Just like the rest of the Mercedes E-Class->ke373 lineup -- sedan, wagon and coupe - the convertible version has also received an updated version for the 2014 model year and today, Mercedes has unveiled the first official details. The model will be making its world debut next week and the Detroit Auto Show and sales will begin in the summer of 2013.

Just like with the sedan and the coupe, the convertible will receive new one-piece headlights, new front and rear bumpers, and new graphics on the rear lights. The grille will be bolder and more upright, and the hood will receive a slightly more stylized appearance. The convertible version will also get an acoustic cabriolet soft top and fully retractable side windows.

On the exterior market the E-Class Convertible will be offered just in E350 and E550 versions, but in Europe customers will have a choice of ten different engines.

Updated 01/04/2012: This review has been updated with the official details, images and specs. Hit the jump to read more about the 2014 Mercedes E-Class Convertible.

2014 Mercedes E-Class Convertible

Specifications
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  • Model: 2014 Mercedes E-Class Convertible
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Pros
Cons

Exterior

Just like with the entire E-Class lineup, the Convertible version will receive new headlamps fitted with partial LED lights as standard or full LED technology available as an option. The front bumpers have received a more V-shaped design with larger air intakes, while the rear gets new taillights and a wide rear bumper with a chrome trim element.

The convertible version is also equipped with fully retractable side windows.

Interior

For the interior, the E-Class Convertible gets redesigned air vents and console switches finished in chrome, a new three-spoke multifunction steering wheel with DIRECT SELECT shift lever and shift paddles, and a redesigned center console.

For the Convertible, Mercedes is also offering an acoustic soft top with high-grade insulation, giving it the lowest noise level in its class. This new soft top ensures that little wind noise penetrates the interior even at high speeds.

The model is also equipped with standard AIRCAP, which reduces interior turbulence and wind noise, but also ensures exceptional convertible driving comfort, especially in the rear seat. At speeds over 25 mph, this system deploys automatically. The model will come with an optional AIRSCARF neck-level heating that extends the convertible season by making comfortable top-down driving possible even at low exterior temperatures.

Engine

Just like with the coupe version, the E-Class Convertible will be offered with a choice of two engines: a direct-injected, 3.5-liter V-6 gasoline engine in the E350 with 302 horsepower and 273 pound-feet of torque and the E550 will come with a twin-turbo direct-injected 5.5-liter V-8 producing 402 horsepower and 443 pound-feet of torque.

The two engines are mated to a 7-speed automatic transmission with DIRECT SELECT lever and shift paddles.

Prices

The new Mercedes E-Class Convertible will go on sale in the summer of 2013. Prices will be announced at a later date.

Competition

The list of competitors for the E-Class Convertible includes models like Audi A5 Convertible and the upcoming BMW 4-Series Convertible. The A5 Convertible is offered with a choice of three gasoline engines and four TDI units, with power ranging from 170 to 245 horsepower. In the U.S. market, the A5 Convertible is priced from $42,000, which is significantly lower than the $59,070 of the E-Class Convertible (2012 pricing).

The BMW 4-Series Convertible will arrive on the market as a replacement for the current 3-Series Convertible. The model will be offered with the latest four and six-cylinder gasoline and diesel units found in the BMW lineup, including the new 245-horsepower, 2.0-liter four-cylinder engine.