2018 Mercedes-Benz E-Class Cabriolet Preview
Introduction
The Cabriolet is the newest member of Mercedes-Benz's E-Class family, which has been entirely renewed within the past year. It features a classic fabric soft top and the latest E-Class technology. The Cabriolet is available with Aircap and Airscarf neck-level heating system to enhance comfort when driving with the top down. When the top is up, the E-Class Cabriolet profile is similar to that of the E-Class Coupe. The E-Class Cabriolet is available with 4Matic all-wheel drive (AWD).
Exterior Features
The E-Class’ low-positioned diamond-block grille features a centrally located star, LED headlamps (or optional LED Intelligent Light System), a drawn-out hood with power domes, and fully retractable side windows. The soft top flows into the muscular-looking rear, which features sculpted shoulders and two-piece, slim LED taillights, which exude a glow reminiscent of that given off by a jet engine. The taillights provide a light show when the driver leaves or approaches the vehicle. Suspension is 0.6 in. lower than that of the E-Class Sedan, giving the car a sporty look even with its standard 18-in. wheels. The soft top is available in dark brown, dark blue, red, or black.
Compared with its predecessor, the new E-Class Cabriolet is longer (190 in.), taller (56.2 in.), and wider (73.2 in.). The new E-Class convertible also has a wider track (63.3 in. in front and 63.5 in. at the rear) than the model it replaces.
Interior Features
The upper section of the dashboard in the Mercedes E-Class Cabriolet appears to be hovering and rests against trim elements that flow into the front doors. A 12.3-in. Comand display is standard; a 12.3-in. digital instrument cluster is optional. The driver can choose from three styles for the virtual instruments in the instrument cluster: Classic, Sport, and Progressive. The seats feature a sportily sculpted individual-seat character; standard-fit automatic belt presenters for the front seats help occupants fasten their seat belts. Leather upholstery, available in four different colors, is standard. Seven trim options include two Natural Grain wood trims. All-new 50/50 folding rear-seat backrests create a through-loading feature in the interior.
Optional Features
Nappa leather in three different colors is available for the interior of the Cabriolet. A lowered suspension with adjustable damping is a stand-alone option, providing a choice of Eco, Sport, and Sport+ modes, as well as an Individual mode. The available AMG Line emphasizes the sportiness of the Cabriolet with differences in the design of the bumpers and side skirts, plus larger wheels with AMG body styling. The dots in the diamond-block grille are chrome-plated, while the brake discs on the front axle are perforated.
Under the Hood
With a twin-turbo, 3.0-liter V-6 engine that produces 329 horsepower and 354 lb.-ft. of torque, paired with a 9-speed automatic transmission, the new E-Class Cabriolet will be available for the first time as a 4Matic permanent AWD vehicle.
Safety
Safety features on the 2018 E-Class Cabriolet include pyrotechnic belt tensioners and belt force limiters on all seats; Pre-Safe reversible belt tensioner on the front seats; front air bags for driver and passenger; driver's side knee air bag; thorax/pelvis air bags for driver and front passenger; and side air bags in the rear. The roll-over protection system has been developed specifically for the Cabriolet and consists of two cartridges, fully retracted behind the rear seats and therefore invisible. If a roll-over is imminent, these cartridges shoot out to provide a survival space in conjunction with the A- pillar. Active Brake Assist, which can detect pedestrians crossing in the danger zone ahead of the vehicle, is standard.
Technology
The optional Aircap and Airscarf systems maximize open-air comfort even at low outside temperatures, Mercedes says. Aircap consists of an electric wind deflector module inconspicuously integrated into the roof frame, plus an electric wind blocker behind the rear seats. At the press of a button, the system reduces interior turbulence for rear passengers, too. The combination of Aircap and Airscarf neck-level heating for the driver and front passenger circulates warm air around the neck area.
Optional multi-chamber air suspension features three chambers of different size in the spring struts of the rear axle and two in the spring struts of the front axle, allowing the driver to control the firmness of the suspension in three stages. The electronically controlled adaptive damping system adjusts the ride at each individual wheel automatically to suit the current driving situation and condition of the road—such as in the case of evasive maneuvers or on rough roads.
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