What's the news?
Mercedes has added the expected Cabriolet model to its E-Class family, making it the fifth variation in the line-up after the Saloon, Estate, All-Terrain and the Cabrio's closest relation, the Coupe.
Exterior
Without wishing to be too glib, the E-Class Cabriolet is basically an E-Class Coupe with a folding fabric roof instead of a fixed metal one. The two cars share much in the design stakes, so much so that - with its soft-top in place - the Cabrio has almost the same silhouette as the Coupe. Cabriolet buyers will enjoy the diamond radiator grille, LED High Performance headlamps, a bonnet with twin 'power domes', slim LED tail lamps and a chrome detail that runs all around the passenger compartment when the roof is down. The E-Class Cabriolet also sits 15mm closer to the ground than its E-Class Saloon sibling.
In terms of the fabric roof itself, it comes in four colours - dark brown, dark blue, dark red or black - and is multi-layered and fully acoustic, according to Mercedes. It can be fully opened and closed within 20 seconds, even when travelling at speeds of up to 50km/h, while the boot capacity stands at 385 litres maximum - or 310 litres when the roof is stowed. The E-Class Cabriolet has 50:50 split-folding rear seats, too, to further help on the practicality front.
Interior
As with the E-Class Coupe, this is what you find inside: it's beautifully made; seats just four people to maximise comfort in the cabin; and has the option of those magnificent twin 12.3-inch TFT screens for the dashboard. Specific equipment for the Cabriolet revolves around optional Airscarf neck-level heating, as well as heating elements in all four chairs, the Aircap draught-stop system seen on the bigger S-Class Cabriolet and heat-reflective leather for the upholstery, available in five colours. Mercedes is keen to play up the fact the E-Class Cabrio is more capacious inside than its predecessor, with the car's increased track front and rear (67mm at the nose, 68mm at the back) benefiting the rear passengers in particular with additional elbow room.
Mechanicals
Mercedes is simply saying a 'choice of powerful and efficient petrol and diesel engines' will be offered from launch, so once again we look to the Coupe and therefore predict that the E 200, E 220 d, E 300 and E 400 4Matic drivetrains will power the Cabriolet from the off. That last Mercedes technology nameplate, 4Matic, is worth noting, as this is the first time four-wheel drive has been offered on an E-Class soft-top. All Cabriolets get the 9G-Tronic automatic transmission and comfort-tuned Direct Control suspension is fitted as standard, although a Dynamic Body Control set-up with adjustable damping will be offered as an option. Of course, if you want the best, most comfortable E-Class experience, you'll need Air Body Control multi-chamber air suspension. Like any E-Class, the Cabriolet will be offered with a wide range of driver assist safety systems and upmarket technology to make driving it the easiest thing in the world.
Anything else?
"The passion for extraordinary vehicles, which we share with our customers, is reflected in our new E-Class Cabriolet in a unique way," said Britta Seeger, member of the board of management at Daimler with responsibility for Mercedes-Benz Cars Marketing and Sales. "It is a car that lets people enjoy comfort and luxury in the open air."
The 2017 Mercedes E-Class Cabriolet will make its world debut at next week's Geneva Motor Show.