Carlsson Tunes Mercedes-Benz E-Class Cabriolet

Well this is really no surprise from Carlsson. Having already released a tuning package for the sedan, we knew a Cabriolet version wouldn’t be far off. Mercedes-Benz has really done a fantastic job changing the E-Class from mundane luxury sedan to sporty coupe and convertible, filling voids and increasing the breadth of the E-Class moniker. And Carlsson’s tuning kit brings much of the same consistency we can expect from their reputable brand.

Targeted towards the E350 CDI, a C-Tronic Diesel Power plug-and-play ECU increases horsepower from 231-hp to 280-hp. Torque skyrockets from 400 ft-lbs to close to 480 ft-lbs. Impressive indeed, especially at the price of $2,300. Sport mufflers are available for $2,950 giving the E-Class Cabriolet a nice, sporty and throatier tone.

On the exterior is classic Carlsson styling that is often seen on many Mercedes-Benz models. There is a front spoiler, front spoiler lip, and rear spoiler available as subtle enhancements to the exterior. Lowering springs and Carlsson’s signature wheels are also available – which is expected and almost assumed with any tuning package.

And of course there are your interior upgrades including a new shifter, door pins, floor mats and pedals. Of course these all carry a pretty price premium. All of it will run you around $900.

GALLERY: Carlsson Mercedes-Benz E-Class Cabriolet

Official press release available after the break.

Press Release

July 2010

Now open to high performance:

Carlsson improves the Mercedes-Benz E-class Cabriolet

The new Cabriolet of the Mercedes-Benz E class has once again set the standards for travelling in elegance, with open canopy. The automobile manufacturer Carlsson has now lent to the open-top four-seater an extra dash of sportiness. With 20 per cent more power, the new aerodynamic package and the fine interiors, Carlsson guarantees agile travelling of the highest level.

The core piece of the sporty conversion is the additional ECU C-Tronic® DIESEL POWER. This plug-and-play solution enhances the performance of the V6-Diesel engine by more than 20 percent, from 231hp (170 kW) to 280 hp (206 kW). The optimised engine management also has an effect on the maximum torque. Instead of 540 Newton metres, the driver now has 648 Newton metres at his disposal. The ECU CD35 REVO for the Mercedes 350 CDI engines is delivered by Carlsson as a completely retrofittable solution inclusive of all materials for connections and montage, at a total price of just 1784 Euro inclusive of VAT.

The right sound is ensured by the sport end mufflers with the two double-walled stainless steel end tubes, available for a total of 2319 Euro.

The visual counterpart of this lies in the enhanced sportiness in the new aerodynamic package of Carlsson. The automobile manufacturer based in Merzig, Germany has refined the chassis with its own front spoiler for 594 Euro and the front spoiler lip RS for 629 Euro, which can also be obtained in carbon. The rear spoiler for 475 Euro not only rounds up the heightened dynamic appearance, but also ensures optimised airflow together with the entire aerodynamic package, thereby ensuring better contact with the road.

Besides this, the sports suspension springs for 355 Euro ensure better a contact with the road surface. These lower the Mercedes-Cabriolet 30 millimetres and give rise to a significantly more dynamic response while negotiating curves.

The extensive programme of Carlsson-light alloy wheels are and absolute highlight. Here the palette ranges from the classic sixteen spoke wheel 1/16 in 18 inches through the trendy double coloured design 1/5 REVO to the high end cast wheels 1/10 Ultra Light in 20 inches, which combine low weight with the highest load bearing capacity. Available as a complete wheel set with top brand tyres the packages start from 2712 Euro.

And Carlsson continues with the sportily elegant finishing in the car interiors. Thus, the automatic gear shift lever in leather and Alcantara (213 Euro) sets a fine accent, like the aluminium door pins (58 Euro), the soft velvet doormats with the Carlsson logo (set available for 154 Euro) and the aluminium pedals together with footrests (282 Euro).

Of course, the Mercedes expert Carlsson delivers all products with certificates by the German Technical Control Board (TÜV), so that these can be entered without any problems in the vehicle documents.

The automobile manufacturer Carlsson has once again managed to give a trendy finish to a Mercedes model, without affecting the luxurious character. After transformation in Merzig, the E-class Cabriolet is resplendent in its glory, full of power, dynamic appearance and enhanced interiors.

More information about the extensive refining programme for Smart and Mercedes-Benz vehicles is available on the Internet at www.carlsson.de