SANTA MONICA, California — The 2010 Mercedes-Benz E-Class Coupe is just days away from its official debut at the 2009 Geneva Auto Show, and Inside Line now has an early look at the future Mercedes E-Class cabriolet as well.

Since the new E-Class coupe is positioned as the replacement for the current Mercedes CLK coupe and cabrio, the arrival of a convertible shortly thereafter is all but certain. In fact, IL sources claim that the convertible is already headed for production with a soft-top design similar to the current CLK cabrio to keep cost and weight down.

Power is expected to come from the same engines offered in the E-Class coupe: a 292-horsepower direct-injected 3.5-liter V6 for the E350, and a 388-hp 5.5-liter V8 in the E550.

A hot time for luxury convertibles, the E-Class cabrio is entering the market alongside a new Infiniti G37 convertible, redesigned BMW 3 Series convertible, even an upgraded 2009 Nissan 370Z drop top, which will be unveiled at the 2009 New York Auto Show in April.

But the Mercedes' stiffest competition could come from the 2010 Audi A5 Cabriolet, the A4 replacement scheduled to take the stage in Geneva next week. While the G37 and 3 Series both use a retractable hardtop, the A5 also uses a fabric top.

The 2010 Mercedes-Benz E-Class Cabriolet is expected to debut this fall at the 2009 Frankfurt Auto Show.

Inside Line says: It's about time Mercedes coughed up a new one. The CLK cabriolet hasn't really aged well. — Kelly Toepke, News Editor

http://www.edmunds.com/insideline/do/News/...otopanel..4.*#2

First thing that popped into my head: RWD Sebring

It looks so ungainly! The real wheel looks tiny. Maybe it'll look better from other angles, but if the coupe and sedan are anything to go by, there isn't much hope.

First thing that popped into my head: RWD Sebring

It looks so ungainly! The real wheel looks tiny. Maybe it'll look better from other angles, but if the coupe and sedan are anything to go by, there isn't much hope.

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And they say Americans build some ugly cars.

Something looks odd, can't place it exactly..will have to study more pics..

My favorite semi-recent Merc convertible was the last E-class convertible from the '90s. There is one around the corner from me, a white one w/ blue top.

Looks fat & bloated.

Euro regs are giving it increasing generic FWD proportions, too.