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Mercedes\’ new E-Class coupe will be dropping its top soon. Here\’s an idea of what the future cabrio could look like. (Photo Illustration by Nick Wilcox)

SANTA MONICA, California — The 2010 Mercedes-Benz E-Class Coupe is just days away from its official debut at the 2009 Geneva Auto Show, and Inside Line now has an early look at the future Mercedes E-Class cabriolet as well.

Since the new E-Class coupe is positioned as the replacement for the current Mercedes CLK coupe and cabrio, the arrival of a convertible shortly thereafter is all but certain. In fact, IL sources claim that the convertible is already headed for production with a soft-top design similar to the current CLK cabrio to keep cost and weight down.

Power is expected to come from the same engines offered in the E-Class coupe: a 292-horsepower direct-injected 3.5-liter V6 for the E350, and a 388-hp 5.5-liter V8 in the E550.

A hot time for luxury convertibles, the E-Class cabrio is entering the market alongside a new Infiniti G37 convertible, redesigned BMW 3 Series convertible, even an upgraded 2009 Nissan 370Z drop top, which will be unveiled at the 2009 New York Auto Show in April.

But the Mercedes\’ stiffest competition could come from the 2010 Audi A5 Cabriolet, the A4 replacement scheduled to take the stage in Geneva next week. While the G37 and 3 Series both use a retractable hardtop, the A5 also uses a fabric top.

The 2010 Mercedes-Benz E-Class Cabriolet is expected to debut this fall at the 2009 Frankfurt Auto Show.