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Spyshots: 2018 Mercedes-Benz E-Class Cabriolet Shows Its Grille

Despite the arrival the S- and C-Class Cabriolets, Mercedes-Benz is testing out yet another model, one that slots between them. Technically, the roofless E-Class is the one with the most heritage, as it has a predecessor that's still in production.
2018 Mercedes-Benz E-Class Cabriolet 11 photos
Photo: CarPix
2018 Mercedes-Benz E-Class Cabriolet2018 Mercedes-Benz E-Class Cabriolet2018 Mercedes-Benz E-Class Cabriolet2018 Mercedes-Benz E-Class Cabriolet2018 Mercedes-Benz E-Class Cabriolet2018 Mercedes-Benz E-Class Cabriolet2018 Mercedes-Benz E-Class Cabriolet2018 Mercedes-Benz E-Class Cabriolet2018 Mercedes-Benz E-Class Cabriolet2018 Mercedes-Benz E-Class Cabriolet
While BMW only has two normal series of convertibles plus the Z, Mercedes-Benz has several. The 2018 model year E-Class Cabriolet will pack every feature that we see on the acclaimed W213 sedan, probably including at least one AMG version.

The first spy photos of the new E-Cab arrived in April. In that time, the car has held onto most of its camouflage. But these fresh images at least reveal the shape of the starburst grille.

Don't expect any surprises with the design, though. Not only are they using the same modular rear-wheel-drive platform, the MRA, but the designers have been tasked with making the 2018 E-Class Cabrio instantly recognizable.

There are, however, areas where they were allowed to play. For example, the taillights are very narrow and go across te opening of the trunk. This difference is mirrored by the way in which the S-Class sedan and two-door models are set apart.

Set to debut six months after the coupe and arrive in U.S. dealerships for the 2018 model year, the E-Class Cabriolet will share all styling cues with its Coupe sibling. However, a big change compared to its predecessor will occur under the skin.

The older coupe and convertible models, which entered production in 2009 and are still around, are based on the CLK and C-Class. Mercedes execs have admitted not creating an E63 AMG 2-door model was a big mistake. However, they won't let it happen this time around.

The vast majority of E-Class Cabriolet models will likely carry the same powertrains as existing Mercs. This includes 2.0-liter turbocharged units powered by either diesel or gasoline. The sweet spot in the range will be the 3.0-liter twin-turbo V6, rated at either 333 PS or 401 PS in the case of the E43.
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About the author: Mihnea Radu
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Mihnea's favorite cars have already been built, the so-called modern classics from the '80s and '90s. He also loves local car culture from all over the world, so don't be surprised to see him getting excited about weird Japanese imports, low-rider VWs out of Germany, replicas from Russia or LS swaps down in Florida.
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