Test drive Audi S5 Cabrio and Mercedes E 400 Cabrio: air locks for four
Content
Sometimes you just want to be in the air - preferably on two four-seater open luxury liners, such as convertibles. Audi S5 and Mercedes E 400. Which of the two models plays with the wind more boldly, we will find out in this test.
It's good that two luxurious four-seater convertibles are not politicians. If that were the case, all of their titles would be analyzed in detail for plagiarism, and some things would be wrong with the titles as a result. The consequences are known: media outrage and flight abroad. But with such an exciting summer time - who could have imagined this in June? – we want to keep two open heroes with us. If we run away with our beauties, it will be the most saving from everyday life.
However, the question remains open: the name Mercedes E-Class Cabrio is, strictly speaking, incorrect. Beneath the embellished 2013 bedsheets and interior of the E-Class - now with a more elaborate instrument panel - lies the platform of the shorter C-Class. This is why the open E (model series 207) is not made in Sindelfingen, but in Bremen, along with its C-series counterparts. However, this is usually information only for car pedants who know by heart the paint codes of all Mercedes models from World War II.
The back of the Mercedes is already
However, this also affects the passengers in the two upholstered rear seats. They were surprised to find that they sit much tighter than in the sedan. It is true that the folded fabric roof takes up some of the space, but a little more space in front of the knees would be desirable. If you jump straight into the Audi model, you will notice that it is more spacious. The S5's designers have skillfully used less bulky seat shapes and a neater frog.
At the same time, the open Daimler is very concerned about making a good impression on those in the second row - the front seats of the Mercedes E Cabrio automatically move with a quiet hum to the most comfortable rear entry position, while the S5 requires your help. The difference in driving comfort is even greater. True, the Audi offers a little more support under the hips, but when the headwind gets stronger, it's time to so-called. Air cap in the Mercedes E-Class Cabrio. From the outside, the object may seem like a beauty with bling on its forehead, but with 40 km/h, the movable visor skillfully directs air over passengers' heads. As long as they are not too high. A kind of calm lake of fresh air is formed, in which passengers bathe calmly, without hurricane swirling hairstyles. Recently, Audi has also been offering a warm air scarf on request, so that the neck does not get cold from the current.
Gradually, a fundamental difference in the characters of the two stars of outdoor performances emerged: the Mercedes convertible is clearly aimed at seekers of the pleasure of life, and its three-liter six-cylinder engine with 333 hp. if necessary, he can also play sports. By the way, we note that the name E 400 for three liters of working volume is also a small falsification with a label. Unlike the Audi Cabrio, the S5 is in first place. Dynamic, with a strong peck and crackling sound, it puts open riding capabilities only in second place. But let's take a deeper look into the engine bay, where the real Audi treasure awaits.
Economical and quiet bi-turbo engine in the Mercedes E 400 Cabrio
The caption on the V6 3.0 TFSI engine stands for turbocharged and turbocharged stratified fuel injection. However, the S5 unit is not turbocharged, but has a mechanical compressor. Operation in gasoline economy mode with a poor fuel mixture (with an excess of oxygen) with charge stratification is available only in partial load mode. Probably due to the need to draw heat away from the narrow V-shaped engine, the mechanically driven cold compressor found its place in the exhaust tract rather than the hot turbocharger. Mercedes, meanwhile, has dropped the belt-driven version of the compressor from the engine range because while it promises superior responsiveness without delay, it also suffers from idle losses. They add to the standard NEFZ cost that all development engineers face.
It is therefore not surprising that with a figure of 11,9 liters per 100 kilometers, the S5 consumes 0,8 liters more than the same powerful bi-turbo engine in the Mercedes E-Class Cabrio. The direct-injection engine is not only the newer of the two, but at just over 1,8 tons, the car should weigh about 100kg less than the already aging Dolna light construction lobby. Bavaria. In addition, its seven-speed automatic transmission can develop a small amount of torque, the maximum value of which is available 1500 rpm less and 40 Nm more. And this, as a rule, promises lower and, therefore, more economical revolutions.
Thus, the Mercedes E 400 Cabrio rushes along calmly, and after a short pause accelerates effortlessly from 1400 rpm, while the Audi dual-clutch transmission plays down a gear. The power potential of the Mercedes E-Class Cabrio lies in readiness, but it does not have to be annoyed by force. It also sounds pleasantly gentle, husky V6 baritone. Just a great unit, elastic-calm manner which makes it ideal for a convertible. The Audi V6 engine looks more direct, but at the same time more intrusive and assertive - that's why passionate sports enthusiasts like it.
Despite its greater weight, Audi wins the sprint from standstill to 100 km/h (5,5 seconds) by a small margin thanks to its standard dual transmission (purely mechanical crown gear differential). The subjective impression when driving the S5 is more agile, and the rear-wheel drive Mercedes E-Class is more refined mannerisms. This is primarily due to the settings of the two electromechanical steering systems - in the Audi a little artificial and with a slightly lighter ride (in Comfort mode), while in the Mercedes E-Class the Cabrio is perfect for any situation in which the star carrier stops a little more. Fine.
Mercedes E-Class Cabrio is better for leisurely walks
The Mercedes E-Class Cabrio is best for those who just want to travel to scenic spots. The feel of a convertible can be perfectly tailored to individual desires with the aerodynamic Visor Aircap, the adaptive suspension responds superbly and absorbs unpleasant road irregularities with a slight bounce. When the acoustic guru is closed, noise levels are four decibels (72 dB at 160 km/h) lower than in an Audi - not all all-metal roofs provide a quieter atmosphere.
The S5's driving feel contributes to tighter, more precise handling, as well as less sway. But this model also responds to bumps at the highest level - with the help of optional adaptive shock absorbers. From the point of view of pure handling, subjectively and objectively (according to measurements in dynamic tests) it is better. As for low-speed smoothness, it has to give way to the Württemberg convertible, which fully embodies the hedonistic side of open-air driving under the motto "The goal is the road itself."
After modernization, the open E-Class, like the sedan, has established itself as a comprehensive assistant. Thanks to its driving assistance system, it not only partially controls autonomous traffic in traffic jams, but also stops independently in front of pedestrians or in hot situations at intersections. The Audi model does not have such capabilities, since it does not have an additional stereo camera for three-dimensional observation of the area in front of the car. A certain consolation is that with the roof open, the Audi offers slightly more boot space (320 liters). However, this cannot prevent the deserved victory of the Mercedes E-Class Cabrio, which is also cheaper.
Text: Alexander Bloch
1. Mercedes CLK 400 Convertible,
515 points
What a convertible! Together with a smooth and quiet V6 engine, the economical and safe E-Class is the pinnacle of outdoor driving comfort. It would be even better if there was a little more room in the back.
2. Audi S5 convertible
493 points
What an athlete! The S5 pushes the gas pedal furiously and paints the corners with great grip and precision. However, it would be even better if the weight, consumption and noise were less.
technical details
| Mercedes CLK 400 Convertible, | Audi S5 convertible | |
| Engine and transmission | ||
| Number of cylinders / engine type: | 6-cylinder V-shaped | 6-cylinder V-shaped |
| Working volume: | 2996 cm³ | 2995 cm³ |
| Forced filling: | turbocharger | mechanic. compressor |
| Power:: | 333 k.s. (245 kW) at 5500 rpm | 333 k.s. (245 kW) at 5500 rpm |
| Maximum. rotation. moment: | 480 Nm at 1400 rpm. | 440 Nm at 2900 rpm. |
| Transmission of infection: | ago | constantly double |
| Transmission of infection: | 7-speed automatic | 7-speed with 2 clutches |
| Emission standard: | Euro 6 | Euro 5 |
| Shows CO2: | 178 g / km | 199 g / km |
| Fuel: | gasoline 95 N | gasoline 95 N |
| Price | ||
| Base Price: | 116 880 BGN | 123 317 BGN |
| Dimensions and weight | ||
| Wheelbase: | 2760 mm | 2751 mm |
| Front / rear track: | 1538 mm / 1541 mm | 1588 mm / 1575 mm |
| External dimensions (length × width × height): | 4703 × 1786 × 1398 mm | 4640 × 1854 × 1380 mm |
| Net weight (measured): | 1870 kg | 1959 kg |
| Useful product: | 445 kg | 421 kg |
| Permissible total weight: | 2315 kg | 2380 kg |
| Diam. turning: | 11.15 m | 11.40 m |
| Trailed (with brakes): | 1800 kg | 2100 kg |
| Body | ||
| View: | cabriolet | cabriolet |
| Doors / Seats: | 2/4 | 2/4 |
| Test Machine Tires | ||
| Tires (front / rear): | 235/40 R18 Y / 255/35 R18 Y | 245/40 R18 Y / 245/40 R18 Y |
| Wheels (front / rear): | 7,5 J x 17/7,5 J x 17 | 8,5 J x 18/8,5 J x 18 |
| Acceleration | ||
| 0-80 km / h: | 4,1 with | 3,9 with |
| 0-100 km / h: | 5,8 with | 5,5 with |
| 0-120 km / h: | 7,8 with | 7,7 with |
| 0-130 km / h: | 8,9 with | 8,8 with |
| 0-160 km / h: | 13,2 with | 13,2 with |
| 0-180 km / h: | 16,8 with | 16,9 with |
| 0-200 km / h | 21,2 with | 21,8 with |
| 0-100 km / h (production data): | 5,3 with | 5,4 with |
| Maximum. speed (measured): | 250 km / h | 250 km / h |
| Maximum. speed (production data): | 250 km / h | 250 km / h |
| Braking distances | ||
| 100 km / h cold brakes empty: | 35,2 m | 35,4 m |
| 100 km / h cold brakes with load: | 35,6 m | 36,4 m |
| Fuel consumption | ||
| Consumption in the test l / 100 km: | 11,1 | 11,9 |
| min. (test route on ams): | 7,8 | 8,9 |
| maximum: | 13,6 | 14,5 |
| Consumption (l / 100 km ECE) production data: | 7,6 | 8,5 |
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