Friday 16th July 2010

Carlsson Injects Some Beef Into E-class Cab

German tuner reveals a range of tweaks for a diesel soft-top Merc (yes, really)

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Mercedes tweaker Carlsson has released details of its latest tuning package - for the Mercedes-Benz E350 CDI Cabriolet.

Now, a turbodiesel Mercedes cabrio might not be everybody's performance cup of tea but, at the risk of pandering to gender stereotypes, it would at least provide you with some fast(ish) fun should the Missus insist on one.

A new ECU is at the heart of the changes, bringing a 21 per cent jump in power (to 276bhp) and a similar jump in torque (which goes up to a distinctly chunky 478lb ft).

Other optional modifications include a pair of stainless steel tail pipes to give the car a bit of a growl (can you make a diesel sound nice?) and 30mm lowering springs.

Carlsson is also offering a surprisingly tasteful range of body adornments, including a subtle front spoiler and discreet (well, discreet-ish) bootlid spoiler and alloys that range from a sensible 16-in affair to a rather more silly 20 inches.

Interior niceties include a leather-and-Alcantara gear selector, aluminium door accents, suede floor mats, and aluminium pedals.

 

[adycav]

Looks pretty good.

Do Carlsson tinker with the E500 I wonder?

(as there's no AMG E Coupe coming)

[alolympic]

4 seater convertibles made out of Euro saloons, and diesel

Edited by alolympic on Friday 16th July 12:02

[StevenAldridge]

That doesn't look that bad. Usually german tuners stick far too much fibreglass on for my liking.

I'd let the Mrs have one

[Lunja]

It makes a good GT car - sure it's not exciting as the more traditional petrol GT's, but if you're doing regular long runs it would make sense to have the practicality of a larger car and the frugality of a diesel but wrapped in a slightly more attracive package. Although on looks alone I'd have to take a BMW635d instead...

[Remagel2507]

Looks pretty good actually, had a 2010 E350 CDI last weekend and the engine was very nice. One thing though the cab does look slightly stupid with that air deflector thingy up

[JumpinJack]

It's a bit "drug dealer"... but I still like it.

[E21_Ross]

Lunja said:

It makes a good GT car - sure it's not exciting as the more traditional petrol GT's, but if you're doing regular long runs it would make sense to have the practicality of a larger car and the frugality of a diesel but wrapped in a slightly more attracive package. Although on looks alone I'd have to take a BMW635d instead...

635d won't be as roomy in the back though will it?

on a 2nd note.... is the engine a 3.0 or a 3.5? without wanting to start an argument, the 3.0 from the x35d is already more powerful than that as stock....

[Chicken Pox]

E21_Ross said:

Lunja said:

It makes a good GT car - sure it's not exciting as the more traditional petrol GT's, but if you're doing regular long runs it would make sense to have the practicality of a larger car and the frugality of a diesel but wrapped in a slightly more attracive package. Although on looks alone I'd have to take a BMW635d instead...

635d won't be as roomy in the back though will it?

on a 2nd note.... is the engine a 3.0 or a 3.5? without wanting to start an argument, the 3.0 from the x35d is already more powerful than that as stock....

2987cc single turbo V6 231bhp stock
I like the std sport E cabrio (and coupe shape), there something about the rear arches and like the Carlson too ... a (practical) mid life crisis must be just around the corner

[Johnpidge]

Diesels great and I'm sure it'll sell and very good/nice etc BUT IT NEEDS A RUDDY GREAT V8 SUPERCHARGED PETROL ENGINE IN IT TO MAKE IT WORK PROPERLY

[LukeBird]

Not bad at all; better than most of Carlsson's offerings.
Diesel convertible though... a no from me on that!

[SWoll]

alolympic said:

4 seater convertibles made out of Euro saloons, and diesel

Johnpidge said:

Diesels great and I'm sure it'll sell and very good/nice etc BUT IT NEEDS A RUDDY GREAT V8 SUPERCHARGED PETROL ENGINE IN IT TO MAKE IT WORK PROPERLY

[soad]

Those dirty diesel engines sure are tuneable. Big jump in performance for sure.

[geoffracing]

What a hideous car.

[Modena666]

Looks amazing, With an engine like that, leaving many things standing after a quick go on my lap top.

[gumsie]

LukeBird said:

Not bad at all; better than most of Carlsson's offerings.
Diesel convertible though... a no from me on that!

Yep, all is well until you actually start shaking the bag of spanners, then it's windows up and AC on. Or am I the only one who appreciates the sound of an engine too?

[E21_Ross]

gumsie said:

LukeBird said:

Not bad at all; better than most of Carlsson's offerings.
Diesel convertible though... a no from me on that!

Yep, all is well until you actually start shaking the bag of spanners, then it's windows up and AC on. Or am I the only one who appreciates the sound of an engine too?

no, i love a nice engine noise. and while 6 cylinder petrols sound fantastic, 6 cylinder diesels under heavy throttle are an extremely far cry from the "tractors" of yester-year. but for a convertible, i personally would never opt for a diesel. give me a nice petrol any day

[MonteV]

I will never, ever drive a diesel convertible. The smell is just awful.

[edinph]

Until Mercedes gets customer service up to scratch, they can take a hike!

[Scooby P1]

Still do NOT get the idea of a soft top which when stationary at the lights is like sitting behind a tractor idling. Diesel soft tops? Most stupid invention of the 21st century. Rioof down thrills involve only rattling of the engine and 'whoosh' of turbo noise (the same as a bus makes)!

[pSyCoSiS]

Very nice looking car - looks very beefy and muscular.

White paint job suits the car, nice wheels.