This video features the Mercedes-AMG E-Class range.

Ten Second Review

With this generation Mercedes E-Class Cabriolet, petrol power firmly takes centre stage for top models. One of the most desirable variants is the one we're going to try here, the 333bhp 3.0-litre V6 E400 4MATIC model. It's a consummate all-rounder.

Background

Other German premium brands offer you one option if you're in the fortunate position of being able to decide upon a prestigiously badged premium executive class cabriolet. Mercedes though, offers two, the C-Class Cabriolet and the E-Class Cabriolet. The latter design is our focus here, in its top mainstream E400 4MATIC petrol form. Once, an E-Class Cabriolet buyer looking for the most desirable mainstream engine in the line-up would probably have signed up for the E350d V6 diesel variant, but with the recent backlash against black pump-fuelled motoring, variants like this E400 are gaining in popularity again. Let's put it to the test.

Driving Experience

Mercedes had already established the market demand for 4WD models of this kind with the previous generation E-Class Cabriolet. This time round there are also E220d and E350d diesel models equipped with the brand's on-demand '4MATIC' system - plus there's the top petrol version we elected to drive, the 333bhp 3.0-litre twin turbocharged V6 E400 petrol model. This makes 62mph from rest in just 5.3s and has to be artificially restrained at 155mph. It's certainly a very refined thing, especially when you're cruising along at highway speeds, roof-down with the 'AIR CAP' device activated on the top of the windscreen to reduce buffeting. At motorway speeds, most convertibles are usually quite unpleasant with the roof down, but this E400 is quiet, easily allowing you to conduct a conversation with your passengers without raising your voice. What this car isn't is any kind of real sportscar - but then if you wanted one of those with a Mercedes badge, you'd probably have bought the brand's SLC model. Still, bodyroll is well controlled and there's no undue twist and flex from the chassis, even over quite pronounced bumps. As with all E-Class Cabriolet models, you get 9G-TRONIC nine-speed automatic transmission and the DYNAMIC SELECT system that allows you to tweak steering feel, throttle response, gearshift timings and stability control thresholds to suit the way you want to drive. Plus there's now the option of super-smooth air suspension if you want it too.

Design and Build

When the soft top is up, the E-Class Cabriolet has a silhouette similar to that of the E-Class Coupe. A striking front section with a low-positioned diamond radiator grille and centrally located star, LED High Performance headlamps, a drawn-out bonnet with powerdomes and fully retractable side windows underline the more dynamic looks of this generation model. The fabric soft top is available in dark brown, dark blue, dark red or black. More importantly, it can be fully opened and closed in 20 seconds when travelling at a speed of up to 31mph and buyers can specify the AIRCAP electric draught-stop system and the AIRSCARF neck-level heating system. The roof's multi-layered structure with sophisticated insulation reduces wind and driving noise, which makes it easy for the occupants to hear each other talk, even when driving at high speed. The soft-top structure is equally effective when it comes to climate comfort, making the Cabriolet suitable for use all year round. After opening, it folds down into a bespoke compartment in the boot and a retractable cover separates the soft top from the remaining boot space. The boot capacity of 385-litres (310-litres when the roof is open) means the E-Class Cabriolet doesn't compromise too much on practicality. Plus 50:50 folding rear seat backrests create a through-loading feature for longer items.

Market and Model

You won't be expecting this top mainstream petrol-powered E-Class Cabriolet variant to be inexpensive - and it isn't. You'll need a budget of around £56,000 for this E400 4MATIC derivative; to give you some perspective, the entry-level point to the range is about £10,000 below that. A V6 diesel E350d 4MATIC model will cost you about the same as this E400, but there, you only get 258bhp to play with, rather than 333bhp. There's a kind of 'junior Bentley' feel about this car that gives it a more up-market feel than you'd get in any C-Class Cabriolet. Yet the outlay needed for ownership shouldn't require too many potential owners to need a lottery win first. Those who do have more to spend will inevitably be plied with plenty of options. We'd be tempted by the AIR BODY CONTROL air suspension to get a magic carpet-style ride. And the full COMMAND infotainment system would also be nice to have, including a 'COMMAND Online' feature that give owners access to the 'Apple CarPlay' and 'Android Auto' 'phone connectivity systems.

Cost of Ownership

Weight-saving measures, aerodynamic improvements, fuel-saving electronic Direct Steering and low rolling resistance tyres feature among the eco-measures implemented with this car, along with an ECO Start/Stop function to cut the engine when you don't need it, stuck in traffic or waiting at the lights. As a result, if you keep an eye on the optimum gearchange indicator, the E400's V6 petrol engine can return a combined economy figure of 39.2mpg and around 194g/km of CO2. Insurance is rated at group 44E. What else? Well, we'll tell you that the comprehensive three year unlimited mileage warranty is built upon by Mercedes' Mobilo scheme which delivers breakdown cover for up to thirty years, as long as you continue to have your car serviced at a Mercedes main dealer. It's also worth mentioning that the optional 'Mercedes me' connect services package includes remote self-diagnostic capability, enabling your E-Class Cabriolet to monitor wear and tear items and alert your local dealer to let you know if something needs seeing to.

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Specification

Body Glass
Electric windows with one touch opening/closing and obstruction sensors
Rain sensing windscreen wipers
Top surround of side windows in polished aluminium
Privacy glass Includes rear side windows and rear windscreen
Magic Vision Control heated windscreen wiper system
Electric front/rear windows with one touch/anti pinch
Automatic rain sensing wipers
Polished aluminium upper window surround
Brakes
Electronic Stability Programme
Anti-lock Braking System (ABS)
Electric parking brake
Perforated front brake discs and anodised silver brake calipers with 'AMG' lettering
ESP with ASR
ABS
Electronic parking brake
Hill hold function
Adaptive brake system
Active brake assist
Communication
Bluetooth interface for hands free telephone
Driver Aids
Active Parking Assist including front and rear parking sensors
Collision prevention assist plus
Cruise control with speedtronic variable speed limiter
Direct steering
Attention assist
Active park assist with parktronic system
DYNAMIC SELECT with a choice of driving modes (ECO, Comfort, Sport, Sport+ and Individual)
360 degree parking camera
Driver Convenience
Remote boot release
Engine start/stop button
Driver Information
Service indicator (ASSYST)
Status display for rear seat belts in instrument cluster
Brake wear warning display
Traffic Sign Assist
Instrument cluster with AMG menu including RACETIMER and AMG start-up display
AMG menu in instrument cluster including RACETIMER and AMG start-up display and RACETIMER it is possible to measure lap times
Outside temperature display
Analogue clock
Multi function trip computer
Brake wear warning light
Service indicator (ASSYST PLUS)
Mercedes connect me
Wireless charging
Cockpit display 12.3" widescreen digital instrument cluster
Touchpad with control wheel
COMAND online HDD navigation with Radio/Media interface, linguatronic + smartphone integration/Apple CarPlay/Android Auto and 12.3" Cockpit display
Driving Mirrors
Exterior mirrors heated and electronically adjustable
Electric adjustable heated door mirrors
Embellishment Trims
Open pore black ash wood centre console
Engine
66 litre fuel tank
EQ Boost starter alternator
Entertainment
Burmester surround sound system with 13 speakers and a 9 channel amplifier with total output of 590 watts
Smartphone integration via Android Auto/Apple CarPlay, Media Interface, USB and Bluetooth interface and touchpad with control wheel
Steering wheel mounted audio controls
DAB Digital radio
2 usb ports in centre console
Burmester surround sound system with 13 speakers
Exterior Body Features
AMG bodystyling front and rear aprons, side skirts
Badging BITURBO 4MATIC+ lettering on front wings
Panoramic electric glass sunroof
Visible two twin pipe exhaust system integrated into the bumper
Illuminated front door sill panels with 'AMG' lettering
AMG bodystyling
Body colour door handles
Twin exhaust tailpipes x2
Body coloured bumpers
Electric tilt/slide panoramic sunroof
AMG front, rear apron and side skirts
AMG boot lid spoiler in body colour
Chrome pins diamond radiator grille with integrated stars
Chrome door pins
Bi-Turbo 4MATIC+ lettering on front wings
Pre-installation for roof rail systems
Exterior Lights
Rear LED lights
Multibeam LED Intelligent Light System with Adaptive Highbeam Assist
Intelligent light system with LED headlights, active light function, cornering lights and adaptive high beam assist
Adaptive brake lights
LED tail lights
Heating/Cooling/Ventilation
Automatic two zone climate control
Dual zone automatic climate control
Interior Features
Steering wheel gearshift paddles
Artico leather upper dash trim with contrast stitching
Glasses compartment in overhead control panel
Front centre armrest with stowage compartment
Steering column electrically adjustable for height and reach
Glove compartment lockable with air conditioned and illuminated
Sports pedals in brushed stainless steel with black rubber studs
Central stowage compartment with USB socket for use with Android Auto and Apple CarPlay
3-spoke flat bottom steering wheel in silver chrome trim with 'AMG' lettering, aluminium gearshift paddles, 12 o'clock mark and Touch Control buttons
Stowage compartment with USB socket
Multi function steering wheel
Cupholders in centre console
Twin front cupholders
Electric height/reach adjustable steering column
Rear centre armrest with 2 cupholders + storage
Illuminated air conditioned glovebox
Sunglasses holder
Sports pedals with stainless steel surfaces and rubber studs
Front and rear door pockets
Lockable glovebox
Front centre armrest with storage compartment
Nappa leather upholstery
Storage net in luggage compartment
Black roof lining
Bag hook in luggage compartment
Aluminium gear shift paddles
Artico leather upper dash trim with red stitching
Interior Lights
Front footwell lights
Interior rear light/integral reading lights
Centre armrest and door handle illumination
64 colour Ambient lighting
Packs
Stowage pack - E Class
Mirror pack - E Class
Memory pack - E Class
Keyless Go comfort pack - E Class
Safety
Three point seat belts
Front seatbelt pretensioners
Red seat belts
Front side airbags
3 point seatbelts
Seatbelt warning
Seat occupancy sensor
Adaptive driver and front passenger airbags
Head airbags
Warning triangle and first aid kit
Tyre pressure monitoring system
Drivers knee airbag
Crash sensor (auto door unlocking)
Front and rear window airbags
Active bonnet
Seats
Seat occupancy sensor for front passenger seat
Automatic child seat recognition sensor
Belt feeder driver and front passenger seat belt automatically positioned within easier reach
4 way adjustable front head restraints and 2 way rear head restraints
40/20/40 split folding rear seat
4 way adjustable front head restraints
Heated front seats
Front seat back map pockets
Front seatbelt electric feeders
Easy entry seats
Isofix rear child seat fastenings
AMG sports seats
Child seat recognition sensor
2 way rear head restraints
Security
Central locking with interior switch, automatic locking and crash sensor with emergency opening function
Keyless entry go starting function
Alarm system/interior protection/immobiliser
Remote central locking
Chrome surround electric key
Vanity Mirrors
Sunvisors with illuminated vanity mirrors
Wheels - Spare
TIREFIT with tyre inflation compressor
TIREFIT tyre tepair kit with tyre inflation compressor

Options

Packs
Driving assistance pack - E Class Coupe/Cabriolet	£1,695.00
Lane tracking pack - E Class coupe and cabriolet	£595.00
AMG Night pack - E Class Coupe	£795.00
Comfort pack - E Class E53	£395.00
Paint - Metallic
Metallic - Emerald Green	£685.00
Metallic - Obsidian black	£685.00
Metallic - Iridium silver	£685.00
Metallic - Cavansite Blue	£685.00
Metallic - Aragonite silver	£685.00
Metallic - Selenite Grey	£685.00
Metallic - Rubellite red	£685.00
Paint - Solid
Solid - Black	Standard
Solid - Polar white	Standard
Exterior Body Features
Metallic paint	£685.00
Solid paint	Standard
Designo metallic paintwork	£895.00
Polished aluminium waistline	Standard
Waistline in polished aluminium	Standard
Chassis/Suspension
AMG ride control sports suspension based on Air body control air suspension	Standard
Body Glass
Privacy glass (to rear of B post)	Standard
Driver Information
Head up Display	£825.00
Driver Aids
Cruise control with variable speed limiter	Standard
Paint - Special
Designo metallic - Diamond white	£895.00
Designo metallic - Hyacinth red	£895.00
Safety
Pre-safe anticipatory safety system	Standard
Trim - Leather
Nappa leather - Black with red stitch	Standard
Nappa leather - Black/Classic red	Standard
Nappa leather - Black/Saddle brown	Standard
Embellishment Trims
Metal weave interior trim	£365.00
Open pore black ash wood trim	Standard
Aluminium with light crystal grain trim	Standard
Black open pore ash wood	Standard
Wheels - Alloy
20" AMG 5 twin spoke design alloy wheels painted in Titanium grey with high sheen finish	£1,295.00
19" AMG 5 twin spoke Bi-colour alloy wheel	Standard
20" AMG 5 twin spoke alloy wheels painted in Matt black with high sheen finish	£1,295.00
20" AMG 5 twin spoke alloy wheels painted in Black with high sheen finish	£1,295.00

Performance

Performance
0 to 60 mph (secs)
0 to 62 mph (secs)	4.4
Engine Power - BHP	435
Engine Power - KW	320
Engine Power - PS
Engine Power - RPM	6100
Engine Torque - LBS.FT	384
Engine Torque - NM	520
Engine Torque - RPM	1800
Top Speed	155