Mercedes E-Class Convertible spied

The E-Class is open for business! These are the best shots yet of Mercedes’ new drop-top, shown with the roof stowed for the first time. But that’s not all that’s intriguing about these exclusive snaps – a retractable wind deflector can be clearly seen at the top of the windscreen – a first for a car of this type.

Similar to its main rival in the four-seater convertible class, the Audi A5 Cabriolet, a cloth roof has been favoured instead of a heavier and more expensive folding hard-top.

Based on the E-Class Coupe, the convertible shares the same sharply-creased bodywork and dramatic rear wheel arch, while we can expect the engine line-up to include the choice of a four or six-cylinder diesel engine as well as three petrol units topped by the Audi S5 Cabriolet-rivalling E500.

Our sources have revealed that the E-Class Convertible is set for a world debut at the Frankfurt show in September and goes on sale in the UK shortly afterwards. Prices should start from around £35,000 - a premium of a few thousand pounds over the Coupe.