What's all this about?
It's the Mercedes-Benz E-Class Cabriolet, the last (we think) of five models in this particular family. It comes only weeks after Mercedes unveiled the very-closely-related E-Class Coupe and offers luxury four-seat open-top motoring for those who think the C-Class Cabriolet is just a bit too snug, and the S-Class Cabriolet a bit too grandiose.
So how does it differ from the E-Class Coupe?
Erm... it has a folding fabric roof.
Don't be flippant!
We're trying not to be! Honestly, it's a very, very similar car to the E-Class Coupe. This is no bad thing, as that's a good-looking machine and thus so is the Cabriolet. The multi-layered, acoustic hood can be raised or lowered on the hoof (at speeds of up to 31mph) in just 20 seconds and you can have it in four colours: dark brown, dark blue, dark red and black (dark by its very nature). The Cabrio sits 15mm closer to the ground than the E-Class Saloon and it has a boot that stands at 385 litres with the hood in place, or 310 litres with it stowed away. In the back are 50:50 split-folding rear seats to maximise practicality.
And how about the cabin?
A strict four-seater, the Cabriolet is bigger in all dimensions than its predecessor, meaning passengers in both rows have a bit more room in which to luxuriate. It's an E-Class, so expect a tonne of standard-fit and, more to the point, optional tech (including those two gorgeous 12.3-inch TFT screens for the dashboard) that you'd find elsewhere in the E-Class family, with the addition of Airscarf neck-level heating, the Aircap draught-stop system (a little flap pops up on the header rail when the roof is lowered), heated seats in all four positions and heat-reflective leather, available in five colours, for the upholstery. As if anyone would be so frightfully gauche as to wear shorts when boarding an E-Class Cabrio in the first place...
What's under the bonnet?
Mercedes simply says a 'choice of powerful and efficient petrol and diesel engines', so we'll take a punt and assert that the E 200, E 220 d, E 300 and E 400 4Matic drivetrains of the Coupe will be found in the Cabriolet. The 4Matic bit is interesting, as this is the first time an E-Class Cabriolet has had all-corners traction, while the 9G-Tronic nine-speed automatic will be standard-fit across the board. That 15mm-lowered suspension kicks off with the comfort-tuned Direct Control passive set-up, with adjustable damping Dynamic Body Control the next step up. Air Body Control is where you want to be, though, because this multi-chamber air suspension gives any E-Class the most sumptuous ride possible.
Is that it for now?
Yup, we'll bring you exact specs, prices and UK specifications, as and when they become available.
Matt Robinson - 1 Mar 2017