Image Gallery: Mercedes-Benz E-Class Cabrio

The E-class cabrio is scheduled to premiere in Detroit–which sound a lil’ foolish, given the weather.  Wouldn’t LA have made more sense?

In any case, the cabrio will match the coupe’s trim levels.  The base E350 will utilize a 258 hp 3.5 L V6, while the E550 will blow out 382 horses from its 5.5 L V8.  The ragtop’s exclusive tech features, the “AirCap” anti-turbulence and “AirScarf” heating systems, will enhance occupant climate comfort amid our ever-changing ecology.

Max cargo space is a moderate 13.8 cu. ft. with the top up.  The cloth top is composed of a thick, heat-insulating and noise-reducing fabric capable of withstanding even the harshest drive-thru wash.  The decision to go the soft-top route is a curious one, given that lesser competitors–the BMW 3, Infiniti G, and Lexus IS–have all moved to the hardtop bandwagon.

Then again, Mercedes does know its customers.