Used Mercedes E-Class Cabriolet 2017-2023 review

If what you want is a four-seat convertible of rare elegance and subtle suavity you should certainly have this generation of Mercedes E-Class Cabriolet at the top of your shortlist.

Not surprisingly, it shares a lot of its underpinnings with the closed-top Coupe version, which in turn leans heavily on the E-Class executive saloon for its mechanical inspiration. It’s plush and solidly constructed and sits between the firm’s C-Class Cabriolet and the huge S-Class Cabrio. It is also a large car, this E-Class, with a noticeable increase in size over the car it replaced.

Engines: There have been four engine options so far, all turbocharged: two 2.0-litre four-cylinders, a 191bhp diesel and a 242bhp petrol, badged E220 d and E300 respectively; and two 3.0-litre V6s, a 254bhp diesel and a 328bhp petrol, known in turn as the E350 d and E400. The two latter engines came as standard from new with four-wheel drive.

Trims and equipment: In theory, there are three trim levels: AMG Line, AMG Line Premium and AMG Line Premium Plus, with corresponding increases in opulence and kit as you go up the price scale. It’s well equipped in standard mode, though, and features 19in alloy wheels, adaptive dampers, cruise control, LED headlights, a DAB radio and Bluetooth. You’ll need to seek out one of the plusher trims for an upgraded infotainment system. Entry-level cars models come with an 8.4in colour screen, with sat-nav as standard. With a rotary controller, the system is pretty simple to navigate. However, upgrading to the 12.3in screen with the Comand Online infotainment system brings more advanced sat-nav, Apple CarPlay and Android Auto smartphone mirroring, as well as a wi-fi hotspot.

Ride and handling: On paper, the 191bhp 220 d looks a little underpowered, but in fact it gets by very well. Indeed the relaxed pace of the diesel engine feels suitable in a top-down cruiser. The E300 doesn’t feel a whole lot slower than the range-topping E400, to be honest, and nor does the 350 d. Mash your right foot into the carpet and it completes the run from 0-62mph in just 6.4sec, and with Sport Plus mode selected, throttle response is sharp, gearshifts are slick and you’re even treated to the odd artificial parp when changing up. It is rather a gruff-sounding engine, though, and it doesn’t have the low-down shove of the 220 d. The E400 is quick, but it doesn’t particularly feel it. It delivers its big hit of power and torque in a more subtle and less overt manner, picking up its skirts and heading for the horizon with very little fuss.

There were two types of suspension available from new: a standard steel-sprung system and the optional air suspension system. The air option gives a beautifully floaty ride that’s only ever troubled by the roughest of road surfaces, even when fitted with large wheels.

One of the advantages of this system is that you can stiffen up the suspension and adjust the steering, throttle and gearbox response at the touch of a button. You get to choose between four pre-set modes, but can also mix and match settings with an Individual mode.

However, in its stiffest and sharpest setting the E-Class feels quite big and heavy, and a little uncomfortable if you try pushing it hard through a set of challenging bends. It’s better, in fact, to leave the E-Class Cabriolet in Comfort mode. In the E400 you get more traction thanks to the four-wheel-drive system.

Interior and practicality: Inside is a lovely and stylish interior. A huge tranche of wood or metal, depending on the original choice of options, spans the width of the dashboard and extends along the doors. Above and below this sit high-quality plastics and glossy switches that operate with satisfying smoothness, and the whole thing is put together with the sort of class and solidity you’d expect. The seats are all comfortable, and the driver’s offers plenty of electrical adjustment, as does the steering wheel, so finding the right driving position is an easy affair.

There’s plenty of space up front, but rear-seat passengers are a little limited for leg room. There’s less space in the boot with the roof down, but it can hold a reasonable amount of luggage - enough for a weekend away for two, maybe, if not for a family for a week.

If you're interested in finding a used Mercedes E-Class or any of the other luxury cars mentioned here, head over to the Used Car Buying pages to find lots of cars listed for sale at a great price.

You’ll need a minimum of £15,000 to get behind the wheel of an E-Class Cabrio. This will buy one of the earlier cars from late 2017 with a high mileage for the year, a full service history and bought from an independent dealer. Expect to pay between £16,000 and £20,000 for a 2018 car that satisfies the same criteria, and £18,000-£24,000 for a 2019, or possibly a 2020, car from a franchised dealer. Spend upwards of £25,000 on 2021 and 2022 cars, over £30,000 on 2023 models.

MPG

On paper, the E220 d is the most economical, with claimed average fuel consumption of 48.7mpg under the latest WLTP tests and CO2 emissions of 139g/km. The best-performing petrol car is the E300, which returns a claimed average fuel consumption of 31mpg.

Road tax

Annual car tax for those registered before April 2017 will be based on CO2 emissions, but cars registered after that will pay the flat rate, currently at £180 a year. However, there is a supplementary luxury car surcharge if your car cost more than £40,000 new, and nearly all E-Class Cabrios do – so expect to pay the additional charge, which currently stands at £390 a year.

Insurance and servicing

Insurance groups are relatively high, ranging from 35 to 41, so expect large bills there. Servicing will be pricey, too, although Mercedes operates a number of servicing plans that will allow you to pay monthly and budget for the cost.

The E220 d model is the one we’d seek out, offering the best blend of performance and economy. The 2.0 diesel engine emits as little as 139g/km of CO2 and it’s a surprisingly strong performer. It’s relatively smooth and quiet, too.

Our favourite Mercedes E-Class Cabriolet: E220 d AMG Line

The Audi A5 Cabriolet handles well, looks good, has creamy and economical diesel engines that are also punchy and the interior is a delight, especially the easy-to-use MMI rotary controller for the crisp infotainment system.

The BMW 4 Series Convertible rides and handles well in most specs and won’t cost a fortune to run. One or two of the diesel engines are a little gruff, however, and its traditional BMW interior isn’t as flamboyant as the E-Class Cabriolet’s.

For all the latest reviews, advice and new car deals, sign up to the What Car? newsletter here