• 2013 E-Class coupe and convertible unveiled
• Heavily revised styling
• Efficient engines and updated safety kit

The new Mercedes E-Class convertible and coupe have been unveiled, last month. Both borrow much of the styling elements found on the new saloon which was revealed last month and will also benefit from much of the same technology.

Outside is where the majority of the changes over the old model can be seen, especially in profile. Both of the new E-class variants have a far sleeker silhouette than the saloon and estate, with a lower roofline and a shorter rear deck, to give the car a more sporting stance. For the same reason they also benefit from a sportier front grille and larger intakes.

Inside, the coupe and cabrio will be similar to the revised saloon and estate. Not surprisingly, the coupe and cabriolet will get less rear passenger space than their larger, more practical, stablemates, with the lower, sleeker roofline contributing much to this. The cabriolet will get an Acoustic fabric roof which, Mercedes says, is the quietest in the class. Also available for the open-top E-Class is Benz’s innovative Air-Scarf, which blows warm air at the passengers’ necks, keeping the occupants warm when the roof is down.

Under the bonnet, there is a choice of petrol and diesel engines, with four-cylinder E200 and E250 petrol engines getting new direct-injection systems which enhance both performance and fuel economy. There will be no six and eight-cylinder petrol engines (until the AMG version arrives). Two four-cylinder diesels are available, in the E220 and 250, while a six-cylinder diesel comes in the E350 CDI.

In terms of safety kit, the coupe and cabrio will follow the saloon and estate. Standard items include Attention Assist and Collision Prevention Assist (which uses radar, ultrasonic technology and cameras to scan the road ahead and help prevent the car from being involved in any accidents).

Optional tech includes Distronic Plus with Steering Assist, which keeps the car centred in its lane in traffic, and Pre-Safe Brake which detects pedestrians and can autonomously apply the brakes to avoid collisions at speeds of up to 30mph.

Full details are expected to be announced at the Detroit Motor Show later this month but we think the prices will be slightly increased over the current model. The 2013 E-Class coupe and Cabrio will be available to order later this month with first deliveries expected in the Spring. Mercedes’ new E-Class coupe and cabrio will be up against the BMW 6-Series and the Audi S7.

By James Richardson

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