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SPIED: Mercedes E-Class Cabrio Caught Testing W/ Its Top Down

Agent00R submitted on 10/8/2009 Official Bell & Ross Timestamp: 8:48:40 AM

10 user comments | Category: Spy Shots | Source: | SOURCE: www.autocar.co.uk

Mercedes has been final testing its new E-class cabriolet ahead of the launch early next year.

The car replaces the CLK convertible and will have a traditional canvas roof in favour of a folding metal lid, benefiting space for passengers and luggage.

Visually the car will be very similar to the coupe version, although the rear wings and bootlid will be unique to the drop-top.

One trick Mercedes hopes will create a new benchmark in drop-top refinement is a retractable wind deflector atop the E-class’s windscreen......



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SPIED: Mercedes E-Class Cabrio Caught Testing W/ Its Top Down

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Agent00R

"There are two opinions in this world. Mine and the wrong one." -- Jeremy Clarkson

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User Comments

Steve

There was once a time when I aspired to own a Mercedes CLK convertible. It had classic lines. A street presence. A certain elegance I found desirable. Today, I see Lexus styling cues written all over Mercedes.

I'm not saying this is BAD. I'm just saying it does not suit *my* tastes.

— Steve (View Profile)

Posted on 10/8/2009 10:42:49 AM | reply to this comment | Votes: -2   

Willis

Lexus styling cues? Where?

— Willis (View Profile)

Posted on 10/8/2009 11:16:05 AM | | Votes: 4   

rxh8me9000

The 2001 body clk430 is one of the best verts MB has ever came out with. I owned a red one with the AMG package. I loved it.

— rxh8me9000 (View Profile)

Posted on 10/8/2009 10:49:00 AM | reply to this comment | Votes: 4   

Bmw8ter

It's called the W208.

— Bmw8ter (View Profile)

Posted on 10/10/2009 12:01:04 AM | | Votes: 1   

fatandsassy

This look so much better than the previous CLK. The CLK always looked like a chic car. This looks more agressive and longer. I dont see any lexus in this car at all Steve

— fatandsassy (View Profile)

Posted on 10/8/2009 10:49:30 AM | reply to this comment | Votes: 3   

grysko

The new E doesn't convert to a convertible that well. The rear quarters are too thick. It makes the rear wheels look like 13-inchers. Awkward.

— grysko (View Profile)

Posted on 10/8/2009 7:28:34 PM | | Votes: 1   

StarSearch

Let me offer my take: MANY said that the last-gen GS blatantly copied the earlier released E-class, right down to the round inner bronzish DRLs...unfortunately they actually appeared on the SC300/400 4 years prior to that E-class.

So then the next GS comes out and squares the lights...and lo and behold so does the new E-class 3 yrs. later. Now purists will try to use "legacy" and come up with some ridiculous story about how some other MB from 40 years ago did this first, yet not a single vehicle in their fleet currently has anything resembling this.

People just seem to have a problem acknowledging that even MB takes from other company's designs, but flat out refuse to when it's Lexus or some other asian maker, simply because it is usually them doing the copying.

But sit back, because it is inevitable that someone will be here shortly to give everyone a MB history lesson, and "prove" this otherwise...

— StarSearch (View Profile)

Posted on 10/8/2009 11:27:20 AM | reply to this comment | Votes: -3   

Threepoint1415926

In two words: You're incorrect.

MB fans will argue the round headlight design of the W210 E-Class is a direct evolution of the W123 E-Class

Case in point: http://i353.photobucket.com/albums/r390/pittapitta06/mercfront.jpg

An evolution of the current model can be well described by the W124. And, if you happen to argue that Mercedes designs dont reflect on language of two models past, I can show you plenty of models where Mercedes has done just that.

I agree that some design ques are evolutions from other car manufactures as consumer's taste change. Every manufacture does this, look at the butt of an S-Class. But to say that MB copied the headlight design from a then 3 year old Lexus after having a very solid design history dating back to before Lexus was even a company, is a bad argument.

— Threepoint1415926 (View Profile)

Posted on 10/8/2009 3:51:11 PM | | Votes: 2   

B7FAN

thank god for canvas tops because these hardtops coming out do not support the lines or body style of the overall car. the canvas tops make a better shape and about 300+ poundslighter than the hardtops. Thats why I love the 6 series the only cars that can get away with the convertible hard top is the Mercedes SL and the cadillac XLR (I think thats because both hardtops were made by the same exact company. this car is stunning by the way i would take one in a heartbeat.

— B7FAN (View Profile)

Posted on 10/8/2009 12:25:09 PM | reply to this comment | Votes: 1   

StarSearch

B7, although the current 3-series cabrio doesn't look as nice as the coupe or sedan, I still prefer it to cloth tops simply because it doesn't break up the car too much when up. I was let down seeing the new A5 cabrio, esp. a white w/blk. top one, although it probably looks beautiful down.

I agree that space is an issue, but I wonder why they couldn't possibly offer a reinforced carbon fiber roof like on the M3 to cut the weight?

— StarSearch (View Profile)

Posted on 10/8/2009 12:49:20 PM | | Votes: 1   

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