Daimler: Mercedes-Benz adds new Cabriolet to its E-Class family

Mercedes-Benz E-Klasse Cabriolet; 2017; Exterieur: aragonitsilber metallic, AMG Line; Interieur: yachtblau / macchiatobeige; Zierteile: Holz sen hellbraun glänzend
Mercedes-Benz E-Class Cabriolet; 2017; exterior: aragonite silver metallic, AMG line; interior: yacht blue / macchiato beige, trim parts: high-gloss light brown sen wood

STUTTGART, 29-Jun-2017 — /EuropaWire/ — Mercedes-Benz is completing its E-Class family with the new E-Class Cabriolet. This open four-seater with a classic fabric soft top combines puristic, sensuous design with high long-distance comfort for four occupants and the latest technology. This includes comprehensive smartphone integration with a wireless charging and key function, a Widescreen Cockpit and the latest assistance systems of the E-Class. Powerful engines and comfortable suspension systems ensure a sporty and luxurious driving experience. On request the Cabriolet can be equipped with the AIRCAP electric draught-stop system and the AIRSCARF neck-level heating system – to enhance comfort when driving with the roof down. For the first time, the E-Class Cabriolet is also available with 4MATIC all-wheel drive.

The new Cabriolet is the fifth and youngest member of Mercedes-Benz’s E-Class family, which has been renewed entirely within the space of one year. At the same time, the brand with the star is continuing its tradition of high-calibre convertibles with a classic fabric soft top.

When the soft top is up, the E-Class Cabriolet has a silhouette similar to that of the Coupé and displays the same expressive proportions, with a puristic, surface-accentuated design with reduced lines and sensuous contours. Both hot and cool, the design idiom dictates the appearance of the Cabriolet and lends it a distinctive character – especially when the soft top is open.

A striking front section with a low-positioned diamond radiator grille and centrally located star, LED High Performance headlamps (or optional high-resolution MULTIBEAM LED headlamps), a drawn-out bonnet with power bulges and fully retractable, frameless side windows underline the dynamism of the Cabriolet. The tautly-stretched soft top with window flows harmoniously into the muscular-looking rear. Its elongated, sensuously sculpted shoulders and two-piece, extremely slim LED tail lamps emphasise the sporty character of the four-seater. In addition to this, the tail lamps exude a brilliance reminiscent of the glow given off by a jet engine. As a new feature, the tail lamps also put on a special light show for the driver when they approach or leave the car.

With the roof open, the harmony between exterior and interior design becomes apparent, uniquely accentuating the high-quality details. A visual entity comprising anodised, polished aluminium (AMG Line in matt aluminium) is created by the trim frame on the A-pillar and front windscreen, along with the shoulderline trim strip and a wide trim finish that surrounds the soft-top compartment. The third brake lamp with clear-lens cover is harmoniously integrated into this frame.

A suspension that is 15 millimetres lower than that of the Saloon likewise emphasises the luxuriously sporty character of the E-Class Cabriolet. The car thus demonstrates its sporty credentials even with the standard 17-inch tyres.

Premium-class fabric soft top

The fabric soft top is available in the colours dark brown, dark blue, red or black. A fully automatic acoustic soft top comes as standard. Its multi-layered structure with sophisticated insulation reduces wind and driving noise, which makes it easy for the occupants to hear each other talk, even when driving at high speed. The soft-top structure has an equally positive effect when it comes to climate comfort and makes the Cabriolet suitable for use all year round.

Derived from the S-Class Cabriolet, the soft top also meets high quality standards in terms of durability and operation. It can be completely opened and closed in 20 seconds, and at speeds up to 50 km/h. After opening, it folds down quietly and precisely and is stored in the soft-top compartment in the boot. A retractable cover separates the soft top from the remaining boot space. Thanks to the fully electrical control included in the optional Cabriolet Comfort package, the driver does not have to stop to operate the boot separator manually. The boot capacity of 385 litres (310 litres when the roof is open) offers all the right ingredients for a high level of everyday practicality. The all-new 50:50 folding rear seat backrests create a through-loading feature in the interior – another plus point when it comes to everyday practicality.

Interior – sophisticated style and sporty luxury

The interior of the new E-Class Cabriolet has a clear basic form. The upper section of the dashboard appears to be hovering, and rests against generously proportioned trim elements which flow sensuously into the front doors to create a wrap-around effect. The exceptionally high-quality materials and finish emphasise the car’s sporty, stylish character and exude outstandingly high-class appeal.

Two optionally available, high-resolution 12.3-inch displays (31.2 cm, 1920 x 720 pixel resolution) – a highlight in the interior – merge beneath a shared glass cover to create a widescreen that appears to be floating in thin air but nevertheless blends in smoothly between the upper and lower sections of the cockpit. The driver can choose from three different styles for the virtual instruments in the instrument cluster: “Classic”, “Sport” and “Progressive”.

The entry-level model combines two round dials and a 7-inch colour display cluster (17.8 cm, 1000 x 600 pixel resolution) with a central display with 8.4-inch screen diagonal (21.3 cm 960 x 540 pixel resolution). The dials, instrument cluster and central display are installed in a single frame with a high-gloss piano-lacquer look.

Distinctly sporty highlights include air outlets in Silvershadow with a shape inspired by turbine engines.

The driver has multiple options for operating the instrument cluster, multimedia system and other functions: touch-sensitive Touch Control buttons in the steering wheel for finger-swipe control, a touchpad that recognises handwriting and the Controller in the centre console, LINGUATRONIC voice control and direct-access buttons, e.g. for controlling the air conditioning and for convenient activation and deactivation of certain driver assistance systems.

The avant-garde and luxurious seats for all four occupants have a sportily sculpted individual-seat character. The integral-look sports seats feature sturdy side bolsters, organically integrated head restraints and optional AIRSCARF neck-level heating. Standard-fit automatic belt extenders for the front seats help the occupants to fasten their seat belts. The rear seat backrests are now 50:50 split-folding as standard, and have a through-loading feature. The rear seats are also available with heating, further enhancing the car’s suitability for all-year-round use and its claim to be a fully-fledged four-seater.

High-grade materials and contemporary colour landscapes come together to create a sporty, contemporary luxury. The attractive appointments in yacht blue in combination with macchiato beige lend the Cabriolet a cool, exclusive yachting look. The optional appointments include heat-reflecting leather in five colours. There are also nine different trim options to choose from, including two pale finishes in high-gloss open-pore wood.

The interior lighting makes exclusive use of durable, energy-saving LED technology. The same applies to the optionally available ambience lighting with 64 colours, with a special feature in the shape of a rear light in the roof liner of the Cabriolet’s soft-top.

Summer heat a constant companion

Customers opting for a cabriolet like to drive with the top down as often as possible. Maximum open-air comfort is possible in the E-Class Cabriolet thanks to the optional AIRCAP automatic draught-stop system and the AIRSCARF neck-level heating, which make open-air driving more enjoyable even in lower temperatures. The AIRCAP draught-stop system was developed specifically for the Mercedes-Benz cabriolets. It consists of an electric wind deflector module inconspicuously integrated into the roof frame and an electric draught stop behind the rear seats. At the press of a button, this system reduces the interior turbulence for the rear passengers, too. AIRCAP is part of the Cabriolet Comfort package, which also includes AIRSCARF neck-level heating for the driver and front passenger by circulating warm air around the neck area when temperatures are low outside. The combination of these two pieces of equipment allows enjoyment of the open-air feeling on cold days, too.

Larger and more luxurious

Compared with its predecessor, the E-Class Cabriolet has grown in length (+ 123 mm), width (+ 74 mm) and wheelbase (+ 113 mm): with a vehicle length of 4826 mm, a vehicle width of 1860 mm and a height of 1428 mm, the new E-Class Cabriolet is by far the larger model. The principal beneficiary of the wider track, with 1605 mm at the front (+ 67 mm) and 1609 mm at the rear (+68 mm), is the driving dynamics. Its considerably larger “footprint” benefits passengers in the rear in particular. The driver and passengers are able to enjoy true comfort even on long journeys thanks to four high-quality seats.

Modern drive technology

At market launch there is initially a choice of five powerful and efficient petrol and diesel engines, for the first time including variants with 4MATIC permanent all-wheel drive. Further engines will be added to the line-up in due course.

The engine variants at a glance:

As standard, all models are equipped with the 9G-TRONIC nine-speed automatic transmission, which allows fast gearshifts and lower engine speeds. This has a particularly beneficial effect on efficiency and noise.

Suspension: sporty, agile and comfortable

The suspension on the new E-Class Cabriolet is designed to offer agile driving pleasure as well as a highly comfortable ride. The AGILITY CONTROL suspension with an amplitude-dependent damping system and comfortable set-up, which is 15 millimetres lower than the Saloon’s suspension, is fitted as standard.

The likewise lowered DYNAMIC BODY CONTROL suspension with adjustable damping is available as an optional extra. With this suspension, the driver can modify the vehicle’s damping characteristics using the switch for the DYNAMIC SELECT system. There is a wide range of adjustment options available between the “Comfort”, “Sport” and “Sport+” modes.

AIR BODY CONTROL multi-chamber air suspension

The Cabriolet also has the option of AIR BODY CONTROL multi-chamber air suspension, as already seen on the E-Class Saloon. Thanks to three different-sized chambers in the spring struts of the rear axle and two in the spring struts of the front axle, the driver can control the hardness of the suspension in three stages. In this way, the occupants enjoy soft basic suspension, along with the secure feeling of good handling stability at higher speeds.

The multi-chamber air suspension is augmented by an electronically controlled adaptive damping system. It adjusts the damping at each individual wheel automatically to suit the current driving situation and condition of the road – such as in the case of evasive manoeuvres or on rough tracks. The system therefore delivers good ride comfort along with excellent driving dynamics.

Using the DYNAMIC SELECT switch, the driver can also select different suspension characteristics in combination with the AIR BODY CONTROL system: “Comfort”, ECO, “Sport”, “Sport +” and “Individual”.

DYNAMIC SELECT – choose your own driving characteristics

The DYNAMIC SELECT system not only makes it possible to select the suspension characteristics in combination with DYNAMIC BODY CONTROL or AIR BODY CONTROL, but also enables the driver to influence other vehicle settings – such as the throttle response, ECO start/stop function, shift points of the automatic transmission and more. Depending on the equipment level, DYNAMIC SELECT provides the following transmission modes: “Comfort”, “ECO”, “Sport”, “Sport +” and “Individual”. “Individual” allows the driver to configure their own preferred transmission settings.

Light and safe bodyshell

In a convertible, the lack of a roof often results in reduced body rigidity. The Mercedes engineers employed specific measures to counteract this during development. For instance, they made the bodyshell structures at the front end and on the floor exceptionally stiff, allowing a high level of driving dynamics.

The intelligent lightweight construction in aluminium hybrid design – a feature of the Coupé – has been retained. Most of the bodyshell components are made of die-cast aluminium and sheet steel. The front wings, bonnet and boot lid are made of sheet aluminium. The Cabriolet not only meets all current national and international crash requirements, but also the more stringent internal Mercedes-Benz safety standards, which are based on what actually happens in real-life accidents.

Safe protection

In the event of an accident, the high structural safety of the body and the extensive array of restraint systems offer optimum protection. These include:

• Pyrotechnic belt tensioners and belt force limiters on all front and rear seats
• PRE-SAFE^® reversible belt tensioner on the front seats
• Front airbags for driver and passenger
• A kneebag on the driver’s side
• Thorax/pelvis bags for driver and front passenger
• Curtain airbags integrated into the top edge of the front door panels to protect the head in the event of severe side impacts (headbags)
• Optional: sidebags in the rear

The roll-over protection system has been developed specifically for the Cabriolet. It consists of two cartridges that are fully retracted behind the rear seats and therefore invisible. If a roll-over is imminent, these cartridges are pyrotechnically fired, whereupon they shoot out to provide a survival space together with the A-pillar.

All the E-Class innovations on board

As a member of the current E-Class family, the new Cabriolet offers all the familiar features available for the E-Class Saloon and Coupé. Active Brake Assist comes as standard. It is able to warn the driver of an imminent collision, provide optimum support with emergency braking and, if necessary, also autonomously apply the brakes. In addition to slower-moving, stopping or stationary vehicles, it can also detect pedestrians crossing in the danger zone ahead of the vehicle.

Further highlights include the Driving Assistance package with the further developed Active Distance Assist DISTRONIC including Active Steering Assist: on all roads, it is not only able to keep the car the correct distance behind vehicles in front, but for the first time also able to follow them automatically at a speed of up to 210 km/h, while helping the driver to stay on track.

MAGIC VISION CONTROL with Cabriolet function

Optional extras include MAGIC VISION CONTROL – the intelligent and highly efficient wash/wipe system for the windscreen. Its water ducts integrated into both sides of the wiper blade supply the cleaning fluid to a point just in front of the wiper blade lip every time, according to the direction of movement of the wiper. It allows ideal cleaning of the windscreen without the familiar splash of water that can briefly disrupt the driver’s field of view. Furthermore, when the soft top is down, the Cabriolet function’s electronic control system reduces the amount of water, supplying the required amount of water to a point just in front of the wiper blade lip, mainly on the downward stroke of the wiper arm. In this way, the windscreen can be conveniently cleaned at any speed and with the roof open – without any of the water spraying into the vehicle interior. The complete system, including the wiper blades, is heated when the outside temperature falls to prevent snow or ice from sticking in winter.

Individual highlights

The Cabriolet already comes with a high equipment specification as standard, augmented by a wide range of individualisation options. The AMG Line is available to underline the dynamism of the Cabriolet. The main differences compared with the standard AVANTGARDE line are the bumpers, side skirts and larger wheels with AMG styling. The dots in the diamond radiator grille are chrome-plated, while the brake discs on the front axle are perforated. The interior boasts such features as seats in high-grade ARTICO/DINAMICA in black with grey contrasting topstitching, the Seat Comfort package and an AMG leather sports steering wheel.

Cabriolet suitable for use all year round

The E-Class Cabriolet boasts an exceptionally high level of everyday practicality. It is suitable for all seasons and all weather conditions thanks to the optional AIRCAP automatic draught-stop system and the AIRSCARF neck-level heating as well as a number of other features:

• Acoustic soft top insulated to protect against heat and cold
• Heat-reflecting leather in conjunction with optional leather appointments
• Individually folding rear seat backrests with through-loading feature
• The option of having a trailer coupling fitted to carry cycles, for example
• An optional, programmable auxiliary heater
• Optional 4MATIC all-wheel drive

Full smartphone integration

A new era of connectivity and digitalisation is marked by the optional COMAND Online infotainment system. It allows effortless integration of the smartphone into the infotainment system by means of capacitive aerial coupling and wireless charging, for example. In this way, compatible mobile phones can be charged wirelessly and connected to the vehicle’s exterior aerial. Using Near Field Communication, the customer’s smartphone becomes the digital vehicle key with which the car can be locked and unlocked as well as started.

If the vehicle is equipped with COMAND Online, it is also possible to use Apple’s smartphone-based infotainment system CarPlay^® as well as Google’s Android Auto™.

Internet and Live Traffic Information even in the basic version

The infotainment system Audio 20 USB is available as an alternative to COMAND Online. Like COMAND Online, this comes with a Bluetooth^® hands-free system and also has internet capability with a Bluetooth^®-capable mobile phone with mobile phone card and data option. In conjunction with the GARMIN^® MAP PILOT SYSTEM, the Audio 20 USB and COMAND Online are able to receive current and precise traffic information from Live Traffic Information in real time. With COMAND Online, a new “Free Flow” technology uses green lines to make it visually clear to the driver where the clear routes are. It also takes account of traffic reports away from the main roads and depicts them visually. In addition COMAND Online informs the driver both audibly and visually when the vehicle is approaching the end of a traffic tailback as a hazard.

Mercedes me connect Concierge Service: personalised attention

A further comfort highlight is the new Concierge Service, which is available in all E-Class models in combination with Mercedes me connect. Subscribed customers can take advantage of a number of individual services: from making a restaurant reservation to obtaining tips about tourist routes, information on cultural and sporting events and bookings through to sending navigation destinations directly to the vehicle.

Access is straightforward: registered Mercedes me connect users can call up the Concierge Service in 20 countries across Europe, either via the iCall button in the vehicle or using the Mercedes me app. The personal concierge takes care of everything else.

Sensitive climate control for open-air driving

Specially developed for cabriolets, the climate control system responds to whether the vehicle is being driven with the top up or down. In contrast to conventional systems, the climate is controlled fully automatically. This means that the driver does not need to select a mode for closed or open top, nor is it necessary to save a temperature setting for these driving conditions. An overlapping function performs the considerable feat of achieving an unnoticeable transition between closed and open top (and vice-versa) for maximum climate comfort.

SOURCE: Daimler AG

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