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Mercedes-Benz E-Class Cabriolet full 9 point review
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Performance
All the engines are taken from other E-Class models. Petrol engines deliver from 181- to 382bhp, while the diesels start at 168bhp and stretch up to 228bhp. Our favourite is the 3.0-litre V^ diesel in the E350CDI, thanks to it’s mix of pace, economy and smoothness.
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Ride & Handling
There are SE and Sport trims available, which have distinct set-ups and characteristics. There’s also the option of a dynamic handling package, which allows a greater degree of personalisation in the way the car rides and handles. Given the nature of the car, however, the simpler you keep it, the better. It's not for flinging around, so go for the standard set-up and enjoy the ride.
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Refinement
Merc's Aircap – pop-up wind deflectors for the front and rear – really do work when the roof’s down: rear passengers enjoy almost the same gale-free comforts as those in the front, and they stir up only a marginal increase in wind noise. With the roof up the E cabrio is pretty hushed, and there's rarely any road noise. The small diesel and petrol engines aren't the quietest, but only by the high standards of the class.
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Buying & Owning
All the engines are pretty efficient by class standards. The diesels are pricey to buy, but they give great economy so running costs will be affordable. The E-Class suffers heavier depreciation than some big convertibles, but it’s far from catastrophic.
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Quality & Reliability
The dark days when Mercedes was accused of letting standards slip are now just a memory. The E-Class, in all its forms, is now back to what's expected of a Mercedes and, while it may not yet be class-best, it's not that far behind. It's also been through an exhausting testing schedule to ensure there are no reliability gremlins waiting to rear their ugly heads.
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Safety & Security
This is the first Mercedes cabriolet with headbags to boost protection in a side impact. The car also comes with roll-over protection, and reinforced windscreen and central pillars to add stiffness to the structure. All the E-Class safety innovations are there, including a driver drowsiness detection system, Pre-Safe preparation to minimise the effects of a crash, and a pop-up bonnet to protect pedestrians.
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Behind The Wheel
As always with a Mercedes, the seats and wheel have an enormous amount of adjustment. The seats are firm but comfortable, and you can order them with Airscarf neck-warmers. Even roof-up visibility isn't bad, as cabrios go. The niggles concern the dash layout: it's orderly, but things aren't always logically arranged, and both the lights and wipers are controlled by one column stalk.
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Space & Practicality
The cabrio is listed as a member of the E-Class family, but the wheelbase is the same as in a C-Class, so things can get a little snug in the back: it’s manageable for four, but there's no space to sprawl in. It's snug in other ways, too – the Aircap wind deflectors make it bluster-free when riding top-down in the back. You'll have to pack carefully, though – the boot is of a modest size and awkwardly shaped.
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Equipment
Like the E-Class coupe, the cabrio is available in either SE or Sport trims, and they differ in suspension set-up as well as appearance and equipment. SE is the luxury version, while Sport is what its name implies; the latter has an AMG bodykit, larger wheels, sports brakes and different upholstery. Both offer good value in terms of what they offer for the price you pay.
E-Class rivals
E-Class used rivals
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Our pick of the range
Mercedes-Benz E-Class Cabriolet E350 CDI BlueEFF. SE 2dr
The best mid-sized convertible of all for four-up top-down motoring and, with this engine, gearbox and chassis, it's probably at its most irresistible.
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