#49 Mercedes-Benz E-Class Cabriolet - Striking, unique and classy

American historian Will Durant once paraphrased Aristotle in this clever way: "We are what we repeatedly do. Excellence, then, is not an act but a habit." We wouldn't be surprised if Mercedes-Benz uses this as a motivational poster for its engineers. Year after year, the Mercedes Benz E-Class exemplifies excellence while continuing to be the benchmark for refined ride quality, confident handling, meticulous craftsmanship, clever innovation and sophisticated comfort.

Mercedes-Benz E-Class Cabriolet 

With the current generation Mercedes-Benz E-Class, excellence also includes variety. There are saloon, coupe, cabriolet and wagon body styles, plus engines that range from fuel sippers to outlandish horsepower monsters. My focus this month will be on the must have cabriolet. This is one car designed for a person who enjoys plenty of fresh air while on the move.

Sporty front design 

Design

When it comes to appearances, the Mercedes-Benz Cabriolet doesn’t disappoint. The stands out among its other siblings in the E-Class range thanks to its flawless cabriolet look. The differences don’t end there. A look at the front reveals a sporty, upright radiator grille with central star. The sporty front look is further enhanced by the V-shaped bumper, which features large air intakes.

Redesigned headlamps 

The headlamps feature striking, curving lighting elements which help to retain the classical E-Class four-eyed look. LEDs employed for the low beam and daytime running lamps as standard, giving the car unmistakable look especially at night.

Entire 2014 E-Class range 

View the cabriolet from the side and you quickly notice its striking silhouette made up of the long bonnet, wide doors, high beltline and a short rear overhang. When the soft top is closed, it blends harmoniously with profile. At the rear, the LED lights extending far into the sides emphasise the cabriolet’s width.

Mercedes-Benz E-Class Coupe version 

They too also use lighting elements to create a distinctive night design. A third brake light as well as the white-effect number plate lighting also make use of LEDs. A broad-looking rear bumper features integrated trapezoid-shaped tailpipes and a chrome strip.

Classic cabriolet profile 

Performance

The Mercedes-Benz E-Class Cabriolet can be ordered with a range of engines. All are highly efficient and equipped with the ECO start/stop function. Three petrol engines are available, ranging in output from 135 kW (184 hp) to 300 kW (408 hp).

Refined engines

Paired with the engines is a 7-speed automatic transmission. The Mercedes-Benz E-Class rides on an advanced AGILITY CONTROL suspension. The suspension features shock absorbers that automatically adapt to changing road surface conditions, thereby ensuring a high level of ride comfort.

With the roof up 

‘Secret weapons’

The Mercedes-Benz E-Class cabriolet comes fitted with some unique features, which ensure your next trip is enjoyable. First is there is AIRCAP. This is made up of two components. There is a wind deflector in the windscreen frame and a draught-stop between the rear seats.

Front seats with AIRSCARF 

Both components of AIRCAP help to reduce the flow of air in the interior. Hence you can continue chatting with other passengers even with the roof down. Another great feature, called AIRSCARF, ensures that it’s possible to drive with the roof down on a chilly day. Integrated into the backrests are outlets which warms the front occupants' head and neck areas.

Sporty rear 

The front seats are also heated ensuring you are kept nice and warm as you drive to your destination. Finally there is no need to book an appointment with a masseuse, just activate the seats massaging option and you are good to go.  

Room for four occupants 

Interior

The interior is dominated by stylish materials, clean-cut surfaces and a two-part trim element that stretches across the entire dashboard. Chrome surfaces blend well with fine wood and leather. Other eye-catching elements include the instrument cluster and high-gloss framed central display.

Front AIRCAP aerofoil 

The design for the air vents, an analogue clock, between the two central air vents, as well as the controls, located beneath the infotainment screen, all serve to highlight the overall high-quality feel of the interior.

Cockpit 

The driver and front passenger seat can be electrically adjusted for height, backrest angle and seat cushion angle. An active belt feeder automatically moves the seat belts into a position once the driver and front passenger occupy the seats.  A feature called EASY-ENTRY facilitates stress-free access to the rear.

Rear wind deflector 

The two full-size individual seats in the rear are very comfortable to sit in and include head restraints. When the seats are occupied, the head restraints extend automatically. The standard Audio 20 CD Radio features a 5.3 inch screen, six-disc CD changer, twin tuner, Bluetooth and USB connection in the centre armrest.

Striking rear design 

Verdict

The trademark qualities of Mercedes-Benz vehicles, such as vault like solidity and leading-edge technology, have contributed to the E-Class' great popularity among luxury buyers. The Mercedes-Benz E-Class Cabriolet adds a touch of sophistication and prestige to the range. If you can afford one, you won’t be disappointed.