Mercedes-Benz E400 Cabriolet Review

There are hardly any convertibles in our country and when it comes to luxury convertibles, you cannot think of any actually. One of the few rare ones in the market is the Mercedes-Benz E400 Cabriolet. The facelift version has come in a E400 avatar, whereas previously it was E350. How does the topless beauty perform? We share our detailed review.

Mercedes-Benz E400 Cabriolet Exterior

The 2015 Mercedes-Benz E400 Cabriolet, launched in March this year, has been updgraded compared to the earlier one and is one of the most luxurious and gorgeous convertibles in the world. It is a combination of high-end comfort with luxurious gadgetry and equipment and it is beautiful inside and out. New headlamps have given the E400 an expressive look while the overall design provides a touch of class which is hard to find in many cars. The stylish retro-look flared-up proportions above the rear wheels, LED tail lamps and the attention to detail throughout the exterior is very pleasant.

This cabriolet has a soft top and not a hard one. The advantage of a soft top is that it does not eat too much into the boot space.  It takes 20 seconds for the roof to fold down and get tucked into the boot, all at the touch of a small lever on the floor console. Wind noise is well controlled for a convertible, and the interior design is more on the purposeful rather than stylish side.

Mercedes-Benz E400 Cabriolet Interior

The materials used inside are top class too. The beige and tan colour theme with double stitching on the leather upholstery feels extremely classy. The E400 get the Mercedes COMAND infotainment system that allows using data via your phone to connect to the internet. You can stream internet radio or browse websites and social networking sites too.

The electric seats adjust perfectly to offer your desired position, complimented by the electric steering adjustment for rake and reach. Turn on the key and the seat belt which is placed far behind, extends upto you through a retractable arm. In addition you can customize the lumbar support and thigh support to your preference. While the space in the front is fabulous, it does not disappoint at  the rear either. Its pretty spacious and the ingress and egress is also better than what you will usually find in cabriolets.

Mercedes-Benz E400 Cabriolet Engine

The older E-Cabriolet came with a 272bhp, 3.5-litre V6 petrol engine. The E400 is now replaced with a 3.0-litre, twin-turbo V6 engine, that makes a big difference in performance with 333bhp and an impressive torque of 480 Nm. 0-100 is achieved in a claimed 5.3 seconds which puts this cabriolet in the league of sports cars. Not only does it offer strong acceleration from standstill, but also feels at home during overtaking maneuvers on the highway at any speed. The new twin turbo V6 engine is also very smooth with a linear power delivery and is the reason behind a pleasurable driving experience.

Being a cabriolet, the car is not meant to break laptime records as also not expected to handle like a sports car. Changing directions is no forte of this car, however, it stays planted and assured nevertheless, at any speed. The steering is precise and light to use within city driving conditions. Even driving with the roof down, wind noise and is adequately controlled and wind deflector rises on top the windscreen at speeds above 40 km/h. The high point of this car though, is the ride quality, which is very much Mercedes-like. It soaks up potholes and ditches with ease, without showing its discomfort. However, you will notice some sounds while driving on rough roads with the roof up. What is appalling though, is the low ground clearance and the Cabriolet kept kissing most of the speed breakers that we encountered. You have to be very careful, given our road conditions.

Should you buy Mercedes-Benz E400 Cabriolet?

So, one who can afford a 80 lakh plus car, may ask a question, “Will the E400 Cabriolet be suitable for me?”  Well, if it is a second or third or even a fourth car, why not? It does not give you the practicality of a sedan nor the thrill of a sports coupe. But what this car gives you is ultimate style with unparalleled luxury and comfort at INR 89.5 lakhs (on-road, Delhi).

We saw many a jaws drop, while we passed by in this beauty. This is one car you will love to drive around on a holiday in the city or even a nearby drive out of town. Also it can be a welcome change to drive it to office, occasionally. And with the top down, the E400 Cabriolet is an entirely different and pleasurable experience.