Ah yes, remember the hardtop convertible? It came about when a GM executive's wife who liked convertibles for their style complained about the backwash of displaced air that gave everyone a bad hair day with the top down. The design people solved that aerodynamics problem by creating a 2-door hardtop with a missing B-pillar and a roof covered with vinyl to simulate a raised convertible top. Doing away with the B-pillar gave an open feeling but the rest was fakery. Hardtop convertibles were copied by other American manufacturers and millions were sold to customers who couldn't care less about riding in the open air. Decades later Mercedes is bringing back the hardtop convertible (minus the vinyl covering) though it wouldn't dare say so. Witness the new E-Class Coupé above. No B-pillars and fully retractable side windows.

Mercedes also claims a new world-best in drag coefficient: with a Cd-figure of just 0.24, it is the world's most aerodynamically efficient series-production car. Of course, as a Mercedes, the E-Class Coupé is loaded with advanced technology. This includes selective damper control, drowsiness detection, preventive occupant protection and the Active Bonnet ("hood" to North Americans). The "Dynamic Driving" package allows different suspension setups at the touch of a button. Adaptive Main Beam Assist, road sign recognition and an automatic emergency braking system are other important safety features. The engine line-up includes two new four-cylinder models which deliver more power and torque while consuming up to 17-percent less fuel. The optional turbocharged V6 diesel engine with common-rail direct injection offers 224 hp with massive torque.

The new Coupé will bow at the 2009 Geneva show and appear in European showrooms from early May. No word yet on a North American launch nor what the engine line-up will be. Much as I'm fond of the old hardtop convertibles and much as I admire the E-Class Coupé's aerodynamic styling, I can't help but wonder how the passengers can enjoy the view from those narrow windows, even without a B-pillar. Maybe I'll wait for the E-Class convertible and wear a hat when the top is lowered.