Motoring Weekly

Soft top sensation’s so cool

November 22 - 28,2017
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Gulf Weekly Soft top sensation’s so cool

Gulf Weekly Stan Szecowka
By Stan Szecowka

Mercedes-Benz is completing its E-Class family with the new E-Class Cabriolet … and it’s a masterpiece of modern open-top driving.

Now 25 years after the launch of the first Mercedes-Benz E-Class Cabriolet, the latest edition of this winning model promises even more style, comfort, space and intelligence than its predecessors.

As the newest member of Mercedes-Benz’s new E-Class family, the four-seat cabriolet, with its classic fabric soft top, combines puristic, sensuous design with long-distance comfort and the latest technology.

“The new E-Class Cabriolet is the third and youngest member of Mercedes-Benz’s E Class family in the region. It is the definitive car for enjoying open air freedom in luxurious comfort and ultimate style – and there is no driving experience quite like it,” said Imran Ali, marketing manager of Al Haddad Motors, Bahrain’s Mercedes-Benz dealership. 

When the soft top is up, the E-Class Cabriolet has a silhouette similar to that of the E-Class Coupé and displays the same expressive proportions. The close ties between the two models are likewise apparent in the pure design, with an emphasis on surfaces with clean lines and sensuous forms.

The ‘hot and cool’ design idiom, representing both elegance and intelligence, is what shapes the appearance of the Cabriolet, and informs its unique character – most particularly when the soft top is down.

A striking front section with a low-positioned diamond radiator grille and centrally located star, LED High Performance headlamps, a drawn-out bonnet with power-domes and fully retractable side windows underline the dynamism of the Cabriolet.

The soft top flows harmoniously into the muscular-looking rear. Its lengthened, sculpted shoulders and two-piece, extremely slim LED tail lamps emphasise a sporty character.

In addition to this, the tail lamps exude a brilliance reminiscent of the glow given off by a jet engine. As a new feature, the tail lamps also put on a special light show for the driver when they approach or leave the car. With the roof open, the harmony between exterior and interior design becomes apparent, uniquely accentuating the high-quality details. Its external entity comprises of polished aluminium with a trim frame on the A-pillar and a wide trim finish that surrounds the soft-top compartment. The third brake lamp with clear-lens cover is harmoniously integrated into this frame.

The fully automatic acoustic fabric soft top is a multi-layered structure with sophisticated insulation that reduces wind and driving noise, making it easy for occupants to hear each other talk, even when driving at high speed. The soft-top structure has an equally positive effect when it comes to climate comfort and makes the Cabriolet suitable for use all year round. It can be fully opened and closed in 20 seconds when travelling at a speed of up to 50 km/h. After opening it folds down quietly and precisely and is stored in the soft-top compartment in the boot.

Customers opting for a cabriolet enjoy driving with the top down as often as possible. Maximum open-air comfort is possible in the E-Class Cabriolet thanks to the optional AIRCAP and AIRSCARF neck-level heating, which make the fresh air much more enjoyable. The system was developed specifically for Mercedes-Benz cabriolets, and consists of an electric wind deflector module discreetly integrated into the roof frame and an electric wind blocker behind the rear seats.

In celebration of the E-Class Cabriolet’s anniversary, Mercedes-Benz has created a 25th Anniversary special edition, available for purchase on request and aimed primarily at collectors and lovers of unique cars. Special features include 20-inch, 5-twin-spoke alloy wheels, the Cabriolet Comfort package, Natural Grain Light Brown Elm wood trim, illuminated door sill panels with Mercedes-Benz lettering, velour floor mats with ‘25th Anniversary Edition’ embroidery and the Magic Vision Control system.

All models are equipped with the 9G-TRONIC nine-speed automatic transmission, which allows fast gearshifts and lower engine speeds, and has a beneficial effect on efficiency and noise. In the Al Haddad showroom a stunning 2000cc E-200 Cabriolet boasting acceleration from 0 to 100 km/h in 8.1 seconds and a top speed of 234 km/h was priced at BD31,890.
For more details call 17785454.







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