By Sam Spiller
Following the launch of the Coupe’ variant in the South African market earlier this year, Mercedes-Benz has widened its E-Class range with the launch of the Cabriolet.
Joining the sedan and coupe in the luxury lineup, the E-Class Cabriolet will initially be available with a choice of three engines, one diesel and two petrol, with the more-powerful petrol engine coming equipped with the German automaker’s 4Matic all-wheel-drive system. The E 220d makes use of a 4-cylinder 2.0-litre turbo-diesel engine to produce 143 kW and 400 Nm of torque, while the E 300 utilises a 4-cylinder 2.0-litre turbo-petrol, good for 180 kW and 370Nm. E 400 drivers will benefit from a 6-cylinder 3.0-litre turbo-petrol power-train that produces 245 kW and 480Nm. The entire Cabriolet lineup comes equipped with a nine-speed automatic gearbox as standard. The Cabriolet also makes use of an adaptive, multi-chamber air suspension system, to provide maximum driving comfort, while the soft-top roof makes use of acoustic fabric to limit wind and driving noise. The roof can be electronically raised and lowered in 20 seconds at speeds of up to 50km/h, and folds back into a loading bay measured at 385 litres with the roof up, ad 310 litres with it down.
Inside, the Cabriolet offers all the features and conveniences of its E-Class siblings, with equipment such as two high-definition 12.3-inch displays that act as instrument cluster and infotainment interface, steering wheel controls, touch-pad controller, heated seats all round, and heat-reflective leather upholstery. An optional feature on the Cabriolet is AIRCAP and AIRSCARF, which are designed to reflect wind from the roof frame, and provide neck-level heating while driving top-down. Safety is covered by seven airbags, pyrotechnic belt tensioners and belt force limiters, as well as a roll-over protection system designed to act as C-pillars in the case of an accident.
The Mercedes-Benz E-Class Cabriolet comes standard with a 2-year/unlimited km warranty, and a six-year/100 000km maintenance plan.
Prices are as follows: Mercedes-Benz E 220d Cabriolet – R919 500; Mercedes-Benz E 300 Cabriolet – R955 500; Mercedes-Benz E400 4Matic Cabriolet – R1 134 500
