Ahead of its local launch in October 2017, the Mercedes-Benz E-Class cabriolet range has been detailed and priced, with Australian pricing starting from $123,500 plus on-road costs. The E-Class cabriolet is the latest addition to the E-Class range, and arrives after the E-Class sedan, coupe and All Terrain models.
Just two model variants of the E-Class cabriolet will be sold in Australia – the 180kW turbo four-cylinder E300 and 245kW turbo six-cylinder E400 4Matic with a V8-powered E63 AMG model is likely to follow in the future.
“The passion for extraordinary vehicles, which we share with our customers, is reflected in our new E‑Class Cabriolet in a unique way. It is a car that lets people enjoy comfort and luxury in the open air,” says Britta Seeger, Member of the Board of Management at Daimler AG with responsibility for Mercedes-Benz Cars Marketing & Sales.
E300 models are powered by the same 2.0-litre turbocharged four-cylinder petrol engine as other Mercedes products with the 300 designation, and produce 180kW of power and 350Nm of torque, mated to a nine-speed automatic transmission.
Standard equipment on the E300 includes leather seats with heating in the front, air suspension with different driving modes, Mercedes’ innovative Airscarf neck-level heating system, AMG Line exterior styling with 20-inch multispoke alloy wheels, a sports exhaust system, the Comand Online infotainment system and LED lighting.
Top of the local E-Class cabriolet range for now is the E400 (from $157,500), which is powered by a 245kW/480Nm 3.0-litre twin-turbo six-cylinder petrol engine. Unlike the E300, drive is sent to Mercedes’ 4Matic all-wheel drive system whilst using the same nine-speed automatic. Additional equipment over the E300 cabriolet includes a heads-up display, metallic paint and a 13-speaker Burmester surround sound system.
The E-Class cabriolet’s overall dimensions have grown compared with its predecessor – its overall length of 4,826mm is 123mm longer than before, with its 1,860mm width 74mm wider and 1,428mm height 30mm taller. The car’s tracks are also wider, with 1,605mm front and 1,609mm rear 67mm and 68mm wider respectively.
Mercedes-Benz have invested a lot of effort into the roof of the E-Class cabriolet, resulting in a multi-layered structure that the brand says “reduces wind and driving noise, which makes it easy for occupants to hear each other talk, even when driving at speed.” It can be fully opened and closed in 20 seconds and at speeds up to 50km/h.
The E-Class cabriolet is also relatively practical – whilst not featuring the same 540-litre capacity of the E-Class sedan, it still offers 385-litres of space (310-litres with the roof down). The rear seat split folds in a 50:50 split, further enhancing the car’s practicality.
Full details of the E-Class cabriolet are due in October when the car will be properly launched into Australian showrooms.
2018 Mercedes-Benz E-Class cabriolet pricing (plus on-road costs):
E300 – $123,500
E400 4Matic – $157,400
Stay tuned to Chasing Cars for any news regarding the Mercedes-Benz E-Class.