Mercedes E-Class Cabriolet arrives to Middle East showrooms

One of the most elegant convertibles of the past decade is finally arriving to showrooms in the Middle East.

The highly appealing Cabriolet, first seen by the world’s press at Yas Marina Circuit in Abu Dhabi last December, is the latest addition to the Mercedes-Benz E-Class line-up and will be available in showrooms across the Middle East, Levant and North Africa this month (March 2010).

The open-top two-door model features a classic fabric soft top, making for a stylistically pure cabriolet feeling, and a range of new fuel-efficient engines.

"With the new Cabriolet we are finalising our successful E-Class family with yet another emotionally appealing model,� says Frank Bernthaler, Director, Sales and Marketing, Mercedes-Benz Middle East & Levant.

The soft top can be opened and closed fully automatically within 20 seconds – even when driving at speeds of up to 40 km/h. The cabriolet roof is stowed in a special compartment behind the rear panel. A retractable cover separates the soft top compartment from the boot area which must be closed in order to close the soft top. If the roof is to remain closed, the cover can be slid rearwards, in which case the boot capacity is increased by 90 litres to 390 litres.

In 1989, Mercedes-Benz premiered a draught-stop for the SL model series, this was followed in 2004 by the AIRSCARF?® neck-level heating system to further enhance comfort in open-top models.

Now comes another world-first, the AIRCAP?® automatic draught-stop, which can be activated at the push of a button, greatly reduces turbulence in the interior of the new Mercedes E-Class Cabriolet.

AIRCAP?® consists of two components: a wind deflector that can be extended by around six centimetres with a net in the windscreen frame and a draught-stop
between the rear seats.

As well as enhancing occupant comfort and wellbeing, the reduction in draught when AIRCAP?® is activated reduces the interior noise level so passengers in all seats find it far easier to communicate.

Thanks to its acoustic soft top, fitted as standard, even the closed E-Class Cabriolet has one of the quietest interiors in the segment for four-seater premium
cabriolets with a fabric roof. The soft top's exceptionally high-quality insulation brings about a clearly noticeable reduction in the interior noise level compared to conventional fabric soft tops. Exterior noise caused by other vehicles and wind noise are therefore absorbed more effectively. On the road, the difference is audible from speeds of just 80 km/h, for example when driving through a tunnel or overtaking a convoy of trucks.

The powerplants for the new E-Class Cabriolet are equally innovative ranging from the E200 CGI to an E 500 producing 388 bhp.

Low fuel consumption has not only been achieved because of the new engines, but also with a number of other practical measures. These include on-demand activation of the steering and fuel pumps, the use of tyres with low rolling resistance and an alternator control system which takes account of the current driving situation and the vehicle's electrical power requirements.

Added to this is the crucial factor of outstanding aerodynamics. The Cabriolet's cd figure of 0.28 is the best in its class, marking a continuation of the E-Class success story in the field of aerodynamics.

Roll-over protection consists of two robust bars, each with a diameter of 35? mm, which are housed in the rear head restraints in modules behind the rear seat backrests.
A tilting cone sensor detects imminent danger to the occupants based on extreme skidding movements or acceleration caused by impact. If this sensor then sends a corresponding signal, pre-tensioned pressure springs are activated extremely quickly by pyrotechnic means.

Consequently, both roll-over bars in the rear head restraints are extended. They reach their highest point and are locked automatically within a fraction of a
second. In combination with the robust A-pillars, each of which is reinforced with two high-strength steel tubes, the steel bars provide highly effective roll-over
protection.

Further exemplary safety equipment available for the E-Class Cabriolet includes ATTENTION ASSIST drowsiness detection, PRE-SAFE?® anticipatory occupant protection, the sophisticated Intelligent Light System and DISTRONIC PLUS proximity control.

The new Mercedes E-Class is expected to be very successful and a fierce competitor to the established BMW 6-Series Convertible and the recently introduced Audi A5 Convertible, especially here in the Arabic-speaking region where the Mercedes 'star' is extremely popular.