Thursday 10th December 2009

Merc E-Class Cabrio Revealed

First pics show novel Aircap wind deflector in action

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Mercedes has revealed the first official pics of its new E-class cabriolet, which comes with a novel new wind deflector designed to reduce buffeting.

The driver-operated Aircap system uses an additional deflector that is raised above the windscreen to direct the airstream an extra 20cms above the passenger compartment. There's also a rear deflector and, according to M-B, the extensively wind-tunnel tested device is effective even at 160mph.

In case you think it's just a simple flip-up visor (and dare we say rather an unsightly one?), the company's head of aerodynamics claims the Aircap system is the result of nearly three thousand hours of wind-tunnel testing. It uses 211 different components made of 44 different materials and has been tested in extreme conditions for 10,000 cycles. In which case maybe they should just have used an extra flip-up visor...

Still, the proof of the pudding is in the eating and, judging by the unruffled appearance of the media 'test subjects' who have been photographed in the wind tunnel - it might just work. (Although we'd be more convinced if they'd picked journos with more 'fly-away' hair...) The downside is a bit more drag that adds 1.2mpg to your fuel consumption.

The new cabriolet model is based on the E-class coupe, and will have Aircap fitted as standard when it arrives in the UK in March. It's apparently around 70kgs heavier than the coupe, and will get the full range of engines from the saloon. Prices remain TBC.

[MogulBoy]

Genius solution! But does it reduce or increase drag / fuel economy?

Edit: I have now read the full article! Interesting given that I would imagine thatdrag is already increased when the top is down and deploying this spoiler appears to make it worse as opposed to better... Still, a very clever solution to the buffeting issue which does make travelling in the rear of a convertible a bit tiresome at times - and this is coming from someone who once did a 3,000 mile European hoon in a Triumph Herald convertible with two mates, top down 90% of the time the way!

Edited by MogulBoy on Thursday 10th December 13:49

[G21]

Did the 'test subjects' start the test with hair? or wigs?

Edited by G21 on Thursday 10th December 12:31

[Mark-C]

MogulBoy said:

Genius solution! But does it reduce or increase drag / fuel economy?

From the article "The downside is a bit more drag that adds 1.2mpg to your fuel consumption."

Why buy a cabrio if you can't have the wind in your hair

Edited by Mark-C on Thursday 10th December 12:34

[phil200]

(Although we'd be more convinced if they'd picked journos with more 'fly-away' hair...)

genius, of all the people to pick, they picked those!

[Futuramic]

So it's a cabrio that deflects the elements to such an extent it's like being in a hard-top.

Why?

I understand the Germans less and less these days.

[f111lover]

Now I like that a lot. The E class has been a nice car in my eyes for a long time but that is really nice. I'll be looking for second handers ina few years time.

[thehardman07]

Futuramic said:

So it's a cabrio that deflects the elements to such an extent it's like being in a hard-top.

Why?

I understand the Germans less and less these days.

Because the main reason a lot of people buy cabrios is to be seen in. If you can have that without looking like you've just got out of bed from all the turbulence then all the better.

Edited by thehardman07 on Thursday 10th December 13:14

[anonymous-user]

I think they mean removes not adds 1.2 miles per gallon...

[Beefmeister]

I certainly didn't buy a convertible so I could be battered around the face by the wind.

[shentodj]

I don't think this has ever been an issue for front seat occupants. I'm assuming it's to stop the moaning from the back seat.

My wife's current CLK cabrio causes lots of complaints from people sitting in the back - not just the extra buffeting, but also the heating to the back seem very poor too. We sit sweltering in the front, with the dash vents closed and the fans on max settings and this still generates barely a trickle of heat from the rear vents.

I guess the main point is that if the people in the back are happy, then top-down motoring is achievable more often - which is surely the point of buying a convertible.

Personally, I prefer the current CLK looks to this one, but I'm sure it'll grow on me.
Regards,
Shentodj

[va1o]

Great looking car. I am surprised the average vote on the PH Meter is only 4.69.

[TheRoadWarrior]

"It uses 211 different components made of 44 different materials"

I'm calling BS on that one. At least I hope its not true, if it is I cant see it lasting very long in real use.

This article seems to suggest that the most interesting thing about this car is the wind deflector.... hurmm, on 2nd thoughts perhaps you're right chaps.

[Essex Exile]

The grim "Ponton" rear wings look even more noticeable on the cabrio.
I'll have a W124 thanks

[kambites]

I'm coming to quite like the new E-class. Certainly much better looking that the new 5-series or the 6-series.

[Ecurie Ecosse]

Hmmm - not sure. Maybe a different colour and wheels would help.

Until then....

[Essex Exile]

That body, with all the modern oily and wiry bits.
What's not to like?

[JumpinJack]

I'm not overly thrilled by this. Maybe an AMG version would sway my opinion. And is that a net that comes up with the spoiler?? What's the point other than to catch debris?

[kavanagh]

Looks fantastic in my opinion.Priced out of my grubby mitts for the next ten years.Come on depreciation!.

[Overlag]

wouldnt some sort of vortex generators have worked better, and looked less ugly?

[AB]

Competition for 6 series? I think not.