Report: New Mercedes C-Class Cabrio to be called CLR?

Posted Fri Sep 12 2008 7:05 AM by James Martinez

Mercedes’ new C-Class exhibits a major leap in performance, dynamics and styling over the outgoing version so it’s not surprising that execs are considering expanding the current range. One of these new models could be a convertible version, rumored to hit the market in the first half of 2010. Positioned below the CLK, which itself will switch its name to E-Class Coupe along with a platform upgrade to next-gen E-Class architecture, the new C-Class Cabrio will reportedly adopt a traditional soft-top in order to keep production costs low.

The new model will likely be called the ‘CLR’ and will feature a two-door body with seating for four. There are apparently no plans for a C-Class Coupe but anything could change before the expected 2010 release date. Most components will be shared with the C-Class sedan - even the CLR’s wheelbase will be the same.

The new CLR, as previewed in these renderings, would share most of its features with its sedan cousin. Expect the same interior and feature list, as well as the same engine options. The base engine will be a four-cylinder petrol unit producing 156hp (115kW), while the range topper will be powered by Mercedes’ 3.5L V6 mated to a 7G-TRONIC gearbox. Expect to see a C63 AMG model equipped with the familiar 6.2L V8 engine further down the track.

Mercedes’ strategy with the new model is target the gap between the 1-series and 3-series Cabrio models. While no official details have been released, AutoBild is reporting that it could cost around €35,000 (approximately $49,250). Of course, U.S. pricing would be substantially lower.

Mercedes-Benz C-Class cabrio renderings

Gallery: C-class cabrio

Reader Comments

Wed May 21 2008 11:38 AM
chris says

man.... some one's bound to call me stupid but... I just realized... Merc has a THREE BAR GRILLE... wow. ok sorry, enough of that.

I'd still prefer a 3 series coupe cabrio with the hard top. sorry MB. still one step behind.
Wed May 21 2008 12:15 PM
kafkef says

i like it. it kind of reminds me of the 1980's mercs.
though the interior on the c-class looks awfully cheap.
Wed May 21 2008 12:37 PM
burke says

...I still find it boring...
Wed May 21 2008 12:39 PM
Raptor says

I'd definitly take 3-series over this (better looking + brilliant engines). But it does look better than CLK if you ask me. I am just not sure about soft top.
Wed May 21 2008 3:05 PM
Gunnar says

The C-Class cabrio is a nice idea. The whole "CLK" title is prone to confuse customers thought. And we can't exactly call it the "ELK" now can we?
Wed May 21 2008 3:15 PM
Foxfire says

We'll see... better looking than the current CLK, yes... but the upcoming one? Doubt it.
Though does MB really need CLC, C cabrio/coupe and CLK?
Wed May 21 2008 3:43 PM
andrew says

after seeing these pictures, im glad i went with the 3 series cabrio.
Wed May 21 2008 4:32 PM
Gus says

It finally happened last weekend, I was driving up to Santa Barbara with some friends, one of whom had a new 328i cabrio. We pulled over to put the tops down on our cars after getting off the freeway and his wouldn't go down, he had two duffel bags in the trunk, and two kids in the back seat. He was pissed.

Soft tops rule.
Wed May 21 2008 5:41 PM
Christian says

hey gus one example from your life doesnt make soft-tops better, soft tops are a dying breed like dvd's, in a matter of years a majority of convertibles will be hardtop anyways, and they look 100 times better
Wed May 21 2008 5:45 PM
Brad says

sorry to say Gus but soft tops suck
Wed May 21 2008 6:15 PM
Gus says

Well, mine hardly ever sees the light of day anyways, so I guess I'd rather have the trunk space.
But Brad, thanks, that was a well thought out argument, with plenty of reasoning to defend your position, I'm glad to be better educated for it.
Wed May 21 2008 6:54 PM
Trevor says

Very nice, however, not my type.
Good for rich blond women...
Wed May 21 2008 7:48 PM
Gus says

Not the 63, that one I would relishhhhhhhh....

Mmmmmmm, torque.....
Thu May 22 2008 1:32 AM
NaBUru38 says

Christian: "soft tops are a dying breed like dvdâ€™s"

In what planet do you live? My Uruguay isn't fourth world, and here most PCs don't have DVD recorders (most new PCs have CD writer/DVD reader devices).
Thu May 22 2008 12:14 PM
Shawn says

Hell i only watch blu-ray, which will most likely replace dvd's in the coming years
Tue Aug 26 2008 5:05 PM
Brian says

The new CLK exterior looks better than the current one. I still have my 1995 E320 Cabriolet and haven't found a reason to get rid of it yet for one of these new pieces of junk. Although the styling looks nice, the insides are inexpensive and poorly designed. I wish Mercedes could design a true luxury four-seater car that isn't just for rich housewives to drive around. Shame on them for not getting their act together and putting out a car that isn't much better than a typical convertible offered by just any car company.
Fri Sep 12 2008 10:35 AM
Gus says

I like the look of the new baby convertible, much better than the 135 anyway.
With a 63 engine, that could be lots of fun...
Fri Sep 12 2008 12:30 PM
raptor says

But then again, for that kind of money you get an aerobatic airplane, and that's even better :D
Fri Sep 12 2008 3:28 PM
Gus says

raptor, as a pilot, I wholly agree with you.
I'll take my Extra 300 in dark metallic red, thanks.
Fri Sep 12 2008 3:45 PM
designer says

mercedes will modify the design make it look ssleek more interesting
Mon Sep 15 2008 4:28 PM
Jazzeebee says

For those saying the 3-series cab looks better than this better get their eyes examined.The
3 series coupe/cabriolet is BMW most unimaginative design in years.
Wed Sep 24 2008 12:07 AM
Sid says

This is a good move by Mercedes and will cover more of the market.

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