2018 Mercedes-Benz E-Class Cabriolet

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Classy.

Mercedes-Benz is completing its E-Class family with the new Mercedes-Benz E-Class Cabriolet. This open four-seater with a classic fabric soft top combines puristic, sensuous design with high long-distance comfort for four occupants and the latest technology. This includes comprehensive smartphone integration with a wireless charging and key function, a widescreen cockpit and the latest assistance systems. Powerful engines 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 - to enhance comfort when driving with the roof down. For the first time, the Cabriolet is also available with 4MATIC all-wheel drive.

The new Cabriolet is the fifth and youngest member of Mercedes-Benz's E-Class family, which has been renewed entirely within the space of one year. At the same time, the brand with the star is continuing its tradition of high-calibre cabriolets with a classic fabric soft top. "The passion for extraordinary vehicles, which we share with our customers, is reflected in our new E-Class Cabriolet in a unique way. It is a car that lets people enjoy comfort and luxury in the open air," says Britta Seeger, Member of the Board of Management at Daimler AG with responsibility for Mercedes-Benz Cars Marketing & Sales.

When the soft top is up, the E-Class Cabriolet has a silhouette similar to that of the E-Class Coupé and displays the same expressive proportions. The close ties between the two models are likewise apparent in the puristic design with the emphasis on surfaces with clean lines and sensuous forms. Hot and cool in equal measure, the design idiom represents elegance and intelligence. It is what shapes the appearance of the Cabriolet, which nevertheless exudes a unique character - especially when the soft top is down.

https://www.netcarshow.com/mercedes-benz/2018-e-class_cabriolet/

 

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Mercedes-Benz E-Class Cabriolet unveiled ahead of Geneva debut

The E-Class Cabriolet features a new high-strength steel and cast aluminium body structure; set to make public debut at Geneva motor show next week

The Mercedes-Benz E-Class Cabriolet has been revealed, completing the renewal of the manufacturer's cabriolet line-up.

Sister model to the recently unveiled 2017 E-Class Coupé, the new four-seat drop-top will make its public premiere at next week’s Geneva motor show, prior to the start of UK sales.

The new E-Class Cabriolet slots into the German car maker’s line-up between the recently launched C-Class Cabriolet and larger S-Class Cabriolet, providing Mercedes-Benz with a formidable open-top line-up that is further complimented by its existing trio of roadsters: the SLC, SL and GT Roadster.

The 2017-model-year E-Class Cabriolet has been thoroughly re-engineered and shares little with the seven-year-old model it replaces. Among its key developments is a new high strength steel and cast aluminium body structure featuring stiffening measures aimed at providing it with a level of rigidity on par with the E-Class Coupé. To keep weight in check, its outer body also receives fenders, bonnet and bootlid made of aluminium.

There are no surprises with the styling of Mercedes-Benz’s latest cabriolet model, with the E-Class Cabriolet leaning heavily on the appearance of the latest E-Class Coupé. The mechanical identical duo are the first models to feature a new restrained design lineage introduced by Mercedes-Benz design boss Gorden Wagener. It does away with the heavily structured look that characterised its predecessor for a more cohesive look that does away with deeply etched side feature lines in favour of smoother forms aimed at providing a more 'timeless visual'.

The automatically operated fabric roof of the new E-Class Cabriolet is similar in design to the closely related structures used by the smaller C-Class Cabriolet and larger S-Class Cabriolet and comes in four colours: brown, blue, red and black.

The multi-layer roof, produced by Austrian based engineering specialist Magna, can be opened and closed in 20sec while the car is travelling at speeds up to 50km/h via a button on the centre console, stowing in a dedicated space underneath a tonneau cover at the rear of the cabin to preserve the new convertible's svelte lines.

The nominal boot capacity of 385 litres is reduced to 310 litres when the roof is stowed. This is 10 litres more than that offered by the old E-Class Cabriolet, while new 50/50 split-folding rear seat backrests allow the stowage of lengthy items such as skis and golf bags when the rear seats are unoccupied.

At 4826mm in length, 1860mm in width and 1428mm in height, the new E-Class Cabriolet is 123mm longer, 74mm wider and 30mm higher than its predecessor. Based on Mercedes-Benz’s MRA (modular rear architecture) platform, it also receives a wheelbase which is 113mm longer than before at 2873mm. The track widths are also increased by 67mm at the front at 1605mm and 68mm at the rear at 1609mm.

The new E-Class Cabriolet has the same interior as the latest E-Class Coupé. While heavily based on that used by the E-Class Saloon, it receives a number of exclusive touches, including newly designed turbine style air vents within the dashboard facia, automatically extending feeder arms for the front seatbelts, exclusive open pore wood trims and what Mercedes-Benz describes as special heat-reflecting leather in five different colours.

The new open top comes as standard with analogue instruments and an 8.4in infotainment monitor, although buyers can choose two optional 12.3in digital displays like those already offered on the E-Class Saloon. The operating control for the optional digital displays is via small touchpads on the horizontal spokes of the steering wheel or a rotary controller and larger touchpad within the centre console and, as a further option, speech commands.

As with its predecessor, the new open top can also be optioned with Mercedes-Benz’s Aircap draught-mitigating system incorporated within the upper section of the windscreen header rail and the Airscarf neck heating ventilation system integrated into the front seat backs.

The larger footprint translates to increased interior accommodation, making the new E-Class Cabriolet a proper four-seater; headroom is up by 15mm up front and 6mm at the rear, shoulder room is increased by 50mm at the front and 14mm at the rear and elbow room grows by 38mm front and 20mm rear. The largest increase in interior space, though, is reserved for rear seat legroom, which is up by 102mm at a claimed 866mm.

Among the occupant safety measures offered by the new Mercedes-Benz model are five standard fit airbags, including a knee airbag for the driver, as well as four optional airbags, including side airbags in the rear. Further protection is provided by two sturdy beams integrated into the rear bulkhead. They are pyrotechnically fired out through the rear trim panel when sensors detect a possible rollover to create added survival space.

The E-Class Cabriolet is planned to be offered with the same engine line-up as the latest E-Class Coupé, alongside which it is produced at Mercedes-Benz’s plant in Bremen, Germany, with three petrols and a single diesel powerplant ranging in power from 181bhp to 328bhp.

The petrol line-up starts with E 200 Cabriolet powered by a turbocharged 2.0-litre four-cylinder engine with 181bhp. It is joined by the E 300 Cabriolet running the same turbocharged 2.0-litre four-cylinder as the E 200 Cabriolet tuned to a 242bhp. Above it sits the E 400 4Matic Cabriolet, which uses a twin-turbocharged 3.0-litre V6 engine delivering 328bhp.

The sole diesel in the initial UK line-up, the E 220 d Cabriolet, runs Mercedes-Benz‘s newly developed turbocharged 2.0-litre four-cylinder diesel engine with 191bhp.

All models come fitted as standard with Mercedes-Benz’s nine-speed automatic gearbox. The E 220 d Cabriolet and E 300 Cabriolet are rear-wheel drive, while the E400 4Matic, as its name suggests, comes as standard with Mercedes’ four-wheel drive system, which provides a nominal 45% front, 55% rear apportioning of drive.

As with the latest E-Class Coupé, the E-Class Cabriolet's suspension is lowered by 15mm over that of the E-Class Saloon and comes in combination with wheels range in size from 17 to 20in depending on the engine and styling package. Buyers can choose between three different suspension set-ups: a base steel-sprung Direct Control system, a steel-sprung Dynamic Body Control system with adaptive damping and an Air Body Control system with multi-chamber air springs.

In combination with the Dynamic Body Control and Air Body Control suspension, the E-Class Cabriolet also gets Mercedes-Benz’s Dynamic Select system, which allows the driver to alter the characteristics of the car between five modes: Eco, Comfort, Sport, Sport Plus and Individual.

In celebration of the 25th anniversary of the first E-Class Cabriolet, Mercedes-Benz has announced a special 25th Anniversary Edition of the new model with either a red metallic or silver exterior paint scheme in combination with a red roof, 20in wheels and a beige and red interior, among other high-end features.

http://www.autocar.co.uk/car-news/m...e-class-cabriolet-unveiled-ahead-geneva-debut

 

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Unveiled: Mercedes-Benz E-Class Cabriole

We've just returned from the international launch of the E-Class Coupe and Mercedes-Benz has subsequently announced a cabriolet version.

Mercedes-Benz is a brand renowned for its cabriolets... there's hardly a model in its lineup that does not have a droptop derivative. The new E-Class Cabriolet is the fifth and youngest member of Mercedes-Benz's E-Class family. It's a 4-seater 2-door cabriolet and brings to market a number of in-car technologies such as comprehensive smartphone integration wireless charging, a widescreen cockpit and the latest assistance systems. There'll be a wide choice of engines too.

Mechanically, the new Mercedes-Benz E-Class Cabriolet rides lower to the ground (by 15 mm), to give it a sportier stance. The electrically operated fabric roof is available in dark brown, dark blue, dark red or black, plus it can be fully opened or closed in 20 seconds at speeds of up to 50 kph.

At launch, there will be a choice of turbopetrol and turbodiesel engines, including, for the first time, derivatives with 4MATIC all-wheel drive.

As standard, all models come equipped with the marque's 9G-tronic 9-speed automatic transmission. Meanwhile, Mercedes-Benz claims the E-Class cabriolet's suspension is tuned to offer a comfortable ride quality, without detracting from a sporty driving experience. Air suspension is an option.

The newcomer is claimed to be safe too and the Mercedes-Benz E-Class cabriolet features:

Pyrotechnic belt tensioners and belt force limiters on all front and rear seats
Pre-Safe reversible belt tensioner on the front seats
Front airbags for driver and passenger
A kneebag on the driver's side
Thorax/pelvis bags for driver and front passenger
Optional: curtain airbags integrated into the top edge of the front door panels to protect the head in the event of severe side impacts (headbags)
Optional: side airbags in the rear
We'll have more information on the forthcoming Mercedes-Benz E-Class cabriolet and when it's coming to South Africa soon.

http://www.cars.co.za/motoring_news...lass-cabriolet-with-video/43102/#.WLgQqVV95hE

 

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Promo vid:

https://youtu.be/L9FcZ_3wJUk

 

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MERCEDES-BENZ E-CLASS CABRIOLET COMPLETES THE RANGE

Mercedes-Benz has completed its E-Class range with the unveiling of this new cabriolet.

The newcomer joins the estate, coupé the sedan in the line-up. Like the other drop-tops from the Stuttgart-based brand, the E-Class Cabriolet features of a soft roof and an array of options to make it comfortable, no matter the weather.

Options such as the Airscarf, Aircap and air body control can all be selected in this Benz, depending on what level of comfort you’re looking for. Certain derivatives can furthermore be specified with 4Matic all-wheel drive and the 9G-Tronic transmission.

It’s worth noting that the S-Class Cabriolet is also available with 4Matic in international markets, but not here in South Africa.

To compensate for the loss of rigidity that comes with lopping off the roof, Mercedes-Benz has stiffened the aluminium and sheet steel body shell structures. It has also implemented a rollover protection system and an array of airbags.

Mercedes says there will be a special model celebrating the 25th anniversary of the W124 300CE-24 Cabriolet as well. This model will sport a set of exclusive “25th Anniversary” edition 20-inch, five-twin-spoke alloy wheels, a cabriolet comfort package, elm-wood interior trim, interior fragrance and a special set of floor mats commemorating the classic Cabriolet.

http://www.carmag.co.za/news_post/mercedes-benz-e-class-cabriolet-completes-the-range/

 

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New Mercedes E-Class goes topless

Mercedes-Benz has arguably kept the best for last with the final member of the new E-Class family; the cabriolet, making its world debut next week at the Geneva motor show is, in our eyes at least, the prettiest of them all.

With the fabric top up, the resemblance to the coupé is clear, but with it down the almost-perfect ‘barchetta’ waistline is key, emphasised by fully retractable side windows and anodised, polished aluminium trim around the cockpit.

The fully automatic multi-layered fabric roof comes in your choice of black, dark brown, dark blue or dark red. It can be raised or lowered in 20 seconds at up to 50km, and when down it’s stored behind a retractable cover in the boot, reducing luggage space from 385 to 310 litres. The rear seatback is split 50:50, and either or both sections can fold down to allow through-loading of bulky items.

Comfort package

Options include Aircap, a retractable electric draught shield behind the rear seats combined with a deflector built into the roof frame, and Airscarf neck-level heating for the driver and front passenger, both included as part of the Cabriolet Comfort package, so you can enjoy top-down motoring even on chilly Highveld mornings - especially as all four individual seats are heatable!

The entry-level flight-deck layout combines two round dials and and an 18cm colour display with a 21cm center-stack screen - all in a single, sweeping ‘widescreen’ frame with glossy piano black trim. Or you can ask for the digital option, with two 31.2cm displays under a shared glass cover, giving the choice of three different high-resolution virtual instrument cluster styles - Classic, Sport and Progressive - depending on your mood.

The standard finish in blue and beige is highlighted by your choice of nine trim options, including two pale finishes in high-gloss open pore wood veneer; heat-reflecting leather is an option, in your choice of five colours

You don’t have to reset the climate control, or save two sets of parameters for when you raise or lower the top - the climate control recognises the difference and seamlessly ups its game to compensate for the change in ambient conditions.

Even the optional Magic Vision Control, which sprays cleaning water from the wiper arms just ahead of the blade for windscreen washing without splashing, automatically adjusts when the top is down, spraying mostly on the downward stroke, so you can wash the windscreen at any speed, without the cleaning fluid blowing into the cockpit.

Running gear

No firm details are out yet, but we expect to see the same range of engines as the coupé (for Europe anyway, not all will come to South Africa) including a 140kW two-litre turbodiesel, a two-litre turbopetrol tuned for either 135 or 155kW and a 245kW three-litre biturbo petrol V6 - with the AMG E50 and E63 S Cabriolets to follow.

What we do know is that a nine-speed 9G-Tronic automatic transmission will be standard across the range,

The cabriolet runs 15mm lower than the sedan, on your choice of steel suspension with amplitude-dependent damping or Dynamic Body Control that lets you choose from a wide range of adjustment options ranging from Comfort to Sport+. Also available as an option is Air Body Control multi-chamber air suspension with electronically controlled adaptive damping.

We’re waiting on a reply from Mercedes-Benz SA as to when the E-Class Cabriolet will be released in South Africa; as soon as we see it, so will you.

http://www.iol.co.za/motoring/latest-launches/new-mercedes-e-class-goes-topless-8006062

 

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http://www.autocar.co.uk/car-news/m...show/mercedes-benz-e-class-cabriolet-unveiled

 

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Mercedes-Benz E-Class Cabriolet - Mid-2017 TBC

Following hot on the heels of the new E-Class Coupe (and possibly launched together in SA), the E-Class Cabriolet looks set to become the boulevard cruiser of choice for South Africa's (reasonably) wealthy.

http://www.cars.co.za/motoring_news/update-cars-coming-to-sa-in-2017/42927/#.WT5ltFV95hE

 

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Mercedes starts building new E-Class Cabriolet…

Mercedes-Benz says it has officially started series production of the new E-Class Cabriolet in Bremen.

Set to arrive in South Africa in September 2017, the open-top four-seater is produced on the same line as the E-Class Coupé, C-Class Coupé and C-Class Cabriolet. The Sindelfingen plant, meanwhile, produces the sedan and estate versions of the E-Class.

“The new E-Class Cabriolet with its wide variety of equipment choices is an outstanding example of the high level of variance that we implement today in our plants,” said Markus Schäfer, member of the divisional board of Mercedes-Benz Cars, production and supply chain.

“Maximum flexibility is a central success factor in the production strategy of Mercedes-Benz Cars. With its strong team and start-up experience over recent years, the Bremen plant sets standards in the global production network,” he added.

The start of production of the new cabriolet means that within a period of three years, the plant has completely renewed its product range. The facility also builds the GLC, GLC Coupé, SLC and SL.

“With the production start of the E-Class Cabriolet we have successfully managed the latest in a whole series of start-ups,” said plant manager, Peter Theurer.

“This means that the team in Bremen has maximum production flexibility across the whole range of models, variants and drive systems. Thus, we are very well positioned for the future, and can respond rapidly to customer demand.”

http://www.carmag.co.za/news_post/mercedes-starts-building-new-e-class-cabriolet/

 

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[video=youtube;MK2YLgApvZg]https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=MK2YLgApvZg[/video]

 

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[video=youtube_share;FFTvXnD8PnA]https://youtu.be/FFTvXnD8PnA[/video]

 

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Pricing! Mercedes-Benz E-Class Cabriolet hits SA...

Back in March, Mercedes-Benz unveiled the new E-Class Cabriolet, which joined the sedan and coupé (plus the estate in some markets) in the Stuttgart-based automaker’s line-up. And now this soft-top has officially landed in South Africa.

The local range comprises three derivatives – the E220d, E300 and E400 4Matic – all using the brand’s nine-speed automatic transmission.

The E220d makes use of a 2,0-litre turbodiesel sending 143 kW and 400 N.m to the rear wheels. The claimed sprint to three figures takes 7,7 seconds, with Mercedes saying this model sips at 4,9 L/100 km.

The likewise rear-wheel-drive E300 employs a 2,0-litre turbocharged petrol mill worth 180 kW and 370 N.m. The 0-100 km/h dash takes a claimed 6,6 seconds, while claimed economy comes in at 7,2 L/100 km.

The flagship E400 4Matic, meanwhile, boasts a 3,0-litre turbocharged V6 sending 245 kW and 480 N.m to all four corners, translating to a claimed 5,5-second blast to 100 km/h. Mercedes says the six-cylinder will use an average of 8,6 L/100 km.

The multi-layered fabric soft-top is available in dark brown, dark blue, dark red or black. It can be fully opened and closed in 20 seconds when travelling at a speed of up to 50 km/h.

With the roof open, the soft-top is stored in the boot, with a retractable cover separating it from the remaining luggage space. Boot capacity comes in at 385 litres with the roof in place and 310 litres with the roof down.

Pricing:

Mercedes-Benz E220d Cabriolet: R920 184
Mercedes-Benz E300 Cabriolet: R960 858
Mercedes-Benz E400 Cabriolet 4Matic: R1 142 936

http://www.carmag.co.za/news_post/pricing-mercedes-benz-e-class-cabriolet-hits-sa/

 

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Merc's sleek E Cabrio arrives: SA prices & info

The sexiest member of the Mercedes-Benz midweight family, the E-Class Cabriolet, has arrived in South Africa, with all the features its sedan and coupé siblings, plus a classic fabric soft-top for that Rodeo Drive feeling.

It’s available now in South Africa in a three-model lineup - E220d, E300 and E400 4Matic - at prices ranging from a little more than R900 000 to well over R1.1 million, with AirCap electric draught stop and AirScarf neck-level heating as an option on the E220d and standard on the two petrol variants, to encourage you to drive topless even on chilly Highveld spring mornings.

The fully acoustic multi-layered soft top - derived from S-Class Cabriolet - is available in your choice of dark brown, dark blue, dark red or black, and can be raised or lowered in 20 seconds at up to 50 km/h. When it’s down, it folds away into the boot, behind an automatically operated boot separator that reduces boot capacity from 385 litres to a still-practical 310.

With the roof down, a trim line in anodised aluminium is formed by the A-pillar frame trim, the windscreen surround, shoulder-line trim strip and the wide trim finish around the soft-top compartment, accentuating ‘barchetta’ (little boat) look of the archetypal European convertible.

The interior is based on a bridge-like dashboard resting against trim elements that flow into the doors. The standard instrumentation combines two round dials and an 18cm colour and a 21cm central display, in a single high-gloss frame - or you can opt for two 31cm displays that look like they’re floating under a shared glass cover, with three display styles - Classic, Sport and Progressive - to choose from.

The four individual - and individually heatable - sports seats have integrated head restraints and seat-belt extenders for the front seats, with standard trim on blue and beige - or your choice in one of five shades of heat-reflecting leather.

The bodyshell design is derived from that of the coupé, using mostly die-cast aluminium and sheet steel components (with additional stiffening at the front end and on the floor) and aluminium front wings, bonnet and boot lid. Two roll-over braces are hidden behind the rear seats; if the car tips beyond 90 degrees, explosive charges shoot them out to form a survival space together with the A pillar.

Motorvation

The E-Class Cabriolet is available at launch in South Africa with a choice of one diesel and two petrol engines, each with a 9G-Tronic nine-speed automatic transmission.

The entry-level E220d has a 1950cc turbodiesel four rated at 143kW and 400Nm, from 1600-2800rpm; the E300 wields a quoted 180kW and 370Nm from its 1991cc turbopetrol four, while the E400 4Matic’s 2996cc turbopetrol six boasts 245kW and 480Nm.

Amplitude-dependent suspension, set 15mm lower than that of the sedan with selectable Comfort, Sport and Sport+ modes, is standard; three stage multi-chamber air suspension with electronically controlled adaptive damping, selectable for Comfort, Eco, Sport, Sport+ and Individual, is an option.

PRICES:

E220d Cabriolet R919 500
E300 Cabriolet R955 500
E400 4Matic Cabriolet R1 135 500

https://www.iol.co.za/motoring/latest-launches/mercs-sleek-e-cabrio-arrives-sa-prices--info-11642560

 

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Carbuyer review

[video=youtube_share;g6Rwj0Y7n3w]http://youtu.be/g6Rwj0Y7n3w[/video]

 

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Ignition GT review

[video=youtube_share;tVLNIAbfEAk]https://youtu.be/tVLNIAbfEAk[/video]

 

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Merc's E400 cabrio is pleasantly understated

Not having driven a Mercedes-Benz for a while it took me a moment before I remembered that the gear lever is a stalk on the steering column and then promptly forgot about it again at the first turn when I used it as an indicator, pressed the accelerator and went nowhere because it was now in neutral.

The slight rumble I heard through the soft top was an indication of things to come from the delightfully pleasant to drive Mercedes-Benz E400 4Matic all-wheel drive cabriolet which has under the hood a six-cylinder, 3.0-litre twin-turbo charged petrol engine pushing out 245kW and 480Nm of torque.

You can also opt for either the E220d with a four cylinder 2.0-litre turbodiesel with 143kW and 400Nm or the E300 2.0-litre turbo petrol with 180kW and 370Nm.

They’re all fitted with a nine-speed automatic gearbox which even when driven hard in sport+ mode glides through every gear without so much as a hint of strain.

The Sport+ mode is one of five settings the others being sport, comfort, eco, and individual which allows you to configure the vehicle’s settings to your own liking. But having spent a week behind the wheel I reckon that almost all of your time will be spent in comfort mode where Mercedes-Benz seem to have blended the best of everything into one.

There are going to be times when you want to hear the growl of the engine and feel the power that comes with it though, and for that I set the individual settings which included manual, allowing use of the paddle shift. When you floor it, it’s not the tear-your-skin-off-your-face kind of acceleration but rather a deceptively quick no-fuss off-the-line movement thanks to the all-wheel drive system.

And if you do it with the top off as one should, it being summer, the wind really isn’t such a factor because of the Aircap automatic draught-stop system. If you do feel a bit chilly around the neck area you can always turn on the airscarf neck-level heater situated in the headrest.

Talking of which, the climate control system responds automatically whether you’re driving with the top up or down and while some may doubt its effectiveness it does actually work, as I discovered having driven to Hartbeespoort dam mid-morning and returning late afternoon.

Opening and closing of the electric roof is easily done with a lever that works with typical German precision; the one on test had the black option but you can also get it in brown, dark blue or dark red.

It takes 20 seconds to open or close and Mercedes-Benz says you can do it on the “fly” at driving speeds up to 50km/* , but with that amount of roof volume I wasn’t going to try.

The cabriolet is 15mm lower than the sedan version which does mean you have to be careful not to come into contact with tar when coming out of certain parking garages and speed bumps in and around Joburg.

Like the sedan and coupé models, the interior is all class and unmistakably Merc with nothing spared in quality from the heated leather seats, brushed aluminium, and soft-touch surfaces throughout the cabin.

Ride quality is almost perfect with the car on test fitted with the optional Air body control multi-chamber air suspension which allows you to control the settings and also automatically adjusts to suit how you drive and the condition of the road.

It’s larger than the previous model which allows more space for the two seats at the back. It’s not too uncomfortable but the front seats will have to be moved forward to accommodate two adults.

Then there’s the instrument cluster and infotainment system that had the wide screen display with two high-resolution 31cm displays under a glass cover. It can be operated using either the classic, sport or progressive setting using steering mounted touch controls, the touchpad or a controller in the centre console

If it sounds like a lot, it is, and you’re pretty much going to have to be right up to date with technology or like me do a lot of trial and error and still not get to grips with everything within a week, or spend time and let a youngster with a passion for IT and cars try to explain it all.

I did, however manage to get the basic settings right without too much fuss.

As expected it has keyless entry and start - which is all very well except when your mate accidentally takes the keys when you drop him off and you arrive home, switch off, and can’t lock or start the vehicle, necessitating some irritating commutes to get said key.

With all that technology, I’m hoping that somewhere there’s someone working on a plan to warn the driver that he’s lost touch with the key.

You can even set the interior ambient lighting with 64 different colour shades to suit your taste or dfferent moods. All part of the R1 142 936 pricetag.

Safety-wise the E400 cabriolet has literally everything you need to keep you out of trouble and safe if things do happen to go awry.

It’s a thirsty car though, and after a week of combined driving the consumption showed 13.2 litres/100km

VERDICT

As a cabriolet the E400 is almost perfect and even though not everyone is mad about the design, it’s pleasantly understated with a lovely turn of speed, high quality interior, and brilliant ride quality even when pushed hard around the corners.

FACTS

Mercedes-Benz E400 cabriolet 4Matic

Engine: 3-litre, V6, turbopetrol
Gearbox: 9-speed automatic
Power: 245kW @ 5250-6000rpm
Torque: 480Nm @ 1600-4000rpm
0-100km/h (claimed) 5.5 seconds
Top speed (claimed) 250km/h
Price: R1 142 936
Warranty: 2-year/unlimited km
Service plan: 6-year/100 000km

https://www.iol.co.za/motoring/road-tests/mercs-e400-cabrio-is-pleasantly-understated-12312255

 

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Mercedes-Benz E400 4Matic AMG Line Cabriolet 2018

Should I buy one?

BMW’s 6 Series convertible is so long in the tooth that it leaves this powerful, opulent Mercedes drop-top without any authentic rivals.

Audi’s S5 Cabriolet is a fraction more agile and quicker, but sharing as it does a platform with the A4, it’s noticeably smaller within and, though seemingly infallibly put together, not quite as special.

There’s also the four-cylinder E300, which isn’t much slower but costs ten grand less than the range-topper. Pity, then, that it’s a lacking a little in refinement at this level.

Mercedes E400 4Matic AMG Line Cabriolet

Where Surrey On sale Now Price £55,715 Engine 6 cyls, 2996cc, twinturbo, petrol Power 328bhp at 5250-6000rpm Torque 354lb ft at 1600-4000rpm Gearbox 9-spd auto Kerb weight 1935kg Top speed 155mph 0-62mph 5.5sec Fuel economy 32.8mpg CO2 rating 194g/km Rivals Audi S5 Cabriolet, BMW 640i M Sport Convertible

https://www.autocar.co.uk/car-revie.../mercedes-benz-e400-4matic-amg-line-cabriolet

 

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Tested: Merc's 'space-age' E220d Cabriolet

While we grapple with land expropriation and poisoned polony, at least we can still generally count on good weather to lift our Mzansi spirits, especially if it can be appreciated from the cabin of a roofless car.

As we head into autumn there’s still time to experience some top-down driving in warm weather, in a car such as the recently-introduced E-Class Cabriolet.

Launched in South Africa late last year alongside the E-Class sedan and coupe, this most glamorous version of the line up swops a steel roof for an electrically-folding soft top.

The car’s available in a three-model lineup comprising the E220d diesel and the E300 and E400 4Matic petrol versions - at prices ranging from a little more than R900 000 to over R1.1 million. It comes in a choice of Avantgarde and AMG trim lines.

The multi-layered fabric roof - derived from S-Class Cabriolet - is available in a choice of dark brown, dark blue, dark red or black, and can be raised or lowered at the press of a button in 20 seconds - while the car’s being driven at speeds up to 50km/h.

Headed seats and an Airscarf - which has air vents in the head rests to blow warm air onto your neck - keep things snug when top-down driving in cooler weather.

There’s also an AirCap draught stop, a rather ugly but effective fitment on top of the windscreen frame that reduces the hair-messing effect of roof-down driving.

Both the Airscarf and AirCap are extra-cost options on the E220d and standard on the two petrol variants.

It’s the E220d on test here priced at R920 184, which is powered by a 2-litre turbodiesel engine that combines good pace with great fuel economy.

We were a little worried about the prospect of inhaling diesel fumes in an open-topped car, but that fortunately didn’t happen and we never perceived any unpleaseant tailpipe smells.

It’s a refined four-cylinder too, and hums along without any tractor-like characteristics.

The soft top is well insulated and though it’s noisier with the roof up than in a regular car, you can still have a conversation at normal speaking levels.

The 143kW and 400Nm engine packs some good pace, ensuring swift progress in both urban and open-road driving.

Turbo lag is minimal and the brisk throttle response makes for a pleasantly responsive all-round performer, thanks also to the smooth 9G-Tronic nine-speed automatic transmission.

The main incentive of buying the diesel model is fuel economy, and the test car averaged an impressively frugal 6.2 litres per 100km.

The rear-wheel drive car gets through corners with good agility on suspension that’s 15mm lower than the sedan’s. Steel suspension with selectable Comfort, Sport and Sport+ modes is standard.

Air suspension with electronically controlled adaptive damping, selectable for Comfort, Eco, Sport, Sport+ and Individual, is an option.

Our test car’s ride quality was generally comfortable but the optional low-profile 19” tyres (17s are standard) caused a rather jarring ride over bumps and potholes, and exposed some minor scuttle shake in the roofless body.

With its lowered ride the car sometimes scraped its underside on steeply-angled driveway entrances too.

The standard instrumentation combines two round dials and an 18cm colour and a 21cm central display - or for extra money you can opt for two 31cm displays under a shared glass cover that look like they’re floating, with three driver-selectable display styles to choose from: Classic, Sport and Progressive.

The dashboard is straight out of a sci-fi movie with those giant digital screens and strips of ‘mood lighting’, with air vents inspired by the intakes of turbine airplane engines.

You almost feel like Captain Jean Luc Picard sitting aboard the starship Enterprise. It’s a high-tech setting that’s worlds apart from the stuffy Mercs of old, and it’s combined with impressive luxury.

The finely-stitched leather and metallic speaker grilles radiate a premium feel, as do the metal buttons.

Controlling all the multimedia and climate controls can be a little overwhelming - there are so many of them - but there are multiple ways to do so including touch controls in the steering wheel for finger-swipe control, a touchpad that recognises handwriting, a controller knob in the centre console, Linguatronic voice control, and direct-access buttons.

Everything, in fact, except a touchscreen - Mercedes is a late adopter of this technology and the first car to have it is the just-launched new A-Class.

Due to the space required for the folded roof the E-Class Cabriolet has less room for back seat passengers than its steel-roofed counterpart.

Rear legroom in the Cabrio is pretty good but the seats are very upright and won’t necessarily be comfortable over long trips. There’s also not much rear headroom beneath that soft top.

Boot space is reasonable for a convertible, and the rear seats flip down to expand the cargo space.

The roof folds away into the boot behind an automatically operated boot separator that reduces luggage capacity from 385 litres to a still-practical 310. For safety, two roll-over bars hidden behind the rear seats pop up in case of a rollover.

Other standard safety features include Active Brake Assist which autonomously applies the brakes in an emergency, and radar cruise control which not only maintains a safe following distance but also self-steers to follow the car in front.

VERDICT

The E-Class Cabriolet delivers typical Merc luxury and a space-age interior. The diesel version’s a good buy for its combo of power and economy, but I’d choose it with the standard 17” tyres to soften up the ride a little.

FACTS

Mercedes-Benz E220d cabriolet

Engine: 2-litre, 4-cyl, turbodiesel
Gearbox: 9-speed automatic
Power: 143kW @ 3800rpm
Torque: 400Nm @ 1600-2800rpm
0-100km/h (claimed): 7.7 seconds
Top speed (claimed): 237km/h
Price: R920 184
Warranty: 2-year/unlimited km
Service plan: 6-year/100 000km

https://www.iol.co.za/motoring/road-tests/tested-mercs-space-age-e220d-cabriolet-14080482

 

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Mercedes-Benz E-Class Cabriolet

The Mercedes-Benz E-Class Coupé and Cabriolet are the most emotionally appealing representatives of the luxury-class family of models. The latest measures to boost their attractiveness make these two dream cars even more desirable. The styling has been sportily honed with the front sections, in particular, being given a fresh look. The all-LED headlamps have been given flatter housings, while the interior of the LED tail lights has been reworked. At the same time the two-door models take on the key upgrade features of the other body variants as part of the facelift. These include electrified, and therefore more efficient, petrol as well as diesel engines with integrated starter-alternator, the next generation of driving assistance systems and the infotainment system MBUX infotainment system (Mercedes-Benz User Experience). The E-Class Coupé and Cabriolet will be making their debut with sales partners in Europe in autumn 2020.

The emotive appeal of the two dream cars has been further reinforced by the model upgrade. The Mercedes-Benz E-Class Cabriolet with the classic fabric top offers spaciousness and comfort on long journeys for up to four people. And does so all year round: as an option, the Cabriolet can be fitted with the AIRCAP electric draught-stop system and AIRSCARF neck-level heating. Unrestricted usability all year round is similarly ensured by the acoustic soft top, a standard feature that helps to optimise the level of noise experienced in the interior. Its multi-layered structure with sophisticated insulation also ensures a comfortable environment, whatever the season, and reduces wind and driving noise. The occupants are therefore able to enjoy relaxed conversation in the vehicle, even at higher speeds. With its expressive coupé-esque proportions, clear and sensual design and comfort for four people, the new E-Class Coupé combines the beauty and classic virtues of a grand tourer with state-of-the-art technology.

Mercedes-Benz E-Class Cabriolet (2021)

Mercedes-Benz E-Class Cabriolet with the classic fabric top offers spaciousness and comfort on long journeys for up to four people. And does so all year round...

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