First details of new Mercedes E-Class Cabrio released

The first pictures of the new Mercedes E-Class Cabriolet have been released, including details of a new innovative AirCap technology which could mean top-down driving all year long.

The Aircap is an aluminium, mesh and plastic wind deflector blade that fools the car's aerodynamics into thinking that the car's rag top is still in place and deflects air 20cm higher than normal stopping the air from flowing over the windscreen and into the cabin, particularly to the rear seats. Working alongside the rear deflector it helps to eliminate buffeting and keep noise levels down when the roof is lowered.

Mercedes says the front deflector can be raised at any time up to speeds of 99mph whilst it should still be effective at 161mph. It would be possible to use the technology on other cabriolets however; its effectiveness works best with four-seaters.

The E-Class Cabriolet will go on sale in the UK from March and will get Aircap fitted as standard. Prices and further details will be announced at a later date.