Certainly nobody could accuse Mercedes-Benz of slacking off as far as this generation of E-Class is concerned; the
new saloon
was driven less than a year ago, yet since then we've also seen the estate, the
off-roady estate
coupe
V8 hell-raiser
. Here's the latest, presumably just before we get the V8 off-road two-door estate: the E-Class Cabriolet.
This is the second generation of drop-top E-Class since the name returned (funny how the CLK isn't celebrated all that much anymore), larger in every dimension than the car it replaces. It's longer by a significant 123mm at 4,826mm, wider by 74mm (with tracks up 67mm and 68mm for front and rear respectively) plus it boasts a much increased wheelbase, 123mm longer at 2,873mm. Interestingly weight compared to the old car isn't mentioned in the initial release.
Clearly there's some S-Class influence in the way this new E-Class cab looks, Mercedes describing the design as "Hot and cool in equal measure". Right. There are more tangible points to be found in a silhouette very similar to the E Coupe and plenty of familiar E saloon design cues at the front; all cabriolets sit 15mm lower than the equivalent saloon though, said to allow the car's sporty credentials to be demonstrated.
As expected this car uses a fabric soft-top, multi-layered for refinement and available in dark brown, dark blue, dark red or black. It can be opened or closed at speeds of up to 31mph in 20 seconds, with the boot space reduced by 75 litres with the roof stowed (385 against 310 litres). The rear seats do fold 50:50 though, adding space if the little darlings aren't joining you on this weekend away.
Further neat cabrio-only tricks include heat-resistant leather, wipers that reduce the amount of screenwash used when the roof is down plus the Airscarf/Aircap dream team that should keep you snug in chillier climes. Cabriolet owners can even tow a trailer.
Elsewhere there's much that's familiar from the saloon: the Cabriolet will be launched with "a choice of powerful and efficient petrol and diesel engines" plus the 4Matic option, so expect the E220d, E350d and E400 at the least. Suspension is by that standard 15mm lower 'amplitude-dependent damping system', the optional Dynamic Body Control with adjustable damping or the Air Body Control multi-chamber air suspension. The drive parameters are adjusted via the Dynamic Select control and the roster of driver assistance features seen in the E saloon are on offer here too.
Now what of that W124 reference, you might be thinking. Well to mark the fact that it's now a quarter of a century since the 300 CE-24 Cabriolet was released, the latest E-Class Cabriolet will be launched with a '25th Anniversary Edition'. Said to be aimed "primarily at collectors and lovers of unique cars" it features 20-inch wheels, the 'Cabriolet Comfort' package, the 'Air Balance' package, Elmwood trim, fancy sill trims and mats plus a macchiato beige/tizian red interior. It will be offered either in Rubellite Red or Iridium Silver, but UK availability isn't yet confirmed. More details on that, plus the rest of the E-Class Cabriolet range, as soon as they're available.