| The recently redesigned
Mercedes-Benz E-Class will expand its line-up further for
the 2011 model year with the introduction of the E-Class
Cabriolet. The competition is relatively small with the greatest
rival coming from Audi with its A5 Cabriolet. Both bring a high
level of luxury, refinement, and of course, design. |
| 2011 Mercedes-Benz
E-Class Cabriolet |
vs |
2010 Audi A5 Cabriolet |
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| The E-Class Cabriolet joins the
sedan and
coupe
versions which were introduced earlier in 2009. The Cabriolet
features the same front-end design obviously which gives it the
most aerodynamic design in the segment. It achieves a drag
coefficient (Cd) of 0.28 versus the E-Class sedan's Cd of 0.25
and the coupe's Cd of 0.24. While not as high as the other
E-Class versions, it still beats the A5's Cd of 0.31. The A5's
familiar design is the same as most Audi's these days with the
single-frame trapezoidal grille being the vocal point. LED-lined
headlamps are another familiar design cue with eight LEDs lining
the bottom of each side. |
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| Both models look great with the top
down while retaining each model's coupe proportions and design.
The side of the E-Class features the same creases and sculpted
rear fender which visually creates a sleek forward appearance.
The top goes up and down within 20 seconds at speeds up to
approximately 25 mph. The A5's top beats the E-Class' with 15
seconds to open the top and 17 seconds to close it at speeds up
to approximately 31 mph. |
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| Both Mercedes and Audi opted for
traditional soft tops rather than
hardtops that are getting more popular these days. The
fabric roofs allow for reduced weight compared to metal roofs
resulting in a lower center of gravity. To increase safety
needed for soft tops, the E-Class' A-pillars are reinforced with
two high-strength steel tubes and headbags, a first for Mercedes
convertibles. Roll-over bars are also incorporated in the rear
head restraints that deploy within a fraction of a second. The
A5 features roll-over aluminum braces behind the rear headrests
that are spring-activated and lock into place in the event of a
rollover. An acoustic soft top is standard on the E-Class and
optional on the A5 to aid in lowering wind and road noise. |
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| The E-Class features Mercedes' new
AIRCAP automatic draught-stop system which reduces interior
turbulence. AIRCAP consists of an extendable wind deflector with
a net and a draught-stop between the rear seats that combine to
elevate the free flow above the interior, increases back
pressure, and reduces backflow all to reduce interior noise with
the top down. Mercedes' AIRSCARF system is also included which
is a heating system at the neck level. Audi also includes a
similar system for enjoying the top down even in colder
temperatures. |
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| Both the E-Class and A5 feature
taillights that look more luxurious than your typical
convertible. The crystallized look of the E-Class's taillights
scream upper class while the A5's taillights feature LEDs (of
course). Dual exhaust systems on both cars emphasize
performance. |
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| Both interiors have a similar
design with the information screen housing connected to the
gauge cluster housing. The A5's dashboard is a little more
driver-oriented with the center stack curved slightly toward the
driver. The E-Class' interior looks more upscale with buttons
and gauges that look like jewels. Both include the features one
would expect in a luxury car such as a high-end audio system
(Bang & Olufsen in the A5), Bluetooth, iPod integration,
voice-activated navigation, and adaptive cruise control to name
just a few. |
