It was a busy spring on my European Delivery calendar! I had three clients picking up within a month of each other and every one of them made it a different experience. Two of the cars made it back to the dealership this week so it seemed like a good time to share. 1 - E450 Cabriolet - Roadtrip The gorgeous Rubellite Red E450 with Red top and Titian Red dashboard was the first car to make it back to the dealership. These folks planned a trip similar to my first European Delivery experience. It was go-go-go from the moment they landed. They picked up the car in the delivery center in Sindelfingen and then hit the road. They did 1500 miles in about 10 days and visited several countries! They reported that it was much easier to drive in Germany and Italy then they had expected and had no issues with parking. Even with a cabriolet they were able to take all of their gear and ride in comfort. 2 - CLS53 - Stopover This lovely couple already had a grand European adventure planned including a few days in Rome and a river boat cruise. They were able to squeeze in the pick-up of their CLS53 at the Center of Excellence in Sindelfingen at the start of their trip. They enjoyed the excellent hospitality, tour of the factory and dramatic unveiling of their new car. They just drove it a few miles that day and dropped it off but it was still a memorable experience! 3 - E63 AMG - Extended Adventure Can you imagine a better vehicle for an extended tour of Europe than the E63 wagon? This client had a lot of friends and family to visit over the course of a month and tied that together with the delivery of his new Lunar Blue E63! He was able to travel at his own pace, take all his gear and enjoy some autobahn time in the new car! This car will arrive in Atlanta in a few weeks and he plans to fly in to take another long road trip home to Colorado! There is no right or wrong way to experience the European Delivery Program! I can tell you how I have done it, how others have done it and help you customize the experience for yourself. Many of my clients are also open to sharing their experience directly with you if you need to talk it over! Please do let me know if I can help you plan your adventure! E-mail me, call me, let's make some memories!

Now that the 2018 Mercedes-Benz E-Class cabriolet has arrived we have fresh top-down fun in all sizes! Here is some quick info to decide which on is right for you! Cabriolet [kab-ree-uh-ley] noun

C-Class

• Base price $51,200
• Available as C300, C300 4matic C43 and C63
• Small and sporty but still very comfortable

E-Class

• Base Price $66,300
• Available as E400 and E400 4matic
• Mid-sized, powerful, luxurious

S-Class

• Base Price $131,400
• Available as S550, S63, S65 and soon, the S650
• The epitome of a luxury cabriolet. Nothing better!

For most people the price will be the starting point, but there are more factors! For example, the C43 and the E400 would be similar in price. However, they have very different personalities! The C43 is aggressive where the E400 is smooth. Do you want exhaust note? That is the C43! The S-Class might be twice the price of the E400 but it could be the only cabriolet you ever buy! It is a classic. There is absolutely nothing in the looks, power, interior or overall feel that could be better! Spend more now, but never say goodbye! All of these cabriolet are equipped with amazing technology. I am personally a huge fan of the AIRCAP and integrated wind diffuser. The AIRCAP pops up just about the windshield and directs the air higher, over the passengers and then the diffuser blocks it from swirling back inside. Airscarf is another top-down must-have. This neck level vent directs warm air over your neck and shoulders, making it comfortable to be top-down to very low temperatures. The Mercedes-Benz soft-top itself is also fantastic. There is minimal wind noise and it looks so rich! While I am at it...I ran across this site while I was googling and will now be using it for all of my Mercedes Technology References. Come pick out your cabriolet today!

I filmed this yesterday driving up and down Meadow Church Road. Aircap really is a difference maker in the convertible experience.

My inventory manager is on a quest for color! After years of stocking E350 Cabriolets exclusively with black soft tops we currently have all four soft top colors in stock! Now I will try to tell you what these colors really look like. We (ok, I) have named the cars for easy reference.

Meet Strawberry! This Iridium Silver E350 cabiolet has a red soft top and a red leather interior. It is a very sporty and striking look. I love how the top and the taillights look from the back. The red top is not bright red and it is not maroon. I am going with not quite brick red as my description.

And here is Blueberry! The blue top is not a new color for Mercedes-Benz but the Deep Sea Blue and Silk Beige Interior is a first. We have also paired it with Lunar Blue paint for the Blue/Blue/Blue combo! The interior is midnight blue. The top is dark navy and the paint is bright navy. All of these colors go surprisingly well together.

And finally here is Mocha! This was the hardest color to capture because it is out in the sunshine. This in a Polar White E350 cabriolet with Silk Beige Interior and the new Brown Soft Top. The Beige top from last year was very popular with white cars but this is different. I think it is a coffee color. Deep brown, no red or orange undertones. You might mistake it for black if it were driving by fast.

I have never had such a variety on convertibles in stock and I may never have it again! If you are thinking about getting something new and different this is your opportunity! Please come by and take a look in person as my pictures and descriptions are woefully lacking. Strawberry, Blueberry and Mocha are all looking for good homes.

The 2014 Mercedes-Benz E-Class coupe and cabriolet are scheduled for release later this month. Base pricing was announced today!

Coupe:

• E350 $52,200
• E350 4matic $54,700
• E550 $59,000

Cabriolet:

• E350 $60,200
• E550 $67,300

The 2014 E-Class Coupe and Cabriolet have been added to the Future Models section at MBUSA.com. There is a great gallery of images along with lots of new details! The 2013 models will stop production this spring and the new models should arrive this "summer."

Key Highlights

• New exterior styling, with more aggressive lines and single-rib front sports grille
• New LED headlamps with integrated LED Daytime Running Lamps, and new LED taillamps
• New interior featuring a redesigned dashboard and gauges, plus new upholstery colors and combinations
• Advanced 7-speed automatic transmission with paddle shifters
• Sophisticated AGILITY CONTROL and sport-tuned Dynamic Handling suspensions
• Available 4MATIC® all-wheel-drive technology
• Next-generation ATTENTION ASSIST driver drowsiness monitor
• New PRE-SAFE® PLUS for added protection in rear-end collisions
• Optional Driver Assistance Package featuring DISTRONIC PLUS adaptive cruise control with Steering Assist and PRE-SAFE Brake, plus Active Blind Spot Assist and Active Lane Keeping Assist
• Available PARKTRONIC with enhanced Active Parking Assist

It is an exctiting time for Mercedes-Benz! We have lots of new engines, technology and vehicles for the 2012 model year. Here is a quick rundown.

2012 C-Class Sedan - C350/C300/C63 August/C250 October

• Facelifted - more than 2000 new parts!
• C250 with 1.8L inline 4-cylinder direct injected, turbocharged engine with 201 horsepower
• C350 with 3.5L direct injected V6 with 302 horsepower
• New standard equipment including automatic transmission, rain sensing wipers, auto dimming mirrors, garage door opener, compass, HD radio, Bluetooth audio streaming, ATTENTION ASSIST amd adaptive brakes with HOLD function
• New paint and upholstery options
• Parktronic available
• New Lane tracking Package
• LED daytime running lights standard fro both sport and luxury models
• Color instrument cluster
• Media Interface relocated to center console
• Updated version of 7-speed transmission which provides better fuel economy

2012 C-Class Coupe - C350/C63 September/C250 October

• Same redesigned interior and improved standard features as the C-Class Sedan
• Standard Panoramic Sunroof
• Steering Wheel Shift Paddles
• 10-way power driver seat with memory
• Split folding rear seats
• Unique wheel 

2012 CL-Class - August

• New colors - Lunar Blue and Andorite Grey
• New 19" AMG triple 5-spoke wheel

2012 CLS-Class - CLS550/CLS63 June/ CLS550 4matic August

• All-New bi-turbo engines with direct injection 402 or 518 hp
• World's first fully-active all LED headlamps
• Electromechanical steering system
• Standard sport body styling
• Standard Navigation, Pemium sound and SiriusXM

2012 E-Class Sedan - October

• New direct injected engines - V6 with 302 hp and V8 with 402 hp
• New wheels and steering wheels for some models
• Wood/Leather steering wheel now availabel for both sport and luxury models
• New Lane Tracking package
• LED running lights for both sport and luxury
• Color instrument cluster
• Media Interface relocated to center console
• Updated version of 7-speed transmission which provides better fuel economy

2012 E-Class Wagon - October

• The E63 AMG wagon is coming!

2012 E-Class Coupe - E350 July/E550 October

• New direct injected engines - V6 with 302 hp and V8 with 402 hp
• LED daytime running lights standard
• New wheel for E350
• New interior colors - Red/Black and Natural Beige/Black leathers
• New Lane Tracking Package
• Standard shift paddles
• Color instrument cluster
• Media Interface relocated to center console
• Electromechanical steering on V8

2012 E-Class Cabriolet - E350 July/E550 October

• New direct injected engines - V6 with 302 hp and V8 with 402 hp
• LED daytime running lights standard
• New wheel for E350
• New interior colors - Red/Black and Natural Beige/Black leathers
• New Lane Tracking Package
• Standard shift paddles
• Color instrument cluster
• Media Interface relocated to center console
• Electromechanical steering on V8
• New Red soft top option

2012 GL-Class - GL450/GL 550 August/ GL350 October

• Acoustic Signal when locking/unlocking
• Improved Rearview camera software
• New ESP off icon
• New garage-door opener concept (multicolor LEDs)
• New paint colors - Dakota Brown & Pearl Beige
• New rear chrome trim for rear control panels

2012 GLK-Class - July

• Acoustic Signal when locking/unlocking
• Improved Rearview camera software
• new ESP off icon
• New garage-door opener concept (multicolor LEDs)
• Media Interfact port moves to center console
• New 20" 5-spoke wheel with Appearance Package
• New Colors - Lunar Blue, Sapphire Grey, Diamond White & Cuprite Brown
• Keyless-Go is reduced to $640 

2012 ML-Class - ML350s September/ ML550/ML63 2012

• All New! Same Price! See previous posts for details

2012 R-Class - R350 gas August/R350 Bluetec October

• New direct injected V6 with 302 hp
• Acoustic Signal when locking/unlocking
• Improved Rearview camera software
• new ESP off icon
• New garage-door opener concept (multicolor LEDs)

2012 G-Class - October

• Edition Select Package available. See previous post for details

2012 S-Class - July/S350 September

• New direct injected V8 with 402 hp means no Gas Guzzler tax
• The S350 Bluetec arrives with an estimated 20 city/ 31 highway MPG
• New colors - Lunar Blue and Andorite Grey
• The Sport Package gets a new 19" AMG triple 5-spoke wheel

2012 SL-Class - July

• Premium 1 Package now standard
• Limited production in anticipation for the all-new 2013

2012 SLK-Class - SLK350 July/SLK250 2012

• All new for 2012
• New direct injected V6 with 302 hp
• Updated NTG 4.5 is amazing technology for nav and music
• See previous posts for more details

2012 AMG

• C63 AMG coupe arrives
• E63 returnes with 5.5 litre biturbo with 518 hp and 25% better fuel economy
• CLS63 AMG debuted in the spring
• SLS AMG roadster arrives

This is a great time to be a Mercedes-Benz enthusiast!

As the 2012 models begin production, Mercedes-Benz has announced some Special Value Packages to enhance the launch of these models! This information applies to the July production schedule and will continue until further notice.

2012 C-Class Sedan and Coupe

All vehicles will be equipped with the  S32 COMAND Launch Package. During this launch period the Audio 20 system and the 320 Multimedia Package are not orderable. The Rearview Camera has been made available as a stand-alone option.

S32 COMAND Launch Package - $930

• COMAND Navigation with single CD/DVD
• Voice Control

2012 GLK-Class

Two launch packages are available on the GLK-Class. S32 COMAND Launch Package or the new S33 Multimedia Launch Package. During this launch period the 320 Multimedia Package is not orderable but the Audio 20 is available.

S32 COMAND Launch Package - $930

• COMAND Navigation with single CD/DVD
• Voice Control

S33 Multimedia Launch Package - $2600

• COMAND Navigation with single CD/DVD
• Voice Control
• Universal Customer Interface
• Multimedia Interface Cable
• Rearview Camera

2012 SLK-Class

All vehicles will be equipped with the  S32 COMAND Launch Package which, requires Premium 1 Package. During this launch period the Audio 20 system and the 320 Multimedia Package are not orderable.

S32 COMAND Launch Package - $1150

• COMAND Navigation with single CD/DVD
• Voice Control

2012 E-Class Coupes and Cabriolets

All vehicles will be equipped with Premium 1 Launch Package or Premium 2 Launch Package.

S01 Premium 1 Launch Package - $3600

• Multimedia Interface Cable
• Rearview Camera
• COMAND with single CD/DVD
• Universal Customer Interface
• SIRIUS Satellite Radio
• Premium Sound
• Heated Seats
• Power Rear Sun Shade (coupes)
• Airscarf  (cabriolets)

S02 Premium 2 Launch Package - $6050

• S01 Package
• Heated & Ventilated Seats
• Headlamp Cleaning System
• Adaptive Highbeam Assist
• Bi-Xenon Headlamps with Active Curve Illumination
• Corner Illuminating Lamps
• Heated Windshield Washer Reservoir
• Keyless GO

2012 ML-Class

All vehicles will be equipped with Premium 1 Launch Package or Premium 2 Launch Package.

S01 Premium 1 Launch Package - $3200

• Autodimming Mirrors
• Multimedia Interface Cable
• Rearview Camera
• COMAND with single CD/DVD
• Universal Customer Interface
• SIRIUS Satellite Radio
• Memory Package for Driver Seat
• Power Folding Mirrors

S02 Premium 2 Launch Package - $5050

• S01 Package
• Keyless GO
• Climate Controlled Cupholder
• harmon/kardon LOGIC7 Surround System
• Multi-Color Ambient Lighting
• Rear Compartment (n/a with 315 pkg)

This 2011 E350 Cabriolet just arrived at Atlanta Classic Cars. We ordered it a few months ago and have been eager to see this gorgeous new color! It is a deep red with lots of sparkle. It is on display in the showroom waiting for a new home! Come take a look!

2011 E350 Cabriolet

• designo Mystic Red Paint
• Almond/Mocha Leather
• Black Soft Top
• Premium 2 Package
• Wood Trim Package
• Appearance Package
• Burl Walnut Wood Trim
• MSRP $69,225

Mercedes-Benz has just released these 18" two-tone wheels for the new E-Class coupe and cabriolet. If you have been looking to dress up your new E-Class with a factory approved wheel, this might be a great option. You can get more details about pricing, tires and install from your local dealership. The part numbers are  A207 401 1602 7X23 for the front axle and A207 401 1702 7X23 for the rear axle.