Summer of Convertibles

Sometime between this summer and early next year, both Mercedes and Lexus are planning on releasing their new convertibles. Lexus will unveil the IS250C and IS350C while Mercedes- Benz unveils the E class convertible. The Lexus convertible will be a hard-top roof while the Mercedes will be a traditional soft-top roof.

The IS250C engine is expected to have a similar engine to the IS250 sedan, a 2.5 Liter V-6. The I350C will have a 3.5 Liter V-6. The Mercedes E class convertible will be similar to its coupe version which is also expected to come out sometime during the summer. There are 4 expected variants of the convertible including the E250CGi (1.8L V-4), E350CGi (3.5L V-6), E500 (5.5L V8), and an AMG version (6.2L V8).

From various pictures available across the internet, the new Lexus convertible seems to enhance its sleek and smooth look even more than the other Lexus cars. On the hand, the Mercedes E class convertible seems to keep its old CLK look and does not offer any new appealing exterior designs. The old soft top roof may also turn away some people to the new Lexus hard-top convertible or the BMW 3 series convertible.

Despite its unappealing exterior, the inside of the new E-class convertible looks like a step up compared to the current Mercedes vehicles. It seems that Mercedes has finally done away with the old fashioned knobs for the temperature and made the center console more appealing by making air system settings digital. In general, I think the interior of this new Mercedes E class convertible is much more relaxing, comfortable, and well designed compared to the new Lexus IS convertible.

Another good thing about the new Mercedes E class convertible seems to be the engine variants offered. The Lexus is maxed out at a V-6 3.5 Liter engine while Mercedes take the E class convertible to another level with the 5.5L V8 and for the those more adventurous, the AMG.

While the new IS convertible may look nice from the outside, what is inside and under the hood is not as appealing as the new E class convertible. Hopefully, Mercedes will realize their convertible needs an exterior change and Lexus will upgrade the interior and the engine.

What do you think about the new IS and E convertibles? Which do you like better?