E400 Cabriolet — Everything a convertible should be and more

By Jim Prueter
MotorwayAmerica.com

(January 19, 2018) It never ceases to amaze me just how many individual Mercedes-Benz models there are on the Bavarian automaker’s palette. Mercedes currently offers over 85 individual models with numerous additional models being introduced on a yearly basis. If there’s a marketing niche — no matter how small — Mercedes feels the obligation to their loyal clientele to fill it. The E Class Cabriolet is such a vehicle.

Auto sales are now dominated by SUVs and crossover SUVs, having supplanted family sedans. With a higher ride height, the safety, and the utility it isn’t surprising. Seemingly, no other vehicle has suffered the decline of sales like the convertible, or cabriolet, as they’re known in Europe.



Data from Edmunds.com shows that from 2011 to 2015, annual sales of convertibles in the U.S. dropped by 7 percent, while in the same period, the U.S. auto industry grew by 37 percent. Convertibles now comprise just one in 100 vehicles sold in the U.S.

There are a lot of reasons for the dismal sales numbers, but there’s no denying that there’s no automotive experience like the fun and driving enjoyment of top-down, sun-on-your-face, wind-in-your-hair cruising. And the E-Class Cabriolet will celebrate the 25th anniversary of its open-top four-seater with a special anniversary edition available this year.

For 2016, Mercedes introduced a completely new E-Class with ground up styling, technology and character. A year later it added the Cabriolet, the newest member of the E-Class family.

For all of my intense recreational whining about only getting drop-top press cars in Phoenix during the 110-degree summer months, I felt I won the lottery when a sumptuously equipped, nail-polish-blue 2018 Mercedes-Benz E400 4MATIC Cabriolet was dropped off for my driving enjoyment  — and scrutiny, of course. While other parts of the country were making news with fires and brutally cold weather, I was basking in a weeklong helping of temperatures in the mid-70s, and clear blue skies. Perfect!

The E-Class Cabriolet presents a striking profile, with a silhouette that copies the E-Class Coupe’s expressive proportions. It is available in dark brown, dark blue, red or black. Dropping the top takes just 20 seconds and can be accomplished at speeds up to 30 mph. Its multi-layered and sophisticated insulation renders the Cabriolet nearly as quiet as its Coupe sibling.

And, thanks to the available AIRCAP® where the windshield header rises to deflect buffeting and turbulent cabin air and the AIRSCARF® that blows warm air through vents on the lower part of the front headrests to keep you warm, It’s possible to extended convertible driving to later in the fall in colder climates, or on cooler nights.

The Cabriolet shares most of its interior, as well under-the-hood hardw
are, with the Coupe version. The 329-horsepower, 354 lb-ft torque twin turbocharged 3.0-liter V-6, paired with a nine-speed automatic transmission, is the only engine offered. Rear-wheel drive is standard and, for the first time, the Cabriolet is being offered with 4MATIC all-wheel drive. A more powerful AMG trim level is not offered at this time.

There are far worse places to find yourself than behind the wheel of the E400 Cabriolet. Heat reflecting leather seating is standard, but our test car came with the optional nappa leather upholstery, a $1370 upcharge. There’s a choice of 64-different ambient lighting options, an aromatherapy system that pumps perfume-scented air into the cabin via a bottle in the glove box, with three levels of intensity including “off.” We tried it and much preferred the intoxicating scent of the nappa leather. Heated and cooled massaging seats were also on the list, along with illuminated “Mercedes-Benz” doorsills.


The impressive interior was finished with the optional macchiato beige/brown nape leather designo and magnolia flowing lines wood trim in a high gloss finish. 
 
An optional $9k+ safety package was also included, with active parking assist, a widescreen digital instrument panel, semi-autonomous driving capability with active steering, lane keeping, steering assist, active emergency stop assist, cross traffic function, evasive steering assist, blind spot warning, a surround view camera and head up display.

I’m not sure if all of this is technology overload, but we did test the “Distance Pilot DISTRONIC” (semi autonomous) driving feature that allows you to follow cars ahead of you on the highway at speeds of up to 130 mph (no, we didn’t try it at that speed), and on unmarked pavement up to 80 mph. At a minimum, you have to keep your hands lightly on the wheel or you’ll get a warning. It worked fairly well but the vehicle “ping-ponged” in the lane by continuously drifting from right back to left and so forth. It’s not nearly as smooth as similar feature from Nissan that keeps you in the middle of your lane. Mercedes needs a little work yet on their system.

Twin touch pads on the steering wheel navigate separately through each of the instrument panel displays or, you can manually reach over and scroll, swipe, and tap the touchpad on the center console with a mouse wheel just beneath. The technology can certainly be overwhelming until you’ve had enough practice to master it.

On the road the E400 Cabriolet is butter smooth, and agile, yet assured, thanks, in part, to the optional Air Body Control air suspension where the driver can control the firmness of the suspension with one of five choices: Comfort, Eco, Sport, Sport+ and individual.

The E400 Cabriolet is an extraordinarily technologically luxurious, comfortable four-passenger Cabriolet that’s fit and trimmed with the precision of an Armani suit. While it looks much better with the top lowered, the overall design language is gorgeous.

Fewer manufacturers are offering convertible models, and all this goodness doesn’t come cheap — especially when checking the options list. But at its core, Mercedes-Benz is committed to offering their clientele products that will keep them loyal to the three-star brand. The wealthy of course, must be served.

Vital Stats
Base Price: $68,800
Price as Tested: $89,735
Engine: 3.0-Liter Turbocharged V6
Horsepower: 329
Transmission: Nine-speed automatic
Fuel Economy: 20-MPG City – 25-MPG Highway
Seating: 4

Crash Test Results: The E400 Cabriolet hasn’t yet been crash tested by the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration or the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety.

Competes With:
Audi S5 Cabriolet
BMW 6 Series Convertible

Fab Features
Luxurious top-down driving enjoyment
Loaded with advanced safety features
Superb ride and handling