Price and equipment
There are four E-Class cabrios, starting with the E250 CGI we’re testing here, from $105,950 (plus on-road and dealer costs). This engine is a new 1.8-litre four-cylinder and has direct injection and low-blow turbo.
That earns it Mercedes-Benz’s enviro-speak BlueEfficiency tag. Other fuel-saving contributors are on-demand activation of the steering and fuel pump, low rolling-resistance tyres and an alternator that responds to power requirements.
A new wind-deflector system called AirCap is standard, while an updated version of Benz’s Airscarf neck warmer is optional. However, the roof is cloth rather than a new-fangled folding hardtop.
Compared with the CLK 200 Kompressor, pricing rises only about $2000, while the old 280 V6 is undercut by more than $8000. Benz claims $10,500 in new features is added, including the “Comand” controller (bundling sat-nav, Bluetooth, voice control and more) and sporty Avantgarde trim.
Other standard kit includes 17-inch alloys, dual-zone climate control, leather trim, bi-xenon headlights and sports seats.
Shearing off the roof adds to the already complex challenge of keeping occupants safe in an impact. So rollover protection has been reinforced by strengthened A-pillars, plug-in B-pillars and pop-up hoops.
There are nine airbags, including door-mounted head airbags for all passengers. Stability control, anti-lock brakes, Benz’s Pre-Safe crash anticipation system, high-beam assist and driver fatigue detection are standard. The “active” bonnet is designed to reduce pedestrian injury.
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