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(from Mercedes-Benz
Press Release) The new Mercedes-Benz E-Class Cabriolet: Four
seasons, four personalities
-- Comfortable:
AIRCAP® automatic draught-stop plus AIRSCARF®
-- Quiet: acoustic soft top as standard
-- Safe: robust roll-over protection and new headbags
The highly appealing and
emotionally charged Cabriolet is the latest addition to the
successful Mercedes-Benz E-Class line-up. The open-top two-door
model, which goes on sale on 11 January 2010, features a classic
fabric soft top, making for a stylistically pure cabriolet feeling.
Viewed from the side, the new model is an intriguing proposition –
with its clear proportions and a flawless cabriolet silhouette.
In keeping with the
motto "four seasons, four personalities", all-year-round suitability
was right at the top of the developers' list of priorities. With the
new E‑Class Cabriolet, the cabriolet season lasts the whole year
because, while many cabriolets tend to disappear from the roads of
Western Europe in the autumn, the Mercedes-Benz E-Class Cabriolet
(length/breadth/height: 4698/1786/1402 mm) provides driving pleasure
and comfort whether the roof is open or closed.
New features include:
-- The AIRCAP®
automatic draught-stop: always on board and easily controllable
at the push of a button, it reduces turbulence substantially for
all four seat occupants
-- The modified AIRSCARF® neck-level heating system
-- The acoustic soft top fitted as standard
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; it 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. A through-loading
feature is included as standard for the new Cabriolet, as is
EASY-ENTRY – a manually operated entry and exit aid for the rear
passengers.
The powerplants for the
new E-Class Cabriolet are equally innovative: the new
direct-injection diesel and petrol models combine efficiency with
effortlessly superior power delivery. The exemplary, low fuel
consumption has not only been achieved because of the new engines,
but also with a number of 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, plus 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.
An overview of the
engines:
-- E 220 CDI
BlueEFFICIENCY Cabriolet: 125 kW (170 hp)
-- E 250 CDI BlueEFFICIENCY Cabriolet: 150 kW (204 hp)
-- E 350 CDI BlueEFFICIENCY Cabriolet: 170 kW (231 hp)
-- E 200 CGI BlueEFFICIENCY Cabriolet: 135 kW (184 hp)
-- E 250 CGI BlueEFFICIENCY Cabriolet: 150 kW (204 hp)
-- E 350 CGI BlueEFFICIENCY Cabriolet: 215 kW (292 hp)
-- E 500 Cabriolet: 285 kW (388 hp)
Less turbulence, easier to use:
AIRCAP® is a world-first
In 1989, Mercedes-Benz
introduced a world premiere in the shape of a draught-stop for the
SL model series, 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, creating a
sea of warm air. It is also much easier to implement and use than
conventional draught-stops: there is no tricky installation, the two
individual rear seats remain free and the Cabriolet's flowing side
lines remain uninterrupted. AIRCAP® is therefore a classic Mercedes
innovation: functional, comfort-enhancing, elegant and safe.
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.
The functions of the two
components:
-- Elevation of the
free flow above the interior
-- Net at the front increases the basic pressure in the interior
-- Draught-stop at the rear reduces the backflow
As well as enhancing
occupant comfort and wellbeing, the reduction in draught when AIRCAP®
is activated (it can be activated at speeds of up to 160 km/h and
remains in use right up to the car's top speed) reduces the interior
noise level – so passengers in all seats find it far easier to
communicate.
The Cabriolet Comfort package includes AIRCAP® with AIRSCARF®. This
patented system functions like an invisible scarf, which warms the
occupants' head and neck areas. AIRSCARF® is integrated into the
backrests of the front seats and provides warm air through outlets
in the head restraints.
The Mercedes engineers have modified this unique innovation
specifically for the E-Class Cabriolet: in this model, an adjustment
wheel pivots the outlet nozzle upwards and downwards by a total of
36 degrees over and above the head restraint height adjustment,
meaning that the driver and front passenger can enjoy the unique
neck-level heating regardless of how short or tall they are.
Quiet, warm and windproof:
acoustic soft top fitted as standard
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. At higher speeds,
the benefits of the acoustic soft top are even more tangible. For
instance, it is possible to have a perfectly normal phone
conversation in hands-free mode even when travelling at a speed of
over 200 km/h.
The soft top is of
course waterproof and windproof. Plus it can be put through an
automatic carwash without any hesitation. With a total thickness of
23.5 mm, the fabric soft top offers excellent thermal insulation,
meaning that the E-Class Cabriolet is also ideal for use in winter.
Safety: robust structure,
anticipatory protection and windowbags
The new Cabriolet offers
the wealth of safety innovations one would expect from a Mercedes
model. Highlights of the open-top two-door model include roll-over
protection, the A-pillars reinforced by two additional tubes and the
plug-in B‑pillars. This new model is also the first Mercedes
cabriolet to feature headbags.
The 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 by pyrotechnic means,
i.e. extremely quickly.
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.
The plug-in B-pillars
are extremely robustly connected as they engage in the side skirts,
thus offering highly effective protection in the event of a crash. A
shoe made from ultra-high-strength steel braces the inside of the
B-pillar against the rear seat crossmember.
With seven airbags
fitted as standard, belt tensioners and belt force limiters for all
seats, not to mention crash-responsive head restraints for the
driver and front passenger, the new E-Class Cabriolet offers the
most extensive safety equipment package in this vehicle category.
The airbags, which can deploy in milliseconds in the event of an
accident, include front airbags and sidebags for the driver and
front passenger, a kneebag on the driver's side, and headbags. The
latter, which appear in a Mercedes cabriolet for the first time, are
housed in the door panelling in the beltline area. Covering a wide
area – around 0.7 x 0.5 metres with a volume of 17 litres when
deployed – the airbags provide extremely effective protection for
occupants large and small in the event of a crash. The three-part
side protection system – comprising headbag and thoraxbag –
optimises the level of protection afforded to individual parts of
the body. Rear sidebags are available as an option.
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, the Active
Bonnet and DISTRONIC PLUS proximity control.
The E-Class range: four attractive
models
An innovative family at the heart of the brand
Complete: the Cabriolet
is the fourth model in the E-Class range
Innovative: all variants are characterised by ground-breaking new
products and features
Successful: the E-Class is the clear leader in its market segment
In March 2009
Mercedes-Benz embarked on the renewal of the E-Class model family -
one year later, with the market launch of the Cabriolet, the
portfolio will be complete. A number of technical innovations have
been incorporated into the new E-Class which no other car in this
class is able to offer - from drowsiness detection to automatic
emergency braking when an accident is recognised as imminent, and
from Adaptive Highbeam Assist to the active bonnet. The E-Class is
one the safest vehicles in its segment, a fact which has also been
proven by independent crash tests and the specialist press.
In addition, there is a
wide selection of powerful and efficient engines which is set to be
systematically extended over the coming months. Depending on model,
these range from the innovative E 200 CDI BlueEFFICIENCY producing
100 kW (136 hp) up to the E 500 producing 285 kW (388 hp). There are
also AMG versions producing 386 kW (525 hp) and the all-wheel drive
system 4MATIC. Exemplary aerodynamics are yet another feature of the
model range: with a drag coefficient (Cd) of 0.25, the saloon is the
most aerodynamically efficient four-door car in the world, while the
model range's Coupé achieves the best overall figure for a
series-production car with a Cd figure of just 0.24.
"The renewal of the
E-Class model family at the heart of the Mercedes brand has come at
precisely the right time. The success of the new E-Class shows that
even in what are now economically turbulent times, Mercedes brand
values such as safety and efficiency, combined with exciting design,
enjoy particular significance among discerning customers", explains
Dr. Dieter Zetsche, Chairman of the Board of Daimler AG and Head of
Mercedes-Benz Cars.
As such the E-Class is
the clear leader in its market segment: in Germany the E‑Class
Saloon enjoys a market share of around 60 percent in its respective
segment, while in Western Europe (excluding Germany) its share is
more than 40 percent.
The four models in the
current Mercedes luxury class series:
The E-Class
Saloon: the benchmark in the luxury class. Market launch:
March 2009
The E-Class Coupé: excitement can be this efficient.
Market launch: May 2009
The E-Class Estate: intelligent (E)state-of-the-art.
Market launch: November 2009 and
The E-Class Cabriolet: the 4-seater for all 4 seasons.
Market launch: March 2010
Besides the innovations
which all of the models of this family share, the individual
variants have a number of new products and features to enhance the
comfort, safety and appeal which are specific to this model. With
the new AIRCAP® feature, enhanced AIRSCARF® and also the standard
acoustic soft top, the new E-Class Cabriolet for example provides
all-year-round comfort which is unique in the segment of open-top
vehicles. "The development of AIRCAP® is an example of the
perseverance and tenacity of our engineers and technicians:
convinced of the customer benefit of an automatic draught-stop, our
specialists have finally found the Mercedes solution, which at the
press of a button helps to significantly reduce turbulence in the
car's interior for all passengers – it is easy to use and always
there. In this way we are enabling our customers to enjoy
comfortable, open-top driving all year round", says Dr. Thomas
Weber, Daimler Board Member for Corporate Research and Head of
Development of Mercedes-Benz Cars.
For its part, in
addition to air suspension with self-levelling at the rear as
standard, the Estate model also provides unique new load compartment
management features.
"Never before have we
had such an effective presence with our E-Class model series as we
have with today's range. Saloon, Estate, Coupé and Cabriolet all
share the same winning gene, yet appeal to our customers in a very
individual way. This mixture has been extremely well received by our
customers. With the new Cabriolet we are complementing our
successful E-Class family with yet another particularly emotionally
appealing model, in which our customers can continue to enjoy the
Cabriolet season even longer thanks to the unique automatic
draught-stop", confirms Dr. Joachim Schmidt, Head of Sales and
Marketing of Mercedes-Benz Cars.
