E-Class Cabrio raises the roof!

By Kyle Fortune

14th December 2009

THE new E-Class is open for business. These are the first official pictures of Mercedes’ latest Cabriolet, and it comes with a few tricks up its sleeve.

Every car will be fitted as standard with the hi-tech new AIRCAP wind deflector (see panel, below). Plus, safety will be impressive, thanks to a strengthened windscreen, pop-up roll-over bars in the rear headrests and seven airbags – which include headbags for the first time on a convertible.

As with its CLK predecessor, the E-Class Cabriolet features a fabric roof, so it doesn’t suffer from the unsightly rear deck of many coupé-cabrio rivals. The multi-layer soft-top folds in only 20 seconds, and can be operated at speeds of up to 25mph. With it down, boot space is cut by 90 litres to 300 litres, and all models come with a through-load facility.

Engines will be carried over from the E-Class Coupé, with four, six and eight-cylinder petrol and diesel units, and a choice of manual and auto gearboxes. Entry-level diesel and petrol cars offer 204bhp, and all but the 288bhp E500 flagship feature Mercedes’ BlueEFFICIENCY technology for low fuel consumption and CO2.

Standard kit includes ABS, stability control and the driver drowsiness monitor first seen on the E-Class saloon. Buyers can also specify the AIRSCARF neck-level heating system.

The Cabriolet debuts at January’s Detroit Motor Show, and is due here in March, with prices from around £30,000