Mercedes-Benz has completed its E-Class lineup with
the debut of the stylish Convertible model that follows the sedan, Estate,
Coupe and the rugged E-Terrain wagon.
The E-Class
Convertible adheres to the lines and body shape of its coupe brethren shedding
the metal top for a retractable cloth roof. The result is a very elegant
looking car, the design of which should withstand the test of time.
The E-Class’ fabric soft top is available in dark
brown, dark blue, dark red or black, and can be fully opened and closed in 20
seconds when travelling at a speed of up to 50 km/h. It stores under a
retractable cover with Mercedes promising a reasonable boot capacity of 385
liters, reduced to 310 liters when the roof is stowed.
An increase in exterior dimensions (123 mm longer, 74 mm wider) together with a 113 mm longer wheelbase
than the previous E-Class Convertible, give the new model a boost in space,
with rear passengers gaining an additional 102 mm of legroom.
The new E-Class cabrio can be optionally
equipped with the AIRCAP automatic draught-stop system and the AIRSCARF
neck-level heating as well as a number of other features.
Mercedes will give buyers the
option of all-wheel drive, which it calls 4MATIC. The Germans haven’t fully
detailed the lineup yet, but said North America will get a 3.0L V6 biturbo
engine paired to a standard 9G-TRONIC nine-speed automatic transmission, which
produces 329 hp in the E400 Coupe. An E50 AMG variant with well over 400 horses
from a 3.0L V6 turbo, should be in the Convertible’s future too.
In other markets, such as Europe, expect a similar
lineup of petrol and diesel units to the coupe, including 2.0-liter
turbocharged gasoline and diesel fours for the 241 hp E300 and 191 hp E220d entry
level models respectively, along with the previously mentioned E400 and E50
AMG.
The E-Class Convertible will have it first public
out at the Geneva Motor Show next week and go on sale in the second half of the
year.
