Mercedes E-Class Cabriolet convertible (2010 – ) expert review

1. Exterior

The conversion to two-door cabriolet gives a sharp and distinctive look, though despite carrying the Mercedes E-Class nameplate, it is actually based on the smaller C-Class platform. The bold front grille with extra large Mercedes-Benz emblem, split headlights and rakish front bumper gives an aggressive look, while the swept-back tail lights and strong rear arches give the E-Class Cabriolet a muscular and stylish appearance.

Our rating: 4

2. Interior

The cabin of the E-Class feels like it has been sculpted from stone, such is the depth of quality and attention to detail. All of the materials feel like they’ve been designed to last a lifetime, with tactile leathers and soft-touch plastics all around. The metal appliques and inserts break up the sea of dark plastics and work well with the other materials. The foot-operated park brake frees up space in the console between the seats, and the sat-nav screen is mounted high up on the dashboard and is exactly where you want it to be. The only criticism is that a lot of the buttons are similarly sized and therefore it is easy to press the wrong one when driving.

Our rating: 5

3. Practicality

Normally Cabriolet models are a pain to manoeuvre with the soft-top up, but the visibility in the E-Class is actually pretty good, both behind and over the shoulder. In any case, parking sensors are fitted as standard on all models to help. Mercedes claims that the car is a full four-seater, but rear passengers wouldn’t want to travel in the rear for long, especially with the roof down, where head room is quite limited. It is at its best carrying children or as a 2+2. And boot space is restricted too, with an odd-shaped compartment. With the roof up there’s 290 litres of space, and with it down just 200 litres. This is considerably worse than the Audi A5 Cabriolet and BMW 3 Series Convertible. Despite being a cabriolet, it can haul up to 1,800kg on all models except the E500.

Our rating: 3

4. Ride and handling

Despite its racy looks, the E-Class Cabriolet doesn’t like to be hurried, and is at its best cruising along in a relaxed fashion. Grip levels are high and handling relatively tidy, with decent levels of feedback from the steering. The suspension in standard guise is best, with the uprated sports option a little too firm for UK road surfaces. Engine noise is kept well in check, as are road and wind noise. The aircap system is designed to keep the cabin free from buffeting and draughts, and in the main works well.

Our rating: 4

5. Performance

There’s a selection of engines to suit all tastes, right from a 168bhp 2.2-litre turbodiesel up to a muscular 5.5-litre V8 petrol developing 382bhp. There are four petrol units and three turbodiesel engines, with the most popular unit the E350 CDI BlueEFFICIENCY that develops 228bhp, has a top speed of 155mph and can accelerate to 62mph in just 6.9 seconds. The mid-range petrol model is powered by a 1.8-litre supercharged engine, produces 201bhp, has a top speed of 155mph and can complete the zero to 62mph dash in 7.8 seconds. All of the engines within the E-Class Cabriolet range deliver excellent performance, while still keeping an eye on frugality.

Our rating: 5

6. Running costs

All but the E500 employ Mercedes-Benz’s BlueEFFICIENCY moniker which amounts to technology designed to shave a few notches off the CO2 emissions and improve fuel economy. The best selling E350 CDI model with 3-litre V6 turbodiesel engine produces just 185g/km of CO2 and can achieve 40.4mpg, while the entry-level petrol engine with 1.8-litre supercharged engine and stop/start technology emits 172g/km of CO2 and delivers 38.2mpg. The most frugal diesel engine in E220 CDI guise produces just 143g/km of CO2 and 52.3mpg. Model for model, the E-Class Cabriolet is more expensive to insure than the BMW 3 Series Convertible, though residual values are a notch better.

Our rating: 4

7. Reliability

Mercedes-Benz has a great reputation for reliability, and that continues with the new E-Class Cabriolet. All of the materials are top quality and built to last. Owners speak highly of their cars, and the German brand performs well in reliability surveys and customer satisfaction indexes.

Our rating: 4

8. Safety

It’s not very often that all variants of a particular car range are crash tested, and therefore the Cabriolet version of the E-Class hasn’t yet been driven into EuroNCAP’s crash barrier. The four-door saloon has, though, and it scored a five-star safety rating. In terms of passive safety equipment, all E-Class Cabriolet models come with driver, passenger, side and curtain airbags, along with a knee airbag. There’s also a pedestrian deployable bonnet, a system to monitor tiredness and a pre-safe crash system that anticipates a collision. That’s in addition to the standard ISOFIX child safety seat fasteners, electronic stability programme and traction control. There isn’t much more safety kit that could be crammed into this svelte cabriolet.

Our rating: 5

9. Equipment

All E-Class Cabriolet models are well equipped, with SE trim featuring 17-inch alloy wheels, heated front seats, electric windows, climate control, parking sensors, front fog lights, rain sensor and auto dimming mirror as well as electric and heated mirrors, leather upholstery, Bluetooth hands-free connectivity and an MP3-compatible audio system. Sport models add 18-inch alloy wheels, sports suspension, memory seats, metal pedals, xenon headlights, a sports bodykit, uprated brakes and sports seats. Popular options include larger alloy wheels, a neck heating system, sat-nav, adaptive cruise control and a range of uprated audio systems.

Our rating: 4

10. Why buy?

If you are looking for a stylish soft-top with room for four passengers, they don’t get any more distinctive than the E-Class Cabriolet. It’s well equipped, has impressive safety credentials and will be reliable. Factor in frugal petrol and diesel engines and the Mercedes makes a top buy.

Our rating: 4