Despite the enhanced spaciousness, comfort and safety compared to the outgoing model, the weight of the bodyshell has been kept practically the same for the new E-Class Cabriolet thanks to intelligent lightweight construction. High-strength steel alloys account for around 60 percent of the weight. In the case of the side skirts alone, this high-strength, low-weight material reduces weight by some five kilograms.
The design and construction of the bodyshell are likewise weight-optimised. The energy-absorbing front crossmember, for instance, is inserted into the longitudinal members and no longer ends in flange plates. Tailored Blanks made from sheet steel are used in many places, such as on the underbody, where individual blanks of varying thickness and strength are joined by means of laser welding, or on the transmission tunnel, where the blanks optimise structural behaviour and crash performance.
In addition to these measures, the use of state-of-the-art structural adhesive plays a further important part in enhancing the body strength. The total length of the high-strength adhesive seams used in the bodyshell of the E-Class Cabriolet amounts to around 70 metres.
Mercedes-Benz employs innovative "RobScan" robot-guided laser welding for the E-Class Cabriolet. This new welding technology allows a very high welding speed with optimum weld quality. The technology is used in the rear centre section of the Cabriolet – with a total of 26 welds.
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