Mercedes-Benz has deftly redefined its mid-size offerings with the addition of a new E-Class option; the new E Coupe and Cabriolet are larger than outgoing CLK duo they essentially replace, and the Cabriolet has a trick up its sleeve.
The E-Class family will now soon be available in sedan, coupe, cabriolet, and wagon bodystyles.
In a notably short (particularly in the current economic environment) period of time, Mercedes-Benz has all but completely revamped its E-Class lineup.
The convertible variant is scheduled to arrive at dealerships May 2010.
Exterior
Those familiar with the current E-class will find very little surprising about the exterior styling on the cabriolet. Overall, the vehicle has a strong presence and solid stance.
The pronounced creases in the surfacing exude quality and refinement. It maintains its teutonic reservations, but appears quite confident and reassuring with a forward cant to the overall directionality of character and parting lines.
An exercise in subtlety, the rocker's forward light catch is cleanly derived from the door shut line.
A body color tonneau/rear head restraint fairing furthers the lux-market feel of the car.
Rather than add the complexity and cost of a hard top, Mercedes has swathed the folding top with fabric–is this a touch of traditionalism?
The new-face E lamps, grill, and fogs are welcome. The tiny hockey-stick-shaped fog lamp elements may present a bit of whimsy, but combining them with the aggressive angles of the headlamps and markers makes for a unique DRG.
A possible failing in the graphics department is the tail lamp design; whilethe detailing is at (perhaps only barely) an acceptable level, there is a resemblance to contemporaries from Hyundai and Toyota.
This may be just a chicken-or-egg argument, but the similarity is undeniable and can't be pleasing to anyone in the Daimler camp.
Interior
A strong focus was put on making this a usable, comfortable driver with an emphasis on counteracting the usual caveats of convertibles–soft and hard top alike.
Innovations like the AirCap and the familiar AirScarf ensure that this will be what Mercedes refers to as "a 4-seater for all 4 seasons".
During top-down cruising, the AirScarf will keep your neck warm while the AirCap keeps cabin turbulence and noise in check.
Initial reactions to seeing the AirCap in action will be mixed as it isn't the most handsome of devices, though there's little doubt that it will perform its duties admirably.
Protruding from the top of the windshield frame, it appears to serve as a windbreak that works in conjunction with a not unusual-looking screen between the rear headrests to create a pocket of calm air in the passenger compartment.
At the time of its introduction to the US market, only two engines will be made available.
The E350 will be powered by a 268HP 3.5-liter V6; opting for the 382HP 5.5-liter V8 will earn you the E550 badge.
(Source: Mercedes-Benz)
