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It only takes seconds, then the sun pounds your skull with the force of a glaring heat avalanche. Driving a convertible - why exactly do you do it again? Why are convertibles considered so extravagant, noble and expensive? Probably because you can drive openly, not because you have to. Or is it really experiencing the environment with all your senses? Whatever the reason, there is now something new from Mercedes-Benz! Münzmallorca for business class.
Mercedes-Benz E-Class Cabriolet
Sunbed of business class
The classic four-seater convertible has a tradition among the Swabians that seems remarkable. The blessed W124 (1984-1997) was already accompanied by a convertible variant. Even if only available at the beginning of 1992 - this (upper) middle class already presented the value-increasing effect of “omitting” at that time.
In 2017 Mercedes-Benz is again presenting a real E-Class without a roof. Really four-seater, not an alibi four-seater like its predecessor and thus fills a gap that you could hardly see. From the C-Class to the S-Class, Mercedes-Benz now has “DREI !!!” Four-seater convertibles, plus the two roadsters SLC and SL, the AMG variants and of course not to forget the patchwork child with French roots, i.e.as smart Cabriolet (also electric!).
Only tourists drive up without
20 seconds pass and you are identified as a tourist. I always say: “Only tourists drive an open convertible” - if you own a convertible, you can drive open - but will not do it on blazing hot summer days. Seriously. Sunbathing in the calm of the E-Cabriolet is dangerous. There should be a warning on the door of the E-Cabriolet. The wind just whispers gently over your skin, from above the dwarf star Helios with its plasma surface of over 6.000 C ° will rust the upper layer of your skin red within minutes. Rubbing on is compulsory in order to drive an open car in midsummer. And the Swabians of all people, usually always pioneers in all safety issues, still leave the skin cream to the crew. With all the technical gimmicks, from the special wiper system (Magic Vision Control) with convertible functions to the pre-safe conditioning of the interior, the sun cream dispenser is missing in the center console.
Whisper-quiet with the cap
The acoustic fabric top stretches tightly over the body as soon as the pigment layer on his skin sends the first warning signals to the car tester. As I said. Only tourists drive a convertible in summer. Owners of a new E-Class Cabriolet are happy about the acoustic fabric top and the cozy air conditioning of the interior, also thanks to the seat ventilation. The fact that one hardly notices the elevation of the body when the roof is closed is a special praise to the technicians. It remains whisper-quiet in the interior - and the moving tanning bed also crackles, cracks and creaks.
Economical thanks to diesel engine
In the absence of an electric drive, the 1.950 cc diesel is the right engine for the E-Class Cabriolet. As the E220d with 194 hp and impressive 400 Nm, it forms the congenial drive unit for decelerated cruising - regardless of whether the roof is open or not. You hear nothing of the diesel engine. You can only feel it. This combination comes as standard with the 9-speed automatic transmission from Mercedes-Benz. As already written for the coupé and the sedan: it is the ideal combination for the E-Class. Sufficiently strong. Economical. The Daimler's most modern engine family and impeccable in manners. In addition, Mercedes-Benz also offers the Cabriolet as a 350d diesel with all-wheel drive, then 258 hp and, thanks to the V6 timbre, a little more valuable - or as a petrol engine. Here E200 and especially the E300 are absolutely no alternatives in my eyes. 184 hp, the E200 with its 300 Nm lags significantly behind the diesel engine. The E300 has 245 hp, but you don't really feel it. And it too can only weigh 370 Nm in the weighing pan, but it does not have an advantage over the four-cylinder diesel in terms of running culture and subtly perceptible engine noise. If money is simply there, then you choose the status engine E400 anyway, then again with all-wheel drive and the 333 hp V6 turbo. But - also here: The acceleration doesn't knock your socks off, nor is the sound image really sexy. So back to the beginning, ordered the E220d and invested the price difference of over € 14.000 in tangible equipment details.
Winter Cabriolet
Air-scarf on board. Seat heating on board. An interior that, thanks to the ingenious Air-Cap air brake on the upper edge of the windshield, remains almost draft and flow-free, even at 130 km / h. It is fascinating how little “driving open” you feel. Certainly. Best all-round visibility and full UV exposure from above - the E-Class Cabriolet is definitely one of the finest ways to get a socially recognized skin tan. But a trip into autumn should be much more exciting than in summer. Then the E-Cabriolet will stand out from the competition. Comfortably tempered, quiet, unlimited - then also with the tourist status - drive open. Enjoy autumn leaves, smell the coming winter - and feel the sun as a warm-hearted release.
Price-pain threshold
€ 54.228,30 is minimal - that's what the E200 Cabriolet is for. The accepted diesel E220d is available from € 56.049,00 - and the difference of over € 14.000 to the desirable E400 for € 70.281,40, which I would really prefer to put in the tempting equipment list. And it doesn't have to be an AMG line either - avant-garde is enough. Instead, the 25th Anniversary Package, the Driver Assistance Package and the air suspension - oops - and the “little diesel” costs as much as the current top model.
Driving a cabriolet - not exactly cheap fun. But it still remains the Münz-Mallorca as an alternative for tan fetishists and everyone else who buys it practical combination and then save the fight with the sunscreen.