscarf neck-level heating, a 7-inch driver display and 10.25-inch infotainment display, and a Nappa leather trimmed AMG steering wheel.
• Mercedes-Benz C-Class Cabriolet AMG Line Edition Premium adds multibeam LED headlights, a driver and passenger seat memory package, 12.3-inch driver display, ambient lighting, an online media system, mid-range sound system, and wireless device charging.
• Mercedes-Benz C-Class Cabriolet AMG Line Night Edition Premium Plus gets 19-inch alloy wheels, a gloss black ‘Night Package’ exterior styling package, 360-degree parking camera, and a 13-speaker Burmester audio system.
• Mercedes-AMG C 43 Edition Premium has 18-inch aero alloy wheels, AMG body styling with a rear lip spoiler, an AMG performance exhaust system, an AMG louvred grille, the mid-range sound system, and leather trim with red contrast stitching.
• Mercedes-AMG C 43 Night Edition Premium Plus brings back the Burmester audio system, exterior ‘Night Package’, 360-degree camera system, and steps back up to 19-inch alloys.
• Mercedes-AMG C 63 S Night Edition Premium Plus has the Night Package, 19 and 20-inch wheels front and rear, a performance exhaust, rear differential lock, an AMG Driver’s Package with a 174mph top speed, red brake calipers, an AMG-specific 12.3-inch driver display, Nappa leather AMG Performance seats, an AMG Performance steering wheel, and Burmester audio.

Used Mercedes-Benz C-Class Cabriolet dimensions and boot size

The Mercedes-Benz C-Class Cabriolet’s dimensions are:

• Length: 4696-4751mm
• Width: 1810-1877mm (without mirrors), 2016mm (with mirrors)
• Height: 1403-1411mm

The Mercedes-Benz C-Class Cabriolet’s boot space is:

• 335-360 litres (roof up)
• 260-285 litres (roof down)

Used Mercedes-Benz C-Class Cabriolet road tax

Almost all C-Class Cabriolets attract a VED surcharge thanks to list prices of more than £40,000. This means a bill of £570 per year regardless of engine, though from the seventh year of registration onwards, this drops down to £180 per year at current rates. Models registered before April 2017, which should include a few cars given the Cabriolet arrived in 2016, have tax based on CO2 emissions, so diesels in particular may be quite affordable.

How much is it to insure a Mercedes-Benz C-Class Cabriolet?

Of the post-facelift models covered here, C-Class Cabriolet insurance groups start at group 38 for a C 200 in AMG Line Edition trim, rising to group 41 for the C 200d and 43 for the C 300 petrol. Higher trim levels bump this up by a group or two depending on the engine, while the C 43 begins in group 46, and the C 63 sits in the maximum group 50.

Read our full Mercedes-Benz C-Class Cabriolet review