Hello, sunshine! This is the new Mercedes-Benz E-Class Cabriolet, the fifth member of the E-Class family, just in time for summertime and ready for its maiden debut at the Geneva Motor Show. With the convertible four-seater, the E-Class family is now complete. The model is a mix of puristic design, long-distance comfort and the latest technology already fitted in its siblings.
With its canvas top up, the Mercedes-Benz E-Class Cabriolet features a silhouette similar to that of the Coupe version, displaying the same sensual and dynamic contour. The real personality of the convertible shines out with the top down though. The mind-blowing front section with the low-positioned diamond grille and centrally located 3-pointed star, the powerdomes on the hood, the elongated shoulders and the two-piece super slim LED taillights highlight the dynamic character of the four-seater. The tail lamps put on quite a “Hello” light show when the driver approaches or walks away from the car.
The suspension of the cabriolet has been lowered by 15 millimeters compared to that of the saloon. Standardly shod with 17-inch wheels, the drop-top E-Class breathes power and motion.
Let that top drop!
The soft top is available in dark brown, dark blue, dark red or black, it is fully automated and it can either close or open in 20 seconds at speed of up to 50 km/h. Derived from that of the S-Class Cabriolet, the canvas roof boasts a multi-layered structure with sophisticated insulation for reduced wind and driving noise and thorough climate control, making the convertible usable all year round. Once down, the roof goes into its dedicated space in the boot, leaving a 310-liter (385 when top is up) luggage space.
Sophisticated interior
Generously proportioned, futuristic just like in the other E-Class family members, the interior of the Cabriolet boasts high-quality materials and finishes.
The already familiar two optionally available 12.3-inch displays merge beneath a common glass cover, providing the appearance of a floating screen. Just like in the sedan, the driver can customize the virtual instruments by selecting “Classic”, “Sport” and
“Progressive”. The entry-level model features instead two round dials and a 7-inch color display with a 8.4-inch screen located in the central console.
To boost the sporty feeling, the outlets with a shape inspired by turbine engines feature a Silevrshadow trim. The multimedia system can be operated by the touch controls in the steering wheel with simple finger-swipe movements, by the touchpad that recognizes handwriting and by the Controller in the center console, but also by the LINGUATRONIC voice control.
The high-end sumptuous seats have the sturdy side bolsters, integrated head restraints, optional AIRSCARF neck level heating system and AIRCAP automatic draught-stop system, for the occupants to defy any weather conditions. Standard-fit automatic belt extenders for the front seats give the occupants a helping hand when fastening their seatbelts.
The interior, with its 64 –color ambient lighting, can be customized with five colors of leather and nine different trim options.
The bigger the better
The new E-Class has grown like the king’s youngest son. At a length of 4826 mm, a width of 1860 mm and a height of 1428 mm, the new automobile is by far larger than the previous model. It features wider tracks (plus 67 mm at the front and plus 68 at the rear), from which the driving dynamics has plenty to gain. The considerably larger “footprint” also provides the passenger with more space.
Powertrain
The Mercedes-Benz E-Class Cabriolet is launched with a choice of petrol and diesel engines, including the 4MATIC permanent all-wheel drive for the first time and the standardly-fit 9G-TRONIC 9-speed automatic transmission. More engine options shall be added to the line-up.
The comfort-oriented DIRECT CONTROL suspension, lowered by 15 millimeters compared to the saloon, is standard, with the DYNAMIC BODY CONTROL suspension available as an option. The driver can change the damping characteristics using the DYNAMIC SELECT system switch, going from “Comfort” to “Sport” and “Sport+”.
The cabriolet also comes with the AIR BODY CONTROL multi-chamber air suspension as an option for a soft comfortable ride and secure feeling of handling stability at higher speeds. It adjusts the damping at each individual wheel automatically, to suit the driving situation and road condition, such as in the event of evasive manoeuvres or rough driving surface. “Comfort”, “ECO”, “Sport”, “Sport+” and “Individual” are the suspension characteristics option.
The DYNAMIC SELECT makes it possible to select the suspension behavior in combination with the DYNAMIC BODY CONTROL or AIR BODY CONTROL, as the driver can control the throttle response, the ECO start/stop function, the shift point of the automatic transmission.
Top class safety
The Cabriolet follows in the sedan’s footsteps in terms of safety, featuring the PRE-SAFE reversible belt tensioner on the front seats and the PRE-SOUND hearing-protective system in the event of an accident.
The Active Brake Assist warns the driver of an imminent collision. The Active Distance Assist DISTRONIC, including Active Steering Assist, helps the car keep the right distance from the vehicle in front and can also follow it automatically, at speeds up to 210 km/h.
The cabriolet is also fitted with the MAGIC VISION CONTROL, the highly efficient wipers, that integrate water ducts in both sides of the blade for better cleaning fluid distribution. When the roof is down, the water discharge is reduced to avoid splashing into the cockpit.
“25th Anniversary” model to celebrate a quarter of a century
It was 1992 when Mercedes-Benz sent into the world the fourth body variant in the mid-size segment, in the shape of the 300 CE-24 Cabriolet, which later became a collector’s sweetheart.
25 years on, Mercedes-Benz puts the Cabriolet in the spotlight where it belongs, by launching the “25th Anniversary” edition, aimed primarily at collectors and lovers of unique automobiles. The model brings plenty of the company’s specialties, like the 20-inch 5-twin spoke alloy wheels, the Cabriolet Comfort package, open-pore Elmwood trim, the AIR BALANCE package with exclusive DAYBREAK MOOD fragrance, illuminated doors sill panels with the Mercedes-Benz lettering, velour floor mats with the “25th Anniversary Edition” embroidery, ambient lighting and the MAGIC VISION CONTROL system.
The interior is wrapped in materials featuring the new color combo of macchiato beige/tizian red. The new exterior paint rubellite red metallic and the iridium silver, both in combinations with a dark red soft top, are on the list of choices. The cars display the “25th Anniversary” logo on the front wings and on the center console.
