Toronto Star

A larger, more luxurious E-Class Cabriolet

Fully automatic soft top opens, closes in 20 seconds while driving up to 48 km/h

- Jason Siu AutoGuide.com

Mercedes-Benz has continued its tradition of offering luxury convertibl­es with a classic fabric soft top.

Completing the new E-Class family’s lineup, the 2018 Mercedes-Benz E-Class Cabriolet was scheduled to make its public debut at the 2017 Geneva Motor Show before heading to dealership­s by the end of this year. Looking similar to the coupe with the soft-top up, the convertibl­e EClass sits 15 millimetre­s lower than the E-Class sedan and will come standard with sporty 18-inch wheels.

The fully automatic acoustic soft top comes standard in dark brown, dark blue, red or black and is derived from the lid on the S-Class Cabriolet.

It can be fully opened and closed in 20 seconds while travelling at speeds of up to 48 km/h, and after opening, it folds down quietly into a compartmen­t in the trunk.

A retractabl­e cover separates the soft top from the remaining trunk space.

Standard inside the cabin is a 12.3-inch COMAND display, while a 12.3-inch digital instrument cluster is available as an option. Like other Mercedes convertibl­es, open-air comfort can be enhanced with the available Aircap and Airscarf necklevel heating.

The Aircap system was developed specifical­ly for Mercedes-Benz cabriolets and features an electronic wind deflector module integrated into the roof frame and an electric wind blocker behind the rear seats. At the push of a button, the system also reduces the interior turbulence for the rear passengers.

Compared to its predecesso­r, the 2018 Mercedes-Benz E-Class Cabriolet is 127 millimetre­s longer, 74 mm wider and 36 mm taller.

The model comes standard for the first time as a 4Matic permanent allwheel-drive vehicle and comes equipped with a 3.0-litre biturbo V6 engine paired to a nine-speed automatic transmissi­on. The engine provides 329 horsepower and 354 pound-feet of torque.

To celebrate the new E-Class Cabriolet, Mercedes will launch with a 25th Anniversar­y special edition, aimed primarily at collectors and lovers of unique cars. Highlights on the model include 19-inch, 10-twinspoke alloy wheels, Cabriolet Comfort package, Natural Grain Light Brown Elm wood trim, illuminate­d door sill panels with Mercedes-Benz lettering, velour floor mats with “25th Anniversar­y Edition” embroidery and the Magic Vision Control system.

The inside has high-grade Designo appointmen­ts in the new colour combinatio­n of Macchiato Beige and Tizian Red, while an elaborate diamond pattern with carefully positioned perforatio­n adds even more luxury to the E-Class Cabriolet.

Further making the 25th Anniversar­y model special is the new exterior paint colour Rubellite Red metallic combined with a red soft top. Finishing off the enhancemen­ts are “25th Anniversar­y” badges on the front fenders and on the centre console.

Look for the 2018 Mercedes-Benz E-Class Cabriolet to head to dealership­s by the end of the year. Pricing will be announced closer to its launch.

 ?? MERCEDES-BENZ PHOTOS ?? Looking similar to the coupe with the soft-top up, the 2018 Mercedes-Benz E-Class Cabriolet sits 15 millimetre­s lower than the E-Class sedan and will come standard with sporty 18-inch wheels.
MERCEDES-BENZ PHOTOS Looking similar to the coupe with the soft-top up, the 2018 Mercedes-Benz E-Class Cabriolet sits 15 millimetre­s lower than the E-Class sedan and will come standard with sporty 18-inch wheels.
 ??  ?? Standard inside the cabin is a 12.3-inch COMAND display, while a digital instrument cluster is optionally available.
Standard inside the cabin is a 12.3-inch COMAND display, while a digital instrument cluster is optionally available.
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