New York Motor Show: Mercedes-AMG C63 cabriolet revealed

Mercedes-AMG is releasing new models in quicker succession than the 20 seconds it takes to lower the lid on this first-ever C63 cabriolet.

Based on the C63 coupe, the C63 cabriolet shares its stiffer rear suspension components and 50mm-wider rear track over with the sedan and wagon. Compared with a regular C-Class cabriolet, the bulging wheelarches push body width out by 65mm and 66mm front/rear.

It is a heavy unit, though. The 350kW C63 Cabriolet that we won’t get in Australia weighs 1910kg, while the 375kW C63 S Cabriolet that will arrive locally later this year tips the scales at a portly 1925kg.

In the latter case, the 700Nm 4.0-litre twin-turbocharged V8 engine needs to lug around an extra 200kg compared with the C63 S coupe and claimed 4.1-second 0-100km/h is two-tenths adrift.

A limited-slip differential, front 19-inch and rear 20in alloy wheels, dynamic engine mounts, adaptive suspension with Comfort, Sport and Sport+ modes, and even Sport and Race modes for the seven-speed dual-clutch automatic, all make it over on the transition from hard-top to soft-top.

Two-mode active exhaust also carries over, but the sound from the twin-turbo V8 will be less restricted anyway thanks to all that roof insulation being taken away.

The C63 S cabriolet will also be available with an Edition 1 package featuring matte grey paint, sticker stripes, quilted leather, a different style of alloy wheel and carbon ceramic brakes, among other niceties. Locally, the Edition 1 coupe adds $10,900 to the price of the standard C63 S coupe.

According to Mercedes-AMG CEO Tobias Moers aims to deliver a “new combination of intensive open-air ambience and powerful V8 engine (that) is unique in the segment.” Oh, and it also targets the M4 convertible.

BMW has offered an M3/M4 drop-top for years, and the current iteration also weighs 250kg more than its coupe equivalent; although at a total 1753kg it’s barely heavier than a C63 S coupe and at $161,900 it’s actually cheaper than the AMG coupe.

Expect the C63 S cabriolet to command a circa-$15K premium over the C63 S coupe that retails at $162,400 and goes on-sale locally next month.