#NAIAS Daimler AG Chairman Dieter Zetsche opened the Mercedes-Benz press conference today by saying, "Every auto show is like American Idol. Everyone is looking for the brightest star."
Well, thanks for that insightful pop culture reference, Dr. Z.
Luckily, the 2011 Mercedes-Benz E-Class cabriolet, making its world debut here in Detroit, is way cooler than Chairman Zetsche.
The final addition to the E-Class lineup is a real beauty, and offers new features to make top-down driving even more enjoyable. The new AirCap consists of two components: a wind deflector that extends from the top of the windshield by 2.4 inches and a draft-stop between the rear seats. AirCap reduces the draft at speeds up to 100 mph, making passengers more comfortable and able to hear each other talk when the top is down.
Also present is Mercedes' Airscarf, a feature first introduced on the SL roadster, which shoots warm air around the neck through directable outlets in the front passengers' head restraints.
On sale this spring, the new cabrio will be offered as an E350 with a 3.5-liter V6 rated at 268 horsepower, and an E550 with a 382-hp 5.5-liter V8.
After reintroducing some previously unveiled Mercedes hybrid models, Zetsche closed the press conference by saying Mercedes is like one of his favorite comic characters, the Hulk: "Strong, green and ready to roll."
From AI to the Hulk. Way to bring it home, Dr. Z.
subytrojan says:
03:42 PM, 01/11/10
Will the U.S. ever get the CGI 3.5-liter V6? I wonder why it hasn't come here yet. :(
rick8365 says:
04:19 PM, 01/11/10
Blech!! They used to make good looking cars.
cr_driver says:
06:13 PM, 01/11/10
Me too wonders that, but at the same time, I really don`t care. LOL
Thats another feature people buying an E or C class misses. A good V6 engine.
cheslin says:
10:37 AM, 01/12/10
Actually, Airscarf first came out on the SLK, long before it was available on the SL. It was only added to the SL for '09.
mercedesfan says:
10:38 AM, 01/12/10
Call me old fashioned, but I think this car looks great. I really love the blocky/edgy design theme Mercedes has adopted for the E-Class, but then again if you don't have such fond memories of boxy Benzes from your childhood it probably just looks tame. Still, there's no denying that it's in an entirely different league than the CLK.
@cr_driver,
I wouldn't say that buyers are missing out on a good V6. The M272 is one of the smoothest and most refined 6-cylinders out there. Plus, out of 6-cylinders availble on luxury cars it has proven to be the most reliable. True it doesn't put up great power numbers, but when teamed with the 7-speed its performance figures are far better than you would expect. I think its only real failing is fuel efficiency.