We’re no longer shy to the turbocharged four-cylinder ways when it comes to modern cars. Practically every vehicle on the market has a turbo-four… even pick-up trucks. So when Mercedes-Benz dropped their non-AMG twin-turbocharged V-6 from the C-Class series, they had to make their entry-level turbo-four a bit more spiffy if it was going to be the new standard engine.  

Replacing the old lethargic turbo-four, Mercedes new turbo-four is quite the charmer and is fitted to all of the C-Class line up including the sedan, coupe and convertible noted as the C300. Its all-new 2.0-liter turbocharged engine is sassy with Chihuahua bite. Making up 255-horsepower with 273 lb-ft of torque matted to its newest 9-speed automatic, it is the go-getter we expect to see from a premium product. Taking just over six-seconds to 60-mph it has no problem getting up and keeping up.

This new turbo-four feels much livelier than before with far less turbo lag. The newly engineered 9-speed transmission is perky with crisp transitions between gears and when left in its sporty dynamic mode, it holds the gear tightly as it loves to hug the red line of the rev counter.  The new engine is also much more conscious to the environment as it drinks it fuel like it’s an expensive wine. Averaging 31-MPG’s during our highway test, our C300 Convertible achieved 2-more mpg’s than its rated EPA.

Now, Mercedes-Benz didn’t necessarily drop the old twin-turbo V-6 from the C-Class series, they however, left the extra cylinder performance to their AMG friends. In the case of our C300 Cabriolet, pricing starts at a modest $53,950 and offers its 4Matic all-wheel drive for a mere $2000 more. Should more performance be desired in your 2-door or 4-door C-Class, the AMG family kindly offers the C 43, C 63 and C 63 S for those need some extra oomp in their daily routine.  

Allegedly there have been some alterations made to the suspension to bring in more of a comfortable, premium ride quality. However, in the case of our Cabriolet, things weren’t as cushy as we had hoped for. Perhaps it was the convertible top with its extra weight or our $500 upgraded 19-inch wheels rolling on summer rubber. Either way, the cabin space maintained a suitable quiet zone or its steering was peachy to delight provided a sense of eager responsiveness and agility.

Trailing its mid-life crisis, the C300 continuous its classy regimen as the only alternation to its chic physique were to its headlights and taillights with new LED illuminations. Its interior also endures a tasteful display of rich wood and metal that continues to offer an S-Class persona in at a C-Class price. However, as technology continues to grow in Mercedes, the C300 received its influx of the latest gadgetry with its optional digital instrument cluster and 12.3-inch high-definition infotainment system that features Mercedes command, Apple CarPlay and Android Auto.

As the convertible life goes, our C300 Cabriolet made us feel like a Malibu housewife. Mercedes has gone to extreme measures to ensure the topless life is just as comfortable as it would be with the roof up. With the roof folding away in a matter of less than 10-seconds, its power adjustable wind scarf keeps the wind from giving us a bad blow out while the heated air scarf from the headrest blows down our blouse like an anxious teenager trying to find the bra strap release clip.

For as little as the changes have been made, there is quite an impact to the C300’s personality. While there may be newer products on the market from other premium brands, this playful Benzy incorporates enough modern modifications to keep it a fierce competitor on the harsh field of premium sedans.

VEHICLE SPECIFICATIONS

VEHICLE: 2020 MERCEDES-BENZ C300 CABRIOLET
BASE PRICE: $54,700
AS-TESTED PRICE: $63,985

PERFORMANCE SPECIFICATIONS

ENGINE: 2.0-LITER TURBOCHARGED FOUR-CYLINDER
HP | TORQUE: 255-HP | 273 LB-FT OF TORQUE
TRANSMISSION: 9-SPEED AUTOMATIC
DRIVETRAIN: REAR-WHEEL DRVE
MPG: 21 | 29 | 24 (CITY | HIGHWAY | COMBINED)
AS TESTED MPG: 27.3-MPG COMBINED | 30.9-MPG HIGHWAY (200-MILES AT 75-MPH)
FUEL RANGE: 275-MILES
0-60 MPH: ±5.5 SECONDS