Mercedes-Benz is leading the way once again with its 2017 C-Class Cabriolet. The new soft-top C-Class is a culmination of luxury and sportiness, a testimony to elegant design. It comes in three strengths: the C300, C63 AMG, and C63 AMG S.

The C300 is available with standard rear drive or optional 4Matic all-wheel drive. Its 2.0-liter turbocharged four-cylinder manages 245 hp and 273 lb-ft of torque, and Mercedes claims it can go from 0 to 62 mph in 6.1 seconds. The plentiful output is great for highway passing and around-town cruising and feels quick. The nine-speed automatic transmission smoothly winds through each gear, making acceleration feel effortless.

The car is stable and well-planted through hard, fast corners. The optional all-wheel-drive C300 will let you smoothly cut into country road corners without slowing down and hold its place effortlessly. The 4Matic system allows you to accelerate quickly without having to try and feather the throttle. The suspension and chassis are unfazed even over rough road, with the car maintaining a sense of poise at all times.  There is also the available Airmatic air suspension that is electronically controlled and continuously adjustable for both the front and rear axles.

Unlike some convertibles that bow to their hardtop siblings because of additional weight and reduced structural integrity, the C-Class cabrios sacrificed very little. The C300 comes in right at 3,725 pounds, about 100 more than the C300 coupe.

Mercedes includes its Dynamic Select system, which allows the driver to set the ride, throttle mapping, transmission shift points, and steering feel to their liking with the flick of a switch, with settings ranging from economy to comfort to two sport modes, with an additional racing mode for the AMGs. The differences between settings are noticeable in both feel and sound. And there is no reason to ever drive the AMG versions without the active exhaust turned on.

Like the sedans and coupes, the C-Class convertibles have an elegant exterior with sharp creases. The high beltline, steep windshield, and long hood give these convertibles a classic coupe look with the roof up. Power is communicated through the large intakes on the grille and below headlamps that push back into the fenders. The AMG models add carbon-fiber trim on the trunk as well as a subtle spoiler. The 17-, 18-, or 19-inch wheels fill the wells and give these convertibles a planted stance. Even with the cloth top up, the cars look stunning.

There’s also a simple elegance to the interior design. Most surfaces are covered with French-stitched leather; the high center console uses real carbon fiber on the AMG models and a dark wood grain. The floating touchscreen at the top of the dash looks elegant but provides that practical advantage of keeping your eyes closer to the road. There’s an optional head-up display as well if you want to view key information without glancing away.

The second row is comfortable for two adults.  The second-row seats have a 50/50 split and can fold flat to allow for more storage. With the roof up, the C300 doesn’t let in any road or wind noise. People in the second row can speak at a normal volume to those in front.

Mercedes adds its Airscarf to the C-Class convertible in order to tack on a few more months of cruising in cold-weather areas. These seat-mounted vents can blow three different temperatures on the driver’s and front passenger’s necks. An Aircap system, includes a wind louvre that pops up from the top of the windshield and a draft stop behind the rear head rests that extends to reduce turbulence in the cabin. The system basically controls nature or at least deflects it and works well to keep the cabin quiet.

For an added fun, there are the C63 and C63 S.  The S stands for “Smile” as you experience the output of the 510 horsepower. The 4.0-liter twin-turbo V8 under the hood of the C63 and C63 S will make anyone giggle when they mash their foot on the accelerator. The massive torque – 479 lb-ft in the 63, 516 for the 63 S – pushes you back into the seat and holds you there. Mercedes estimates the C63 S can go from 0 to 62 mph in 4.1 seconds.

The AMG seven-speed automatic transmission on both is flawless. It’s perfectly calibrated and practically omniscient, holding gears when it needs to, ripping through them at other times.  Like the C63 coupes and sedans, the AMGs feel like bulls ready for the fight. They maintain fantastic grip through corners with little body roll. They tempt you to go faster.

The all new C-Class Cabriolet is the benchmark of luxury and performance that Mercedes customers expect.  The all new Mercedes-Benz C-Clas Cabriolet is much more modern than any BMW 4 Series droptop and more substantial than the outgoing Audi A5 cabriolet. Once again Mercedes-Benz delivers on its “best or nothing” philosophy, setting the benchmark for all to follow.