New Merc E-Class Cab: More Pics And Spec
New official images of Merc's latest boulevard cruiser
Soft roofs on convertibles are becoming less common now, ever since Mercedes kicked off the folding-metal party with the SLK back in the 1990s. But the same Mercedes-Benz has chosen to stick with fabric for the roof of its new E-class Cabriolet, the sister of the recent E-class Coupe destined to replace the ageing CLK.
Merc boasts that the 0.9-inch insulated roof is extremely effective, able to withstand an automatic car wash with ease, and so quiet that 'it is possible to have a perfectly normal phone conversation in hands-free mode even when travelling at a speed more than 125 mph' (we'll assume that is not a suggestion for the UK market!). To their credit, the designers have done a decent job of making the roof and frame subtle enough not to disrupt the car's profile too heavily, and it manages a low drag figure of 0.28 (cd), apparently the lowest in its class.
The E is not without its own party piece, though - as well as Mercedes' cosy 'Airscarf' system, a new system called 'Aircap' also adds an architecture of wind blockers and nets designed to move free flow above the occupants to keep things relatively serene when the roof is lowered.
Two engine options will be available at first when the car goes on sale in May 2010. The 3.5-litre V6 puts out 268bhp and 258lb ft of torque, while the range-topping 5.5-litre V8, gets 382bhp and 391lb ft to play with.
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re the power figures they do seem slightly down, especially as my dads old CLK350 was quoted at 272bhp which was an 06 plate when he got it
maybe torque figures are different. speaking of torque, those figures, although not really really high, they aren't weedy are they. i think the 3.2 litre from audi is 265bhp which is about the same although slightly smaller engine, but it's only 242 lb.ft which is a little less than the merc; the 3.0 from 335i from beemer is just over 300bhp and 300lb ft, but maybe it's more comparable to a 330i, i don't know the prices.... but the 330i is the same bhp but less torque by a bit, but it is about 15% smaller. suffice to say the merc has adequate power 
merc looks better though IMO
7/10 for the interior and the balls for sticking with fabric roof.
Modern Mercs, just like modern BMWs, are an abomination.
And do you want to have a 90s looking car, or a 10s looking car with the additional spec, better engines and better chassis, better economy and better power, better space and securiity and safety.
The world is moving on, dont get stuck in the past, come with us it will be an interesting ride.
I know lets all drive about in morris 1000sThe facelift W209 CLK is tbe best looking Merc cabrio IMO
totalling 21 pages of non-standard servicing equating to over £7k of work in it's 1st 2.5 years of service.Each to their own though, not everyone will share your views. IMO, older Mercs have more class.
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