Cabriolet joins Mercedes’ E-Class range

MERCEDES-BENZ has unveiled the new E-Class Cabriolet ahead of its Australian arrival in the third quarter, featuring the soft-top borrowed from the S-Class and increased dimensions all round for more cabin space.

The fabric soft-top can be opened and closed in 20 seconds up to 50km/h and is designed to help reduce wind and driving noiseBenz is offering the roof in four colours – dark brown, dark blue, dark red or black.

When opened, it takes up 75 litres of the E-Class Cabriolet’s 385L boot, which can be increased with a through-loading feature that folds the 50:50 rear seats forward to accommodate bulky items.

The new model has grown substantially over the outgoing model, which is unsurprising given it was based on the same platform as the previous-generation W204 C-Class.

It has increased 123mm in length, 74mm in width and 30mm in height, with the wheelbase growing by 113mm and track width by 67mm at the front and 68mm at the rear.

This has resulted in 102mm extra rear legroom, while front passengers get an extra 15mm of headroom, 50mm of shoulder room and 38mm of elbow room.

Suspension has been lowered by 15mm over the sedan, while multi-chambered adjustable air suspension is available as an option which can change between Comfort, Eco, Sport, Sport+ and Individual mode.

The Cabrio gets the new-gen E-Class’ interior, which includes a pair of optional 12.3-inch displays that merge the instrument cluster with the infotainment screen for a super-long display screen.

It borrows the turbine-style air vents from the Coupe version, with a large wood panel running across the dash and separating the rest of the leather-appointed interior.

The Aircap and Airscarf system that allows for open-top driving even in the cold are available as options.

Aircap uses a wind deflector module integrated into the roof frame that reduces cabin turbulence, while Airscarf blows warm air onto the occupant’s necks to keep them warm in colder weather.

Safety tech includes active brake assist, five airbags with optional curtain airbags and rear sidebags, and a roll-over protection system.

Powertrains are yet to be confirmed, but a combination of petrol and diesel-powered four- and six-cylinder engines from the Coupe range are the most likely fit.

In Europe at least, that is likely to mean a choice of 143kW/400Nm E220d diesel, 135kW/300Nm entry-level turbo-petrol E200, the mid-range 180kW/370Nm petrol E300 and flagship – for now – V6 petrol all-wheel-drive 245kW/480Nm E400 4Matic.

All engines are confirmed to use nine-speed automatic transmissions. A fire-breathing E63 AMG variant is likely at some point.

The current E-Class Cabriolet range uses 2.0-litre turbo-petrol engines in the E200 and E250 variants, with a twin-turbo petrol V6 E400 topping the range.

More information including pricing and specification will be revealed closer to its release date in the third quarter.