The new Mercedes-Benz E-Class Cabriolet will be in showrooms in time for Spring next year and the drop-top is expected to be priced at around five percent less than the outgoing CLK Cabriolet. Like its E-Class siblings the Cabriolet will boast some new technology, the open E being offered with a device that Mercedes dubs 'Aircap', which significantly reduces buffeting and draughts in the cabin when driving with the roof down.
The device, which Mercedes has applied for over 20 patents for and which contains 211 parts, pops up out of the windscreen's top edge at the touch of a button inside. It works with a small pop-up screen and headrests at the rear, the combination of the two elements seeing the air flick up over the car and smoothly flow over the passengers. Having experienced the effect in Mercedes' wind tunnel in Stuttgart we can reveal that it does exactly as it's intended to do, reducing buffeting in the rear significantly and creating an almost draught-free environment in the front seats.
It might be effective, but there's no denying it looks odd. Mercedes claims that over 3000 hours in the wind tunnel have been undertaken to perfect its operation, but the E-Class Cabriolet's designer admitted he wasn't taken by the look of it, even if he appreciated its function.
Other innovations for Mercedes include a head airbag for the first time in one of its open-top models. Safety is as ever a priority and the windscreen has been strengthened significantly, while pop-up roll-over bars are hidden within the rear headrests.
The engine line-up follows that of the
E-Class Coupé, including a pair of 204bhp petrol and diesel entry-level models, through a range of six-cylinder choices and a range-topping 5.5-litre V8 petrol. All cars will feature the Aircap device as standard in the UK. Further details, including performance and economy information, will be revealed early next week, Mercedes bizarrely staggering specific areas of information release. Official pics will be revealed then too, though stickered-up badges aside, what you see in our gallery here is what will be offered for sale next year.
Kyle Fortune - 11 Dec 2009
