Mercedes-Benz produces some very tempting convertible options; in fact, we'll wager that Mercedes-Benz roadsters are some of the sleekest and most stylish you can find. But there's one key element you'll want to remember when shopping for that convertible-what's a hardtop, and how is it different from a soft top?
A soft top is made from durable fabric, and these days they're made with multiple layers to help keep out weather, noise, and other things that could distract you from the glory of your Mercedes convertible. Soft tops have two distinct advantages: they are lighter than hard tops, putting less strain on your vehicle, and they take up less space when they're retracted.
Hard tops are becoming more popular, though, and are made of two or three solid parts that lock together to form a roof when the top is up. As you can imagine, hardtops are often preferred because they provide better protection from the elements and do a better job of blocking out noise. But they do have more parts, and they add more weight than soft tops.
The 2013 Mercedes-Benz SL550 Roadster comes with a hard top, while the E-Class Cabriolet comes with an all-season soft top. Ultimately, your choice will boil down to your driving conditions and what you expect from your motoring experience-if you live somewhere with harsh temperature changes or a lot of precipitation, the hardtop may be your best bet. But if you're lucky enough to live somewhere with more forgiving climes (like right here in Florida!), then the soft top could be your friend. Of course, if you ever have questions, you can visit our Mercedes-Benz dealership in Florida to see models in person and ask our professional staff their opinion. We hope to see you soon!
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