Mercedes-Benz has revealed the final member of the redesigned E-class line with official photos of the E-class convertible, which replaces the CLK in the Mercedes lineup.
The open-top E-class will make its formal debut at the Detroit auto show in early January and is set to reach U.S. Mercedes showrooms next May, about one month before the E-class wagon arrives.
While the convertible shares many traits with the rest of the E-class lineup--sedan, coupe and wagon--Mercedes engineers have given the open-top E-class some unique technologies.
Start with the Aircap, a wind deflector that extends nearly 2.5 inches forward from the top of the windshield header. When used in combination with a wind blocker behind the rear seats, Mercedes says the system dramatically reduces wind turbulence in the cabin. The Aircap can be activated at speeds up to 100 mph and will stay in place up to the 155 mph electronically limited top speed. 
Engine choices are a 3.5-liter V6 rated at 268 hp and a 5.5-liter V8 rated at 382 hp.
The optional Airscarf system in the front seats has been modified. Airscarf is a vent embedded in the seatback just below the head rest that blows warm air onto the driver's and front passenger's necks. Mercedes added a pivot function to the vent so it can be adjusted for short or tall seat occupants. 
Bucking a trend for hardtop convertibles embraced by other luxury-car makers, Mercedes uses a soft top for the new E-class. The top, which is nearly 1 inch thick, is insulated to block road noise. It can be opened or closed while the car is moving up to 20 mph. When stowed, the top eats up nearly 4 cubic feet of space in the trunk, but that still leaves about 10 cubic feet available for cargo.
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