Mercedes-Benz E-Class Cabrio 2010 Review - International
Open-top motoring fans will find more reason to brave the elements in M-B's new E-Class CabrioMercedes-Benz E-Class Cabrio
Mallorca, Spain
What we liked
>> Settled convertible chassis
>> Attempts at open-top driving innovations
>> Bland interior styling
Price, Packaging and Practicality: 2.5/5.0
Safety: 3.5/5.0
Behind the wheel: 3.0/5.0
X-factor: 2.5/5.0
OVERVIEW
-- Sky's the limit
Mercedes-Benz's new E-Class range has 'absorbed' the brand's volume convertible offering, formerly known as the CLK. The same thing will happen within the upcoming, updated S-Class range which will include a CL-turned S-Class Coupe.
Its new-found association with the E-Class range means the four-seater Cabrio must be more serious, more refined... and more expensive. Benz is aiming for a different market with the E Cabrio: one prepared to pay extra for a unique open-top motoring experience.
M-B has introduced another segment-first feature with the E-Class Cabrio, called Aircap; the other was the Airscarf neck-level heating system which works to great effect in all Benz's open-top models post-2004. The company says it has worked on innovations for its convertible range for over 20 years, starting with the simple draught-stop for the SL in 1989.
These days Benz suggests we can enjoy top-down motoring all year round with its comfort-enhancing features and short of a downpour, we can agree wind-in-hair fans will find more reason to brave the elements in a convertible with the three-pointed star on it than any other.
PRICE AND EQUIPMENT
-- Step-up for a premium
The E-Class Cabrio is considerably more expensive than the outgoing model. Local buyers will be initially offered the E 350 V6 and E 500 V8 models in April -- with the 7G-TRONIC seven-speed automatic transmission specified -- priced at $139,950 and $186,950 respectively.
That's over $12,500 more for the V6 and almost $19K extra for the new V8 version. Benz counters, saying the premium includes new standard-fit equipment that was not offered in the previous model, including driver assistance features such as the brand's driver drowsiness detection system, Attention Assist.
Two four-cylinder Cabrios will also be available around midyear. The E 250 CGI and diesel-powered E 250 CDI will start at around $105K for the petrol model and approximately $120K for the oiler. Both powerplants drive through a five-speed automatic transmission.
The E Cabrio's big story is the abovementioned new Aircap comfort-enhancing system which reduces wind draught across all four passenger places. The Airscarf feature has also been updated, with an adjustable vent for the E Cabrio.
Apart from reducing cabin turbulence, Benz says the Aircap feature reduces interior noise level so passengers can hold conversations without having to raise voices. Both Airscarf and Aircap are standard-fit inclusions in the E Cabrio.
Otherwise, equipment for the Cabrio range resembles closely the offering of the E Coupe lineup.
PACKAGING
Benz says that a 'classic' convertible must have a fabric roof. Benefits of a soft top over a folding hard top include a better silhouette or profile, because the fabric roof can be folded more compactly thus allowing for uniform boot design and shorter rear overhang.
The Cabrio resembles the rest of the E-Class lineup, but like the Coupe, it has a more sports-oriented interior. The seats in particular have been designed to "create a sporty impression", including those in the rear.
While on accommodation: we'll agree it's a genuine four-seater, however the rear pews are very upright and quite narrow. The upside is reasonable boot space, and tidy rear deck and lines... We'd even suggest this is the best-looking E model in the range.
Designers aimed to differentiate the Coupe and Cabrio with sportier exterior styling and it works, especially with the soft top. The new E's sharp lines 'toughen' what some might think is just a(nother) convertible for women while at the same time the very masculine styling adopted for recent models, and not to this writer's liking, is toned down by the cabrio's form.
By Benz's figures, the E-Class Cabrio is longer (4698mm compared to 4638mm) than the outgoing CLK; wider (1786mm versus 1740mm) and slightly (11mm) lower at 1402mm. Wheelbase is 2760mm, compared to the CLK's 2715mm.
Boot space is also quite generous for a convertible. A clever compartment houses the roof when folded but with the roof up, the compartment can be pushed closer to the cabin, allowing an extra 90 litres space over the 300 litres available with the roof down.
COMPETITORS
-- Game changer
M-B says former rivals such as BMW's 3 Series convertible have been left behind by the new tack taken for its latest four-seater cabrio. Benz spokespersons conceded the Audi A5 might come close.
We don't quite believe their pumped-up thinking for the E-Cab. Interior space is not noticeably more generous than the CLK's was and to us, four-seater luxury convertible is four-seater luxury convertible... which BMW's version is all the way.
SAFETY
-- No compromise cabrio
The Cabrio has received extra support in the safety stakes to accommodate its roofless state. Ultra-high-strength steel was added to places such as the A pillar, within the doors and under the rear seat, while side impact protection for the front passengers comes by way of headbags, which rise from the doors.
This is the first Benz convertible to offer such airbags. All up the airbag count is seven, including front, side and kneebag (for the driver) protection. Rear sidebags are also available, as option-fit equipment.
Engineers told the Carsales Network that the Cabrio, like all other Benz models, underwent and passed its 'drop test', whereby the car was inverted and let fall from height to determine structural strength in components like the windscreen.
Rollover protection is by way of pyrotechnically activated bars in the rear headrests.
Sure, there's been a game change for Benz's four-seater convertible but it's business as usual in terms of comfort and ride. The cabin offers customary M-B comforts like multi-adjustable seating, multi-way heating/cooling and easy-to-use sat-nav, however, despite an effort to sport-up the interior the dash and instrumentation styling is staid and bland.
But this is one of the best riding convertibles in the business, with a near-shake-free chassis even over broken roads. It's also a sharp steerer, although the steering feels heavy -- the default setting in Benz cars -- and mostly dull until hooking in.
We drove the 350 and 500 models among the lineup due for Australia. Both are well up to the job however, considering Benz wants E Cabrio passengers to stay topless as long as possible, the sound of the V6 doesn't complement the experience.
We figure most E Cabrio buyers will opt for the 350 and even the upcoming four-cylinder versions over the 500, and that's sensible thinking, but the V8 model offers much more drama, aurally and physically.
In terms of open-top motoring, M-B's Airscarf and Aircap features are good ideas: Especially the former, which is now more effective with adjustable vents in the headrests.
The Aircap feature reduces wind turbulence through to rear passengers but wind noise is still noticeable; even overbearing at high speeds... Conversation is easy enough to hold up front but back-seat drivers need to YELL...
From what we'd heard from M-B and even our man in Europe (see link in OVERVIEW), we were expecting a more serene cabin.
It was mild in Mallorca, so we can't put the difference down to weather. Adding to the disruption was a noise from a roof cap catching wind which strangely couldn't be heard while seated in the rear... Presumably delivered versions will be sounder.
The rear 'airblocker' is neat for the fact it does not take up rear passenger space, unlike some other four-seater convertibles including VW's (otherwise complete) Eos. It works well for four-place open-top motoring in conjunction with the Aircap feature but obstructs rearwards vision, even while lowered.
The insulated roof does well to block outside noise, and it looks very neat and seals well when closed. We didn't hear any wind noise at either the front or rear of the cabin. Nice work.
The new Cabrio is certainly a step ahead of the CLK version but as it's now wearing the 'E' badge, we were expecting a bigger step. Especially for the premium, which basically covers a lot of hot air...
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