2010 Mercedes-Benz E-Class Cabriolet Announced

MERCEDES-BENZ has today released preliminary details and images of the 2010 Mercedes-Benz E-Class Cabriolet, due to go on sale on January 11 next year.

Successor to the CLK Convertible, two-door open-top the E-Class Cabriolet is scheduled for an international debut at the Detroit Auto Show next month.

The 2010 E-Class Cabriolet was almost fully revealed courtesy of documents leaked from the European trademark office, including photos of a convertible nearly identical to the final production model.

The leaked images followed spy photos of a lightly disguised E-Class Cabriolet testing on European roads earlier in the year.

Mercedes-Benz says the new E-Class Cabriolet was designed to a "four seasons, four personalities" motto, its AIRCAP and AIRSCARF systems developed to provide a high level of comfort whether the the Cabriolet's soft-top roof is up or down.

Styling

Following the styling cues of its Coupe sibling, the E-Class Cabriolet features the same quad rectangular headlights and inverted L-shaped running lamps in the front bumper.

Measuring 4698mm long, 1786mm wide and 1402mm tall, the Cabriolet is slightly smaller than the sedan, but its appearance is every bit as muscular.

Like the Coupe, the Cabriolet's rear sees more imposing 'pontoons' (flared wheel arches) than the sedan.

The grille features the large three-pointed star characteristic of all sporting Benzes and, like the Coupe, an AMG sports package will be available with the range-topping E500 model.

Mercedes has not specified wheel options for the Cabriolet, but like the E500 Coupe tested by TMR, 18-inch six-spoke alloy wheels will feature on the AMG-enhanced model (pictured here).

Stowed in a special compartment behind the rear panel, the Cabriolet's soft-top can be opened and closed fully automatically within 20 seconds, while driving at speeds up to 40km/h.

Boot capacity falls short of the Coupe's 450 litres, but with the roof in place, boot space is increased by 90 litres to 390 litres.

The Interior

As with the Coupe, the dash layout of the Cabriolet sees little change from the Sedan, with a large full multi-function display atop the centre stack and a five-dial instrument cluster set behind the steering wheel.

The Cabriolet sets itself apart from the Sedan with the same narrower cabin of the Coupe, along with revised air vents and a smaller glove compartment.

A traditional gearshift sits in the centre console, rather than the column-mounted stalk of the sedan, minimising storage space in the centre console but maintaining the sporty image the Cabriolet aims to achieve.

With more bolstering than the Sedan's seats, the front seats of the Cabriolet provide ample room for driver and passenger. Both seats are fully electrically adjustable, with steering wheel reach and rake controllable from the steering-mounted switches.

The E-Class Cabriolet features a 2+2 seating arrangement, with entry to the rear seats aided by the sliding front seats.

Equipment and Features

The most significant feature in the E-Class Cabriolet is the AIRCAP and AIRSCARF systems.

The AIRCAP automatic draught-stop system, activated at the push of a button, reduces turbulence in the Cabriolet's interior, creating what Mercedes calls a "sea of warm air".

The AIRCAP system consists of two main components, a wind deflector that can be extended by around six centimetres with a net in the windscreen frame and a draught-stop between the rear seats.

The AIRSCARF system is integrated into the backrests of the front seats and warms the occupants' head and neck areas by blowing warm air through outlets in the headrest.

Models fitted with the multi-function display will include satellite navigation and a digital TV tuner, while the COMAND APS system acts as the hub that ties all the multimedia systems together.

Safety features include rollover protection in the form of two 35mm bars, housed in the rear head restrains in modules behind the rear seat backrests.

A tilting cone sensor detects imminent danger to the occupants based on extreme skidding movements or acceleration caused by impact. With a corresponding signal from the sensor, pre-tensioned pressure springs are quickly activated.

Airbags include front airbags and sidebags for the driver and front passenger, a kneebag on the driver's side and headbags - a first-time inclusion in a Mercedes cabriolet.

Attention Assist drowsiness detection, Pre-Safe anticipatory occupant protection, sophisticated Intelligent Light System, Active Bonnet (pedestrian protection) and Distronic Plus proximity control figure among the E-Class Cabriolet's safety features.

Mechanical Package

Mercedes has yet to reveal detailed mechanical specifications for the E-Class Cabriolet, but a range of engines will be offered internationally, mirroring those of the Coupe line-up.

Engine options will include:

• E 220 CDI BlueEFFICIENCY Cabriolet: 125 kW (170 hp)
• E 250 CDI BlueEFFICIENCY Cabriolet: 150 kW (204 hp)
• E 350 CDI BlueEFFICIENCY Cabriolet: 170 kW (231 hp)
• E 200 CGI BlueEFFICIENCY Cabriolet: 135 kW (184 hp)
• E 250 CGI BlueEFFICIENCY Cabriolet: 150 kW (204 hp)
• E 350 CGI BlueEFFICIENCY Cabriolet: 215 kW (292 hp)
• E 500 Cabriolet: 285 kW (388 hp)

An AMG version developing 386kW is expected, featuring Mercedes' all-wheel-drive 4MATIC system.

Mercedes-Benz's 7G-tronic seven-speed automatic transmission will feature, with normal, sport and manual shift modes.

Mercedes has yet to announce pricing for the E-Class Cabriolet, but details should come closer to the car's market debut next year.