The E-Class Cabriolet is the latest addition to the Mercedes-Benz E-Class line-up. The open-top two-door model, features a classic fabric soft top, making for a traditional cabriolet feeling.
Two E-Class Cabriolet models are available, namely the E350 and E500. The E350 Cabriolet is powered by the proven V6 engine, this six-cylinder powerplant develops 200 kW and provides a peak torque of 350 N.m from 3 000 r/min. The more powerful E500 with a V8 engine develops 285 kW and reaches a peak torque of 530 N.m. The V6 engine takes 6.9 seconds to accelerate from 0 to 100 km/h, whilst the V8 engine takes 5.3 seconds and CO2 emissions are rated at 229 g/km for the E350 and 257 g/km for the E500. A seven-speed ’7G-TRONIC’ automatic transmission is standard on both models.
The soft top can be opened and closed automatically within 20 seconds – even when driving at speeds of up to 40 km/h. The cabriolet roof is stowed in a special compartment behind the rear panel and a retractable cover separates the soft top compartment from the boot area. If the roof is to remain closed, the cover can be slid rearwards, in which case the boot capacity is increased by 90 litres to 390 litres – a through-loading feature is also included for the new Cabriolet.
The latest E-Class Cabriolet sports a number of new features, including AIRCAP® automatic draught-stop, a revised AIRSCARF® neck-level heating system, as well as an insulated soft top for improved acoustics fitted as standard. The AIRCAP® automatic draught-stop is in fact a world first for Mercedes. The function can be activated at the push of a button and serves to greatly reduce turbulence inside the new Mercedes E-Class Cabriolet. In addition, the AIRCAP® still allows easy access to the rear seats and prevents the need to manually setup a conventional draught-stop, reduces interior noise levels and can remain in use right up to the car’s top speed.
Mercedes say the acoustically optimised soft top, fitted as standard, brings about a clearly noticeable reduction in the interior noise level compared to conventional fabric soft-tops. At 23.5 mm tick, the roof, with its improved layes of insulation, is said to noticeably reduce wind and road noise from speeds of 80 km/h upwards.
A wealth of safety innovations are expected in a Mercedes model and as such, highlights of the new E-Class Cabriolet include roll-over protection, reinforced A-pillars and plug-in B-pillars. The roll-over protection consists of two bars, each with a diameter of 35 mm, which are housed in the rear head restraints behind the rear seat backrests. These are deployed in a fraction of a second if the sensors in the airbag control unit detect imminent danger. The A-pillars have been reinforced with two high-strength steel tubes and the B-pillars connect to the side skirts, with an ultra-high-strength steel brace joining the inside of the B-pillar against the rear seat crossmember. Further exemplary safety equipment available for the E-Class Cabriolet includes ATTENTION ASSIST drowsiness detection, PRE-SAFE® anticipatory occupant protection, the sophisticated Intelligent Light System, and DISTRONIC PLUS proximity control.
| Prices (incl. VAT) |
|
| E350 Cabriolet | R770 000 |
| E500 Cabriolet | R900 000 |
Both Mercedes-Benz E-Class Cabriolet models include a 2-Year / Unlimited kilometers warranty, MobiloDrive 120 for the first 60 000 km and Touring Guarantee 24-hour roadside assistance.
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