New Mercedes-Benz E-Class Convertible in Depth, Plus 55 High-Res Photos

For those of you that fancy a topless E-Class, Mercedes-Benz has revealed a convertible version of the coupe that will make its world premiere at next month's Detroit auto show. The fourth member of the E-Class family, which essentially replaces the CLK Cabriolet, features a classic fabric soft top can be opened and closed fully automatically within 20 seconds at speeds up to 40km/h or 25mph.

Mercedes says that E-Class Convertible's boot capacity with the roof open is 300 liters (13.5 cu.ft.) , raising to 390 liters (13.8 cu.ft.) when closed.

The most significant new feature for the four-seater cabriolet is the AIRCAP system that consists of two components, a wind deflector on top of the windscreen that can be extended by around six centimetres or 2.5 inches and a draught-stop between the rear seats.

As well as reducing wind turbulence in the cabin, Mercedes says that the system also reduces the interior noise level. The AIRCAP can be activated at speeds of up to 160 km/h and remains in use right up to the car's top speed.

Other highlights include the redesigned AIRSCARF system that is integrated into the backrests of the front seats and provides warm air through outlets in the head restraints.

All E-Class Convertible models are equipped with seven airbags fitted as standard and a roll-over protection system that consists of two bars, each with a diameter of 35 mm, which are housed in the rear head restraints in modules behind the rear seat backrests.

At least in Europe, there are plenty of direct-injection engines to choose from, ranging from a 204HP four-cylinder diesel (to be followed shortly after launch by a 170HP E220 CDI model) to a 388HP V8 petrol. Here's the complete range:

E 250 CDI BlueEFFICIENCY Cabriolet (diesel): 150 kW/204 hp
E 350 CDI BlueEFFICIENCY Cabriolet (diesel): 170 kW/231 hp
E 250 CGI BlueEFFICIENCY Cabriolet (petrol): 150 kW/204 hp
E 350 CGI BlueEFFICIENCY Cabriolet (petrol): 215 kW/292 hp
E 500 Cabriolet (petrol): 285 kW/388 hp
In North America, the new E-Class Convertible will be offered only with the 292HP 3.5-liter V6 (E350 CGI) and the 388HP 5.5-liter V8 (E500).

Mercedes said that the four-seater cabrio will go on sale in March 2010.

2010 Mercedes-Benz E-Class Convertible Officially Revealed

Mercedes-Benz is completing the E-Class family with the introduction of a convertible model that will replace the outgoing CLK drop top and compete with the BMW 3-Series and Audi A5 cabriolets.

While the Stuttgart automaker has yet to publish an official (English) press release, the company has issued several official photos of the four-seater convertible that will be launched in March 2010.

Based on the new E-Class Coupe, the convertible version gets an electrically operated fabric roof instead of a retractable hardtop while other changes over its tin-top sibling include the redesigned rear wings and trunk lid.

One of the unique features of the 2010 E-Class Convertible is an ground-breaking retractable wind spoiler located on top of the front windshield. Called 'Aircap', the system works in conjunction with a rear deflector to helps to direct wind over the passenger compartment.

Not surprisingly, the drop-top E-Class shares the same technology under the skin with the Coupe model with the initial engine lineup in Europe comprising of three diesel and four petrol units.

The diesel range includes the 170HP E220 CDI, the 204HP 250 CDI and 231HP E350 CDI while the petrol lineup, the 184HP E200 CGI, the 204HP E250 CGI, the 292HP E350 CGI and the top-of-the line E 500 with a 388HP V8 engine.

More details are expected to be released shortly, so stay tuned on Carscoop as we'll bring you the news as it comes in.

Mercedes-Benz Debuts SLS AMG Desert Gold at Dubai Show

As the age old saying goes, when in Rome do as the Romans do. Not to stereotype, but you have to admit that the United Arab Emirates have had their fare share of gold-finished exotic supercars and as such, Mercedes-Benz decided to show off a special SLS AMG Gullwing with the designation "AMG Desert Gold" with a matt gold color at the bi-annual Dubai Motor Show that runs from December 15 to 20.

In addition to matt gold paintwork, all the decorative and mounted features like the Mercedes star at the front and the fins on the bonnet and flanks that are in shining chrome or Silver Shadow in the standard SLS AMG have been given a deep-black paint finish on the show car.

The same goes for the black-painted AMG light-alloy wheels in size 9.5 x 19 at the front and 11.0 x 20 at the rear that are embellished with a golden ring on the rim flange.

Mercedes chose to leave the interior of the 571HP gullwing-supercar intact, opting for black leather and carbon fiber trim.

The Stuttgart automaker noted that while the AMG Desert Gold treatment has been used only for the display vehicle at the Dubai show, if there's enough interest generated, the special gold paint finish could become available as an individual optional extra from the AMG PERFORMANCE STUDIO.

And if not, we're pretty sure that those SLS AMG owners that find the gold finish alluring will find a way to do it anyway...

Mercedes-Benz Reshuffles Production, Next C-Class to be Built in Bremen and U.S. Plants from 2014, No Lay-offs in Sindelfingen Until 2020

Daimler AG's management and workers have reached an agreement to preserve jobs at the firm's Sindelfingen plant in Germany until the end of 2019 following the automaker's decision to reorganization its worldwide production network and discontinue the manufacturing of the C-Class in Sindelfingen in 2014 after more than 25 years.

The company said that this comes a result of its decision to produce the next generation of the E-Class and the S-Class in Sindelfingen, thus avoiding layoffs for operating reasons at the plant until December 31, 2019.

The automaker's plans include the concentration of the European C-Class production in 2014 at the firm's Bremen plant with additional production in the United States at its Alabama factory for the local market.

Mercedes' decision to build the North American-bound next C-Class in the States means that the vehicle's profit margins will no longer be vulnerable to the shifting exchange rates between the USD and the Euro.

Dr. Dieter Zetsche, Chairman of the Board of Management of Daimler AG and Head of Mercedes-Benz Cars said: "With the decision on our new plant for compact cars in Hungary, the reorganization of C-Class production as of 2014, and the production commitment for the E-Class and the S-Class, we have set the course for the future of our key models."

"This long-term strategic planning will give us additional growth opportunities and will make a significant contribution towards improving our competitiveness. This is the best way to protect jobs in Germany over the long term," Zetsche added.

Mercedes-Benz Launches SL Night Edition and SLK Grand Edition Specials

Two new special edition roadster models have been added to Mercedes-Benz's European range. Both the SL Night Edition and SLK Grand Edition gain numerous interior and exterior features, and are available for order now.

Starting with the SL Night Edition, Merc's flagship hardtop roadster is finished in an exclusive designo magno night black paint and features 19-inch AMG five-spoke light-alloy wheels in a two-tone, high-gloss finish, silver-painted front brake callipers with the Mercedes-Benz logo and darkened headlamps/tail lights.

Inside, the SL's cabin is dressed in black nappa leather and shining chrome trim while the seats also have arrow-shaped seams and silver-colored contrasting features. Finally, the sports steering wheel, shift lever and roof lining are in black.

Moving onto the SLK Grand Edition, the compact roadster is distinguished on the outside by the designo graphite paint finish, 18-inch light-alloy wheels with five triple spokes, silver-coloured fins on the bonnet and darkened headlamps.

Interior highlights include the standard AIRSCARF system, the new seats that are upholstered in basalt grey nappy leather, with red stitching and arrow-shaped seams. Basalt grey nappa leather is also used for the door linings and is contrasted by the designo pearl leather armrests.

Depending on the engine variant, the additional cost for the special models is between 3700 and 5200 Euro for the SL Night Edition and between 2300 and 3500 Euro for the SLK Grand Edition.

In typical Mercedes-Benz style, the special paint finishes will cost you an additional 3640 Euro for designo magno night black and 1800 Euro for designo graphite.

Mercedes-Benz's Detroit Show Sculpture Hints at Next Generation CLS Sports Sedan

Here's one veil that automotive journalists and Detroit motor show-goers alike won't be able to lift no matter how hard they try. See, what appears in these pictures to be a car gently draped in silver cloth is in fact a clay automotive sculpture. Its purpose? To offer us a glimpse of the future Mercedes-Benz design language.

"Creativity and inspiration are always the driving forces behind outstanding engineering achievements," said Dr. Dieter Zetsche, Chairman of the Board of Management of Daimler AG and Head of Mercedes-Benz Cars.

"With this work of art, we want to express the characteristic Mercedes-Benz design and, at the same time, convey an impression of our forthcoming new models."

Despite the fact that Mercedes-Benz avoided to say which exact car the sculpture with its blistered wheel arches and rounded tail hints at most, we assume that it gives away clues for the next-generation CLS four-door sports sedan.