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	The new Mercedes E-class Cabriolet stylistically didn't come as a surprise. It just looked like as expected. Finally it's only an open top version of the coupe model. And the same was anticipated for the conversions of the tuners, after all it was obvious that components would be taken from the coupe version, which mitigated the curiosity about the outcomes. Now Brabus and Carlsson present their E-Class convertibles, and they prove us wrong in some ways! Not that the assumptions regarding the parts were wrong, both indeed use the components of the coupe. But the outcomes appear much nicer and more exciting than the roofed versions suggested. Okay, especially Carlsson did a lot and show the thing on great pictures while Brabus's studio shots are a bit cooler, meaning more clinical. Yes, the body kits seem unobtrusive – possibly also because they're already known. The same could apply for the wheels, but they have a more significant impact on the looks. Carlsson offer various designs ranging from 18 to 20 inch size. Brabus wheels line up starts with 17 inch and ends at 19 - at the moment. 20 inch alloys are announced for the near future, the company say. Lowering, exhaust tuning and interior refinements can too be ordered at both companies for the E-Class Cabriolet. Brabus' range however is a bit wider than Carlsson's. For example: They offer a front fender with air inlets, but obviously it wasn't deemed worth to be shown on the press photos. Also we missed a word on sports brakes in the press release of Carlsson. Brabus have got that, in addition there are tiny details, such as LED illumination for the logos of the door scuff plates. And on the engine sector, they probably offer more too. Carlsson only refer to an upgrade of the E 350 CDI model. By means of a modified ECU, power is increased from 231 to 280hp. Brabus pursue the same approach for this engine and achieve a similar result: 272hp. But the Bottrop-based engine specialist also tune the other aggregates. The 250 CDI model's power betters from 204 to 235 by the same measure. The 250 CGI petrol direct injection engine can be pushed to 230 hp, while 204 ponies are standard. The highlight is Brabus' 6.1 Litre capacity engine, which bases on the German E500 power plant. As it's name suggest, the V8 is mechanically overworked. Besides the capacity increase new camshafts, optimized mixture flow, an adapted exhaust system as well as an accordingly reprogrammed engine control – just to mention a few measures – help generating 456 hp. This enable the soft top E-class covering a 0-100 kph sprint in a mere of 4.7 seconds. On the other hand, we expect some more powerful options from Carlsson to come yet. Another issue is whether Mercedes open top 4-seater really needs this. Finally it's more a cruiser for the boullevard than a sports car for the track. So many will prefer a classy exterior over sports car equipment and seen in this light, Carlsson serve anything desired.
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