mercedes-benz e-class cabriolet is the latest 4WD coupé

mercedes-benz has completed its new ‘e‑class cabriolet’ to be unveiled at 87th geneva motor show–this four-seater with a classic fabric soft top combines puristic, sensuous design with exceptional comfort for four people and innovative technology: it features smartphone integration with a wireless charging and key function, a widescreen cockpit, and the enhanced assistance systems. powerful engine variants and comfortable suspension systems ensure a sporty and luxurious driving experience. on request the cabriolet can be equipped with the aircap electric draught-stop system, and the airscarf neck-level heating system – enhancing comfort when driving with the top down. for the first time, the cabriolet is also available with ‘4MATIC’ all-wheel drive.

all images © mercedes-benz

when the soft top is up, the mercedes-benz ‘e-class cabriolet’ has a silhouette similar to that of the its predecessor– the ‘e-class coupé’. the close ties between the two models are apparent in their shared design language, with the emphasis on surfaces with clean lines. a striking front section with a low-positioned diamond radiator grille and centrally located star, led high performance headlamps (or optional high-resolution multibeam led headlamps), a drawn-out bonnet with powerdomes and fully retractable side windows underline the dynamic looks of the cabriolet.  

the tail lights are designed resemble the glow given off by a jet engine. as a new feature, the tail lights also put on a special show for the driver when they approach or leave the car. a visual entity comprising anodized, polished aluminum (AMG – matt aluminum) is created by the trim frame on the A-pillar and front windscreen, along with the shoulderline trim strip, and a wide trim finish that surrounds the soft-top compartment. suspension that is 15 millimetres lower than that of the saloon emphasizes the sporty character of the cabriolet.

the fabric soft top is available in either dark brown, dark blue, dark red or black. its multi-layered structure with sophisticated insulation reduces wind and driving noise, making it easier for the occupants to hear each other talk, even at high speed. the soft-top structure is equally effective when it comes to climate comfort, making it suitable for use all year round. derived from that of the ‘s-class cabriolet’, the soft top can be fully opened and closed in just 20 seconds while travelling at a speed of up to 50 km/h (31 mph). after opening, it folds down seamlessly and is stored in the boot. a retractable cover separates the soft top from the remaining boot space. the overall boot capacity of 385 litres (310 when the roof is open) meaning the ‘e-class cabriolet’ doesn’t compromize on practicality. the new 50:50 folding rear seat backrests create a through-loading feature in the interior architecture.

the upper section of the dashboard appears to be hovering, while the cabin’s high-quality finish emphasizes the car’s sporty, stylish character. two optionally available high-resolution 12.3-inch displays merge beneath a shared glass cover, creating a widescreen that appears to be floating. the driver can choose from three different styles for the virtual instruments in the instrument cluster: ‘classic’, ‘sport’ and ‘progressive’. the entry-level model combines two round dials and a 7-inch colour display cluster with a central display featuring an 8.4-inch diagonal screen. the dials, instrument cluster and central display are installed in a single frame with a high-gloss piano-lacquer look. distinctly sporty highlights include air outlets in silvershadow with a shape inspired by turbine engines.

the driver has multiple options for operating the instrument cluster, multimedia system and other functions: touch controls in the steering wheel for finger-swipe control, a touchpad that recognizes handwriting and the controller in the centre console, linguatronic voice control and direct-access buttons, e.g. for controlling the air conditioning and for convenient activation and deactivation of certain driver assistance systems. the luxurious seats for all four occupants have a sportily sculpted individual-seat character. the sports seats feature sturdy side bolsters, integrated head restraints and optional airscarf neck-level heating. standard-fit automatic belt extenders for the front seats help the occupants to fasten their seat belts. the rear seats now provide a through-loading feature as standard and are also heated, further enhancing the car’s suitability for all-year-round use and its claim to be a fully-fledged four-seater.

high-grade materials and contemporary colors come together to create a sporty, contemporary look. the attractive refinements in ‘yacht blue’ combined with ‘macchiato beige’ lend the cabriolet an exclusive look. the optional appointments include heat-reflecting leather in five colors. there are also nine trim options to choose from, including two pale finishes in high-gloss open-pore wood. the interior lighting makes use of durable, energy-saving LED technology. the same applies to the optionally available enhanced ambient lighting with 64 colours and a special feature in the shape of a rear light in the roof liner of the cabriolet soft-top.