2018 Mercedes-Benz E-Class Cabriolet – Golden middle

Back in 80’s, everything was clear about Mercedes offer. Legendary W124 E-Class received its coupe version in 1987 and convertible one in 1992, and there was nothing debatable about them. And then in 1997 CLK came. It was officially successor to the outgoing coupe and cabriolet, but was it? If you look it from the outside, there was nothing to separate it visually from the E-Class of that time, but under the skin, it was pure C-Class. Next generation lessens the deception by taking C-Class fascia and interior while retaining only E-Class taillights.

Then in 2009 CLK was again E-Class by its name and inside and out it was a clearly based on E-Class, although under the skin things haven’t changed and C-Class platform was still there. So, what did the Merc do here? Visually it tricked all of us that this is the handsome version of its executive saloon, while everything that was hidden was taken from the lower segment and surely with the price of higher one in this case. New E-Class Coupe made its debut just recently, while hidden part of the story remains the same, new 2018 Mercedes-Benz E-Class Cabriolet is on its way too.

STYLING

Since official debut is not yet happened for the cabriolet, we have to settle with lightly masked vehicles at least until Geneva Motor Show launches, which is quite close, but honestly, since coupe design has been already introduced there is nothing to surprise us here. Merc’s philosophy of “Reduced design idiom” continues its story with cabriolet, and in this case “more is less” or “less is more,” whichever you fancy “more.” That means that E-Class Cabriolet, same as the coupe, lost some lines compared to C and S-Class siblings, in order to preserve bespoke elegance.

Side dynamic carvings are replaced by the plain surface, but as far as we are at grace part, it works. On the contrary, hood took S Cabriolet approach and retained two elegant bulges. Cabrio versions of E-Class always had a soft top and since it’s all about refinement, hard top, spoiling fluidity of shape, was certainly out of the question. The roof itself is going to be available in several colors, black obviously, brown, red and blue, so you can exercise development of your taste.

CABIN

The cabin is the same as in coupe version and according to that same as in sedan version. There is only one thing- air vents, shaped as jet turbines here, and they look so alluring that you should dismiss sedan version just cause of it. When we come to design sophistication and hints of an aristocracy, Stuttgart did the job in a way that no rival could match it for many years to come.

Despite being the ultimate art of work cabin is comfortable enough to seat four, and that is four adults, while famous Airscarf is back. Officially, roof closes in 20 seconds, but in reality, it can do it in 3 seconds less, and going back requires even less as 14 seconds is enough.

FACTS

As every roofless version of something, this one has to be reinforced, which means more weight and that results in worse acceleration time and more fuel to go. We don’t see that as a problem here. When it reaches US shore it will be in E400 version, and that stands as 3.0-liter V6, with two turbos, pumping out 329 horsepower and 354 pound-feet of torque, enough to reach 60 mph in 5.5 seconds, all while dragging along additional 330 pounds.

That would be two-tenths of a second more than the coupe, though easily disregarded for all glory of open sky. One more good thing, the price stays the same, so $62,000 for priceless elegance and Mercedes badge don’t seem exaggerated here.

LESS OR MORE

Less than 2018 Mercedes-Benz E-Class is C-Class in a roofless edition. Underneath they are the same, but smaller brother is way cheaper. More would be S-Class topless thing, carrying underneath S-Class, or the best that Benz can do. So less or more? None. Golden middle is pure gold here. E-Class Cabrio gives more metal than C does, and its size and elegance could easily rival much pricier S brother. This is the thing, this is the top choice, and what’s under the skin you can’t see and be sure you won’t feel anything bad about it.

2018 Mercedes-Benz E-Class Cabriolet Video