Refined model
This new Mercedes-Benz has sharp handling and smooth style. We first drove this car earlier this year in Spain. As a new model it’s a fairly big deal for Benz, replacing the previous CLK cabrio, which has been phased out.
At 4698mm in length, it sits on the shorter coupe platform and shares the same wheelbase and some components with the smaller C Class model. It’s a four-seater, with individual rear seats and rear leg room that is adequate but not what you would call overly generous. The rear seats sit higher than those in front, giving rear seat passengers a better forward view but exposing them to more wind if they happen to be tall.
As a cabrio, Benz has made a special effort to enhance passenger comfort with the roof off, in an attempt to transform the car into a car for “four seasons’’. As such the E Class cabrio sees the debut of an entirely new piece of technical equipment called the Aircap. It’s an extendable, aerodynamic wing that pops out of the top of the windscreen and is designed to deflect air over the top of the car, rather than allowing it to accumulate and swirl around the open cabin. It’s specifically targeted at rear seat passengers who don’t benefit from the shielding effect of the windscreen normally.
Benz describes Aircap as classic Mercedes innovation: functional, comfort-enhancing, elegant and safe. Does it work? Sort of, as long as you’re not too tall, but I don’t know about the elegant bit. It’s a good thing you can’t see it from inside the car because it looks really goofy viewed from outside. Time will tell if it’s a success, with a further refinement of the concept likely with any future updates.
Aircap is paired with Airscarf, which is standard in this model and is fitted in conjunction with heated front seats. It directs warm air on to the back of the neck through special ventilation outlets at the base of the front headrests. Airscarf has been around for several years. The E350 or 3.5-litre petrol V6 model is historically likely to be the biggest seller of the new crop of cabrios. The 3.5-litre V6 offers an appealing combination of power and economy, with 200kW of power and 350Nm of torque.
Teamed with a seven-speed auto it is good for 9.8 litres/100km and uses premium economy. The dash from 0-100km/h takes 6.8 seconds. The safety story in the cabrio is also strong, with nine airbags and a host of safety systems standard. The styling of the new cabrio is much sharper and more contemporary than previous models. The V6 engine is smooth and responsive and delivers excellent economy for a six thanks to the seven-speed transmission. We clocked up more than 600km at a rate of 10.3 litres/100km.
Standard equipment includes leather, climate air, metallic paint, 18-inch alloys, a reversing camera and satnav system including Bluetooth and voice control for phone and navigation. The E350 cabrio is priced from $139,950 before on-road costs.
MERCEDES-BENZ E350 CABRIOLET
Fuel consumption 9.8 litres/100 km
Dealers Garry Crick Prestige, Maroochydore 5409 0111,
Noosaville 5440 3600
Story: Chris Riley, weekender Issue 637, July 29th 2010.
This new Mercedes-Benz has sharp handling and smooth style. We first drove this car earlier this year in Spain. As a new model it’s a fairly big deal for Benz, replacing the previous CLK cabrio, which has been phased out.
At 4698mm in length, it sits on the shorter coupe platform and shares the same wheelbase and some components with the smaller C Class model. It’s a four-seater, with individual rear seats and rear leg room that is adequate but not what you would call overly generous. The rear seats sit higher than those in front, giving rear seat passengers a better forward view but exposing them to more wind if they happen to be tall.
As a cabrio, Benz has made a special effort to enhance passenger comfort with the roof off, in an attempt to transform the car into a car for “four seasons’’. As such the E Class cabrio sees the debut of an entirely new piece of technical equipment called the Aircap. It’s an extendable, aerodynamic wing that pops out of the top of the windscreen and is designed to deflect air over the top of the car, rather than allowing it to accumulate and swirl around the open cabin. It’s specifically targeted at rear seat passengers who don’t benefit from the shielding effect of the windscreen normally.
Benz describes Aircap as classic Mercedes innovation: functional, comfort-enhancing, elegant and safe. Does it work? Sort of, as long as you’re not too tall, but I don’t know about the elegant bit. It’s a good thing you can’t see it from inside the car because it looks really goofy viewed from outside. Time will tell if it’s a success, with a further refinement of the concept likely with any future updates.
Aircap is paired with Airscarf, which is standard in this model and is fitted in conjunction with heated front seats. It directs warm air on to the back of the neck through special ventilation outlets at the base of the front headrests. Airscarf has been around for several years. The E350 or 3.5-litre petrol V6 model is historically likely to be the biggest seller of the new crop of cabrios. The 3.5-litre V6 offers an appealing combination of power and economy, with 200kW of power and 350Nm of torque.
Teamed with a seven-speed auto it is good for 9.8 litres/100km and uses premium economy. The dash from 0-100km/h takes 6.8 seconds. The safety story in the cabrio is also strong, with nine airbags and a host of safety systems standard. The styling of the new cabrio is much sharper and more contemporary than previous models. The V6 engine is smooth and responsive and delivers excellent economy for a six thanks to the seven-speed transmission. We clocked up more than 600km at a rate of 10.3 litres/100km.
Standard equipment includes leather, climate air, metallic paint, 18-inch alloys, a reversing camera and satnav system including Bluetooth and voice control for phone and navigation. The E350 cabrio is priced from $139,950 before on-road costs.
MERCEDES-BENZ E350 CABRIOLET
Fuel consumption 9.8 litres/100 km
Dealers Garry Crick Prestige, Maroochydore 5409 0111,
Noosaville 5440 3600
Story: Chris Riley, weekender Issue 637, July 29th 2010.
