Autoblog

2014 Mercedes-Benz E-Class lineup shows its freshened face

Jeffrey N. Ross — Mon, 14 Jan 2013 12:35:00 EST

Filed under: Detroit Auto Show, Convertible, Coupe, Hybrid, Sedan, Wagon, Mercedes-Benz, Luxury

Mercedes-Benz showed us its redesigned 2014 E-Class more than a month ago, but the Detroit Auto Show finally gave us a chance to see the full family of mid-size luxury cars and wagons in the flesh. Dieter Zetsche introduced the cars, including sedan, coupe, convertible and station wagon, on stage showing the stylish new design direction.

The wagon and sedan versions (shown as the E400 Hybrid above) will go on sale this spring, while the coupe and cabriolet will hit showrooms over the summer. Check our new gallery of live shots for the entire 2014 E-Class lineup, as well as the previously released press release below.

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2014 Mercedes-Benz E-Class lineup shows its freshened face originally appeared on Autoblog on Mon, 14 Jan 2013 12:35:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Mercedes-Benz reveals freshened 2014 E-Class Coupe and Convertible

Jeffrey N. Ross — Fri, 04 Jan 2013 03:01:00 EST

Filed under: Detroit Auto Show, Convertible, Coupe, Mercedes-Benz, Luxury

We've already had our official look at the 2014 Mercedes-E-Class sedan and wagon as well as a sneak peek at the new E63 AMG, and now we finally see what the facelifted E-Class Coupe and Cabriolet will look like. All of the refreshed E-Class models will be making their debut at the Detroit Auto Show, but we'll have to wait until summer to see the new coupe and convertible models on the road.

The slightly reworked exterior designs take many of the cues introduced on the sedan, but the coupe and cabriolet carry over one of the previous E-Class' wide, pontoon-like rear haunches. Fortunately, the rest of the design makes it much easier to overlook this awkward element, as the refreshed front end has an eye-catching, concept-like styling with the new single-piece headlights and the aggressive fascia. Not wanting to totally abandon the quad-headlight look that dates back to the 1990s, the new front end has unique LED running lights that visually split the headlights in two helping to create a recognizable yet distinctive face. New LED taillights and a reshaped rear fascia finish off the visual improvements on these cars.

Inside, designers made equally modest yet effective changes by tweaking the design of the steering wheel and incorporating Direct Select lever rather than using the console-mounted shift lever on the previous car. Mercedes has made this update on many of its newest models, and it's pretty remarkable how moving the gear selector can make such a difference on an interior. For the Cabriolet, the acoustic soft top helps ensure a quiet interior with the top up, and the car also features front and rear wind deflectors that automatically deploy to keep cabin noise at a manageable level with the top down. Some of the new technology in the 2014 E-Class includes the Stereo Multi-Purpose Camera, Active Parking Assist and a 360-degree camera for a bird's-eye view when parking.

While the sedan will get a four-cylinder engine, an AMG model and even a new hybrid model, the coupe and cabriolet will carry over their powertrains and model designations from 2013, which include the E350 and E550; the E350 Coupe is still available with the 4Matic all-wheel-drive system, too. For more details about the 2014 E-Class Coupe and Cabriolet, scroll down for the official Mercedes-Benz press release.

Continue reading Mercedes-Benz reveals freshened 2014 E-Class Coupe and Convertible

Mercedes-Benz reveals freshened 2014 E-Class Coupe and Convertible originally appeared on Autoblog on Fri, 04 Jan 2013 03:01:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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2014 Mercedes-Benz E-Class Cabriolet spotted testing

Jeffrey N. Ross — Mon, 19 Nov 2012 16:00:00 EST

Filed under: Spy Photos, Convertible, Mercedes-Benz, Luxury

The Mercedes-Benz E-Class lineup is poised to receive a facelift soon, and while we've already seen what the new sedan will look like courtesy of an undisguised look at the E63 AMG, we're now getting our first look at the updated E-Class Cabriolet. Given that 2013 models are already available, we expect the redesigned E-Class to be out for the 2014 model year.

All E-Class models will be getting a new face with smoother lines including reshaped headlights, a less angular front fascia and a more upright, single-bar grille, but it looks like the Coupe and Cabriolet will be getting fewer updates to the rear of the car. While the sedan will get smoother rear doors and quarter panels to eliminate that flared wheel arches, this cue is still apparent on the convertible (as well as the coupe and station wagon). From what we can tell of the car's rear end, new taillights and a new fascia will help freshen up this Mercedes-Benz mainstay.

2014 Mercedes-Benz E-Class Cabriolet spotted testing originally appeared on Autoblog on Mon, 19 Nov 2012 16:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Brabus 800 E V12 Cabriolet out-blacks AMG's Black Series

Noah Joseph — Sun, 10 Jul 2011 20:02:00 EST

Filed under: Aftermarket, Convertible, Performance, Mercedes-Benz

Brabus 800 E V12 Cabriolet - Click above for high-res image gallery

Black Series? Who needs one when you've got Brabus? Try this on for size: 0-62 in 3.7 seconds and a top speed of 231 mph. In a four-seat E-Class convertible.

So, how did the German tuning house manage to convert a boulevard cruiser into a certified bruiser? Well, for starters, they took the V12 from the Mercedes-Benz S600, gave it a whole mess of new moving parts and breathing gear, quad intercoolers, bored it out from 5.5 liters to 6.3 and dropped it into the E-Cab's engine bay.

The result is 800 metric horsepower (788 by US standards) to make this the most powerful and the fastest four-seat convertible on the market. Of course it's a rather lofty market, at €478,000 ($680k), but with all that power and attention to detail to go with it, can you really be surprised? Not as surprised as the owner of that Black Series AMG will be when you and three of your best friends go ripping by in the left lane. Check it out in the high-res image gallery and the post-jump press release.

Continue reading Brabus 800 E V12 Cabriolet out-blacks AMG's Black Series

Brabus 800 E V12 Cabriolet out-blacks AMG's Black Series originally appeared on Autoblog on Sun, 10 Jul 2011 20:02:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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First Drive: 2011 Mercedes-Benz E-Class Cabriolet is a smooth Spanish Fly(er)

Chris Paukert — Wed, 10 Mar 2010 11:55:00 EST

Filed under: Convertible, Mercedes-Benz, First Drives, Luxury

2011 Mercedes-Benz E-Class Cabriolet - Click above for high-res image gallery

Convertibles have long been something of an acquired taste. Devotees steadfastly defend the unique sensation of elemental motoring that can only come when plugged in to one's surrounding breezes, noises and smells. Conversely, detractors have traditionally lambasted droptops for their lackluster foul weather performance, added weight, vulnerability, and creaky, ill-handling platforms. And while the naysayers may have had a point in the era of tonneau-covered British roadster pilots with their tepid heaters, dubious structural rigidity and leaky, masochistic roof mechanisms, modern topless numbers like this 2011 Mercedes-Benz E-Class Cabriolet give lie to the idea that convertibles make lousy year-round companions.

Follow the jump to find out why.

Gallery: First Drive: 2011 Mercedes-Benz E-Class Cabriolet

Continue reading First Drive: 2011 Mercedes-Benz E-Class Cabriolet is a smooth Spanish Fly(er)

First Drive: 2011 Mercedes-Benz E-Class Cabriolet is a smooth Spanish Fly(er) originally appeared on Autoblog on Wed, 10 Mar 2010 11:55:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Autoblog Podcast #157 - Mike Levine trucks along with us!

Dan Roth — Tue, 15 Dec 2009 13:40:00 EST

Filed under: Podcasts, Hybrid, Truck, Etc., BMW, Chevrolet, Chrysler, Dodge, Ford, Mercedes-Benz, Toyota, Electric

Click above for the Autoblog Podcast in iTunes, RSS or listen now!

Our friend Mike Levine from Pickuptrucks.com joins Chris, Sam and Dan for Episode #157 of The Autoblog Podcast, bringing his vast knowledge of all that is crew-cabbed and full framed. Of course, we start off with what we're driving and dreamy talk about the Dodge Ram Power Wagon, but the real meat and potatoes news items begin with a peek at the Mercedes-Benz E-Class cabrio. Staying with Ms. Jellinek's namesake brand, the crew ponders the idea of an electric SLS supercar. Staying charged, we move right into Toyota's recent hybrid news - a tease of an all new hybrid that we'll see at the 2010 Detroit Auto Show, and today's announcement of a PHEV Prius. Hybrid pickups come up before we move on to the BMW's Z4 sDrive35is and then questions. One hour, thirty minutes, in time for your Tuesday pick-me-up.

For more listening pleasure check out our colleagues at Joystiq and Engadget, and let us know what you think of our podcast by dropping us an email at Podcast at Autoblog dot com, reviewing the show in iTunes, filling out our survey, or even leaving us a voicemail on our Google Voice line 734-288-8POD (734-288-8763). Thanks for listening!

Continue reading Autoblog Podcast #157 - Mike Levine trucks along with us!

Autoblog Podcast #157 - Mike Levine trucks along with us! originally appeared on Autoblog on Tue, 15 Dec 2009 13:40:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Detroit Preview: 2011 Mercedes-Benz E-Class Cabriolet

Damon Lavrinc — Mon, 14 Dec 2009 19:57:00 EST

Filed under: Detroit Auto Show, Convertible, Mercedes-Benz, Luxury

2010 Mercedes-Benz E-Class Cabriolet - Click above for high-res image gallery

The 2011 Mercedes-Benz E-Class Cabriolet is ready for its close-up at the Detroit Auto Show, but before the shindig in Michigan gets underway next month, Mercedes has dropped all the official details on its CLK convertible replacement.

Like the coupe on which it's based, the Cabrio is a step up from its predecessor and comes packing a choice of powerplants: a 3.5-liter V6 putting out 268 horsepower and 258 pound-feet of torque in E350 guise or a 5.5-liter V8 churning out 382 hp and 391 lb-ft of torque in the E550 cab.

Unlike some of its competition, the E-Class Convertible doesn't employ a retractable hard-top, but rather a 0.9-inch cloth roof that pays dividends in the capacity department. With the top up, the trunk is good for nearly 14 cubic feet of space and cut down to just over three cubic feet when the top is dropped and stowed behind the rear passengers. There's also a pass-through underneath the roof's enclosure -- similar to the recently released Audi A5 convertible -- that should make schlepping longer parcels a bit easier.

The real party piece on the convertible E-Class is the new AirCap system, which includes a 2.4-inch wind deflector that extends from the windshield, along with a draft-stop mounted behind the rear seats. According to Mercedes, this limits the amount of wind intrusion into the passenger compartment up to speeds of 100 mph, keeping your perfectly coifed hair in check and making conversations easier when storming the autobahn.

Other tech includes the Mercedes Airscarf, which blows warm air around the neck of the front seat passengers (originally seen on the SL) and Mercedes' first application of head airbags in a convertible. If you're champing at the bit to get your hands on the 2011 E-Class Convertible, you'll have to wait until May, but in the meantime, you can scope out all the details in the press release below the fold.

Gallery: 2011 Mercedes-Benz E-Class Cabriolet

Continue reading Detroit Preview: 2011 Mercedes-Benz E-Class Cabriolet

Detroit Preview: 2011 Mercedes-Benz E-Class Cabriolet originally appeared on Autoblog on Mon, 14 Dec 2009 19:57:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Spy Shots: 2010 Mercedes-Benz E-Class cabrio leaks out courtesy EU bureaucracy

Noah Joseph — Thu, 15 Oct 2009 14:00:00 EST

Filed under: Spy Photos, Convertible, Europe, Government/Legal, Mercedes-Benz, Luxury

2010 Mercedes-Benz E-Class convertible trademark filing images - Click above for image gallery

There are few people in this world for whom we hold more contempt than European bureaucrats. They're the pencil-pushers that, if they had their way, would put an end to some of our favorite exotic sportscars and have us all driving Smart ForTwos. But every gray cloud has its silver lining, and in the case of Belgium's bureaucracy, is the sneak peak we get from time to time when a carmaker files its designs to register them as trademarks.

What we're looking at this time is the upcoming Mercedes-Benz E-Class cabrio. Although there were rumors that the model could be delayed, by and large we knew this was coming, and have even seen plenty spy shots of test mules preparing for their market launch.

Replacing the outgoing CLK convertible, this new model is based on the slick new E-Class coupe but, you know...with a convertible roof. It's a fabric job, unlike its rivals from BMW, Lexus, Infiniti and Volvo, which have all gone with folding hard-tops by now. The mechanicals are otherwise expected to carry over from its fixed-roof counterpart, although the jury's still out on whether an AMG version will be on offer as well. For now, we'll just have to peruse these grainy black-and-white images until the new drop-top Benz drops in the first half of next year.

Gallery: 2010 Mercedes-Benz E-Class convertible trademark filing images

[Source: CarScoop]

Spy Shots: 2010 Mercedes-Benz E-Class cabrio leaks out courtesy EU bureaucracy originally appeared on Autoblog on Thu, 15 Oct 2009 14:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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2010 Mercedes E-Class spotted with a soft top

Jeremy Korzeniewski — Sun, 25 Jan 2009 18:40:00 EST

Filed under: Spy Photos, Convertible, Mercedes-Benz

In this latest round of spy shots, eagle-eyed snappers have captured a few new images of the 2010 Mercedes-Benz E-Class Cabriolet, which we've seen a few times before. In contrast to earlier images, though, it now appears as if MB is set to eschew the current trend towards retractable hard tops in favor of a more traditional ragtop. That's just fine as far as we're concerned, since the folding mechanisms almost always add an alarming amount of weight and complexity over their slightly less trendy and much less costly soft tops.

Moving past the obvious, we can also see an interesting set of creases running along the flanks of the new two-door E-Class, including a line over the rear wheels that accentuates the wide rear quarter panels. It should be noted that the rear decklid is now lacking the spoiler extension from earlier spy shots. All in all, the E-Class Cabriolet is looking very close being production ready, and we expect MB to show the final version within the next few months. Thanks for the tip, Andrus!

[Source: Global Motors]

2010 Mercedes E-Class spotted with a soft top originally appeared on Autoblog on Sun, 25 Jan 2009 18:40:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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