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2016 Mercedes-Benz C-Class Cabriolet Spyshots Reveal S-Class Coupe-Like Taillights [Updated]

Update: as our readers have pointed out, this is, most likely, the S-Class Cabriolet prototype, which explains the whole S-Class Coupe resemblance story. We're sorry if we've caused any unecessary emotions - there's no need to fret though. Once Mercedes' open-air line-up is complete, there will basically be a car for any taste, as long as you have the money. In case anybody still doubted this, Mercedes-Benz wasn’t joking about the design revolution introduced by the S-Class. As you’ve probably noticed, all the models launched after the flagship sedan follow it in terms of styling and the latest example comes from the still-in-development C-Class Cabriolet.
2016 Mercedes-Benz C-Class Cabriolet spyshots 6 photos
Photo: Carpix
2016 Mercedes-Benz C-Class Cabriolet spyshots: taillights taillights2016 Mercedes-Benz C-Class Cabriolet spyshots2016 Mercedes-Benz C-Class Cabriolet spyshots2016 Mercedes-Benz C-Class Cabriolet spyshots2016 Mercedes-Benz C-Class Cabriolet spyshots
The latest spyshots reveal the taillights of the open-top C-Class and the deja vu sensation is here for a reason - you’ve seen these taillight design on the S-Class Coupe. We’re referring to both the chromed strip linking the taillights, as well as the light clusters themselves.

Add the virtually-identical exhaust tips and you’ve got one uber-strong example of what the Germans understand by family identity. Nonetheless, the boot lid looks a bit more curved on the C-Class Cabriolet, but we’ll need some more images to draw a final conclusion.

When Mercedes-Benz launched the S-Class Coupe, the impact of the styling was a polarizing one. While some were impressed by the sleek lines, others said the styling cues reminded them of the Renault Laguna Coupe - using the rear three quarter view.

Just like Audi doesn’t seem to be too concerned with people complaining about its models looking too much like each other, Mercedes designers couldn’t be bothered either. Come to think of it, this is a pretty interesting styling circle - the Laguna Coupe was in turn criticised for resembling an Aston Martin, a company in which Mercedes-Benz holds shares.

The technical details

As for the roof, the few visual clues available here, coupled with examples such as the E-Class Cabriolet show that the C-Class will put a canvas roof over its occupants’ heads. Sure, Mercedes-Benz is well-known for the retractable metallic tops on cars like the SLK and the SL, but the Germans don’t appear to be willing to spread those developments past that part of their line-up.

As for how the MFA (Modular Front Architecture) platform will be modified to suit the Cabriolet, as well as the Coupe, the spyshots we’ve been seeing offer a series of clues. The tracks will be wider, while the two-door versions could sit closer to the road.

Under the bonnet, the Cabriolet will borrow most of the engines on the C-Class Sedan. The scheme will also see the C Cabrio received the new AMG Sport treatment - there will be a C450 AMG Sport model slottet in between the C63 AMG and the standard models.

Speaking of the C63 AMG Cabriolet, we’re not sure Mercedes-Benz will build one. The past generation of the C-Class didn’t have a Cabriolet, so that doesn’t provide any information. Nonetheless, we’ll remind you Affalterbach still doesn’t cover the E-Class Coupe and Cabriolet, due to cannibalization reasons.

With the new platform, the Mercedes-Benz C-Class Cabriolet will match its classy exterior and interior styling with good cabin room, which will make this one serious offer.
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About the author: Andrei Tutu
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In his quest to bring you the most impressive automotive creations, Andrei relies on learning as a superpower. There's quite a bit of room in the garage that is this aficionado's heart, so factory-condition classics and widebody contraptions with turbos poking through the hood can peacefully coexist.
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