Mercedes-Benz E-Class Cabriolet Review 2024

Buying a convertible typically means making a compromise when it comes to space and practicality. And while you won’t be loading the Mercedes-Benz E-Class Cabriolet to run to the recycling centre or help family members move house, it offers a far more useful package than most premium drop-tops. 

It would certainly be practical enough to help on the school run, and will make short work of even the lengthiest commute. In fact, that swanky interior means that getting stuck in traffic shouldn’t be too tiresome.

Just don’t come to the E-Class Cabriolet with dreams of a topless sports car. Instead, try to imagine cruising along the California coast, the sun shining down through the open roof. That is what the E-Class can deliver, and with a premium badge on the bonnet. 

Mercedes-Benz has kept the trim options relatively simple for the Mercedes-Benz E-Class Cabriolet, perhaps in recognition of the unique position it has in the marketplace. AMG Line is where it all starts, with 19-inch wheels, LED headlights, adaptive suspension and satellite navigation. 

The Premium and Premium Plus packages bring extras like a Burmester sound system and memory packages for the seats. These are nice options to have, but the standard specification of the E-Class Cabriolet is sufficient that the entry-level version feels far from basic.

The E 300 may be the cheapest petrol-engined model, but it still offers sufficient pace. However, the E 400 or E 450 V6 models are hard to ignore for their improved exhaust note and refined power delivery.

With no direct rivals, the closest cars to the Mercedes-Benz E-Class Cabriolet are all from the class below. The BMW 4 Series Convertible uses a folding metal roof, while the Audi A5 Cabriolet is similar to the Mercedes with its fabric soft-top.

However, both the premium Germans are notably smaller than the E-Class, with their rear seats mainly just for emergencies. The same can be said of the Mercedes C-Class Cabriolet, which shares some technology and engine options with the larger E-Class.

In fact, the nearest rival is probably the Mercedes-Benz E-Class Coupe. It may not have a folding roof, but for those wondering how often they will drive al fresco, its slightly cheaper prices may appeal.

With an overall interior design borrowed from the larger and more expensive Mercedes-Benz S-Class, the quality of the Mercedes-Benz E-Class Cabriolet cabin does not disappoint. 

Running across the centre of the dashboard is a broad stripe of metal or wood trim, depending on the options chosen. Combined with LED ambient lighting, it gives the E-Class a truly classy feel. Black open-pore ash wood is the default finish, but buyers can specify five different types of wood, or two choices of metal. 

Seats on the standard AMG Line model are finished in Artico artificial leather, with inserts of Dinamica suede. The AMG E 53 comes with real Nappa leather, including the option of a bold two-tone red and black combination. 

Everything that the driver touches feels well made, with the dashboard also clad in Artico artificial leather. Metal trim is used extensively for the switches on the centre console and doors, with the air vents a notably interesting piece of design. An analogue clock adds another subtle hint of luxury. 

Even if the Mercedes E-Class Cabriolet had direct rivals, it seems unlikely that they would better it for fit and finish.

Dominating the interior of the Mercedes-Benz E-Class Cabriolet is a gigantic screen that covers more than half the dashboard real estate. While it may look like one huge display, it is actually formed from two distinctive elements. These vary depending on which options are chosen.

Standard E-Class models have an 8.4-inch multimedia display at the top of the centre console, with traditional-looking instruments in front of the driver. This setup only appears on early E 220 d and E 300 AMG Line models, with the remainder all benefiting from the widescreen Comand Online set-up. 

This brings a larger 12.3-inch multimedia display, plus an impressive digital dashboard. Both can be customised from a choice of three different display styles, and are complemented by extra LED lighting options. 

The Mercedes-Benz Audio 20 system is standard on all cars, bringing DAB radio, two USB ports, Bluetooth connectivity and Apple CarPlay. SD card-based navigation is fitted as standard, with Comand Online models gaining an updateable navigation system that uses a separate hard drive. 

Controlling this is done through the Comand touchpad on the centre console, smaller touchpads on the steering wheel, or via voice commands. 

It may all sound overwhelming at first, but spending time with the E-Class demonstrates just how logical the systems are. Think of it like learning to operate a smartphone that later becomes second-nature to use.

Later models from 2020 come with the newer Mercedes MBUX system, one of the best infotaiment systems around with intuitive menus and fast response to inputs.

Without getting too carried away, the Mercedes-Benz E-Class Cabriolet is a relative rarity in the convertible market. Along with stylish looks and a dramatic interior, it also brings a degree of practicality to the drop-top party. 

As the E-Class Cabriolet is bigger than drop-tops from its German rivals, naturally it has a bigger footprint at 4846mm long, 2055mm wide (including mirrors) and 1426mm tall. 

Kicking things off is a boot that can hold 385 litres of luggage when the roof is raised: slightly more than an average family hatchback. The narrow, saloon-style boot lid does cause some issues though, making it hard to slide larger items inside. 

Also, dropping the top has an effect on storage space. To maintain the clean lines on the outside, the folding soft-top has to go somewhere. The answer is inside the boot, with the folding mechanism cutting available space down to 310 litres. 

Compared with other cabriolets this is still a decent result, but it proves even the E-Class owner must make compromises. As a bonus, the rear seats split and fold flat. This allows longer items to be pushed through from the boot, increasing carrying capacity. 

Don’t bother lifting the flat boot floor to look for a spare wheel. Run-flat tyres are used across the E-Class Cabriolet range. Back in the cabin, storage consists of a generous cubby hiding beneath the central arm rest. This is supplemented by decent-sized door pockets, along with practical cupholders. Those in the back also get cupholders built into the divider between the seats. 

That should help prevent some grumbling from passengers in the back, who may find the upright shape of the rear seats becomes a grind after a while. Legroom and headroom should not be a bone of contention, though. There’s far more space than in other four-seat convertibles. 

The back seats also feature standard ISOFIX mounts for front-facing child car seats. An automatic detection sensor is included for compatible Mercedes-Benz child seats, too.

Cruising along with the roof down and your sunglasses on – that’s how the Mercedes-Benz E-Class Cabriolet is designed to be driven. Forget ideas of attacking your favourite country roads. Instead, revel in the reassuring confidence of this four-seat convertible.

That isn’t to say the E-Class can’t handle twisty turns. On the contrary, the steering is accurate and offers a decent level of feedback to the driver. All models have speed-sensitive steering, while the steering weight can be changed from a range of modes offered by the Dynamic Select menu. 

There is plenty of grip on offer as well, while 4Matic four-wheel drive is included on certain models to aid traction. All of this sounds like it should make the E-Class into a great sports car. But the reality is that beneath the technology hides a large and weighty cabriolet. As clever as the steering may be, it cannot overcome the sheer physics involved. It means the E-Class works best driven with a laid-back approach, rather than tackling the morning commute like Lewis Hamilton.

Taking the chilled route means enjoying the comfortable ride from the E-Class Cabriolet’s suspension. Entry-level models use the Agility Control set-up, which matches normal steel springs with adjustable levels of damping. This offers different levels of suspension stiffness, with Comfort mode delivering what its name suggests.

Standard on higher-grade models, and a costly option on others, is the excellent Air Body Control. Instead of normal springs, this uses air suspension to provide a soothing ride without the associated body-roll. It’s a noticeable improvement for the already impressive normal E-Class. Given the choice, we would certainly recommend it.

The key thing to remember with the E-Class Cabriolet is this is meant to be a car for feeling good. Take the slower route, drop the hood and simply enjoy wafting along in comfort.

When first launched, Mercedes-Benz offered the Mercedes-Benz E-Class Cabriolet with a selection of two diesels and two petrol engines. All are turbocharged and all use the superb nine-speed 9G-Tronic automatic gearbox.

The E 220 d is the entry-level 2.1-litre four-cylinder diesel, making useful 194PS. Four-wheel drive was also offered as an option on earlier cars, but these 4Matic models are relatively rare. 

A 3.0-litre V6 E 350 d diesel was sold until November 2018, offering 258PS and standard four-wheel drive. It marks a notable step up from the E 220 d, and delivers effortless performance (0-62mph in 6.1 seconds). 

Late 2018 also saw the introduction of the E 300 d, a four-cylinder diesel with 245PS, plus the E 400 d V6 diesel. The latter has an impressive 340PS, and again comes with four-wheel drive. Both of the V6 diesel engines are great choices for those making longer journeys, although the exhaust note will never sound as sweet as the petrol versions when the roof is lowered. 

Petrol engines at launch consisted of the E 300 four-cylinder with 245PS and the E 400 V6 with 333PS and four-wheel drive. Changes in 2018 saw the addition of the 299PS four-cylinder E 350, while a new E 450 V6 replaced the E 400. 

Although the E 300 feels relatively quick with 0-62mph in 6.6 seconds, the E 400 does the same in 5.5 seconds. The petrol V6 models also have a better exhaust note and bring four-wheel drive to the deal.

Topping the range is the twin-turbocharged 3.0-litre straight-six of the AMG E 53. Mercedes fits 4Matic four-wheel drive as standard, helping harness the 435PS output. Capable of 0-62mph in 4.5 seconds, it features mild-hybrid technology to deliver an extra boost of power.

Having a folding fabric roof does not mean the Mercedes-Benz E-Class Cabriolet suffers in the refinement stakes. In fact, with the roof up it is easy to forget this isn't a coupe with a metal roof, due to the impressive quietness within the cabin.

Wind noise and tyre noise are well controlled when the roof is raised, with only sounds from the engine bay being the main distraction. The four-cylinder petrol engines can start to become a little uncouth when properly pushed, although the E 300 does have a sports exhaust system to add a slightly rortier tone. 

Although the diesel clatter is well-controlled with the roof up, lowering the hood will leave little surprise as to what is beneath the bonnet. The V6 versions do improve this slightly, but diesel power in a convertible is always going to feel like a slightly odd mix.

Draughts and buffeting when topless are less of a problem, though, courtesy of the standard Aircap system. What looks like a pop-up spoiler deploys from the front windscreen, helping direct airflow up and away from the passenger compartment. A pop-up wind deflector also appears from behind the rear seats, cutting down on draughts for those in the back. 

Aircap works well enough that you can still hold a conversation with the roof down at motorway speeds. It does look a little odd, but can also be raised and lowered at the press of a button. 

With an established reputation for building safe cars, there should be no surprise that Mercedes-Benz has made the Mercedes-Benz E-Class Cabriolet in the same mould.

Although the Cabriolet has not been evaluated separately by Euro NCAP, the E-Class saloon was tested when launched in 2016. It scored the maximum five stars for crash safety, and there is little reason to believe the drop-top model wouldn’t perform just as well. 

A wealth of airbags are fitted as standard, including window bags, side airbags and a knee airbag for the driver. The central locking will open automatically after a crash, and pop-up roll bars deploy from behind the rear seats should the car sense it is about to flip over. 

Electronic stability control is a feature of all models, along with adaptive LED brake lights, cruise control with a speed limiter, and Attention Assist. The latter helps detect if the driver is at risk of falling asleep at the wheel, and prompts them to take a break. 

Front and rear parking sensors are fitted across the range, with the optional ability for the car to steer itself into parking bays. The system will help with parallel parking, too. A reversing camera is standard, with Remote Parking Assist on the options list. The latter allows drivers to park the car remotely using a compatible Apple device. 

The two rear seats come with ISOFIX child seat mounting points. Access to them is made easier by the fact the front seats slide forward electrically. Sensors to automatically detect the fitment of compatible child seats are also included. 

Mercedes-Benz generally performs well for reliability, ranking 13th out of 30 manufacturers in the latest HonestJohn.co.uk Satisfaction Index with an overall satisfaction score of 88%. The Mercedes E-Class saloon scored an impressive average of 9.2 out of 10 for reliability. 

Insuring a car like the Mercedes-Benz E-Class Cabriolet is unlikely to be something undertaken by a novice driver. However, nobody likes unexpected surprises when it comes to insurance. The AMG Line E 220 d diesel is the model with the lowest insurance rating, at group 35 out of 50. Above this is the E 300 petrol, which falls into group 37, with the E 350 rated as 39.

With the most performance, the AMG E 53 sits at the top of the table. It has a group 48 rating.

Being introduced to the UK after April 2017 means all versions of the Mercedes-Benz E-Class Cabriolet fall into the newer VED (road tax) schemes.

All E-Class Cabriolet models from launch onwards have a list price that exceeds £40,000. This means that they incur the additional £325 annual charge after the first year of registration, taking the annual total to £475. 

Given the price and market position of the E-Class Cabriolet, it is likely to appeal to company car drivers. Regardless of the version chosen, all fall into the 35% benefit-in-kind tax bracket.

Mercedes-Benz E-Class Cabriolet AMG Line for pre-November 2018 models includes 19-inch alloy wheels, AMG body styling, LED headlights, SD-card satellite navigation and keyless ignition.

The Mercedes-Benz E-Class Cabriolet Premium Package adds keyless entry and memory functions for the electric seats. Premier Plus goes further with the amazing Burmester surround sound system, plus upgraded intelligent LED headlights. 

An optional Mercedes-Benz E-Class Cabriolet Night Package brings 19-inch wheels with gloss black inserts, a front grille with gloss black elements, plus privacy glass and black wing mirror covers. As part of the model update in late 2018, Multibeam LED headlights, the Comand Online multimedia system and the widescreen digital dashboard all became standard equipment. 

Equipment levels across the entire range are impressive, meaning the core AMG Line model offers virtually everything necessary to enjoy the E-Class Cabriolet. Searching out cars with air suspension and the widescreen Comand Online system is recommended, as these make a notable difference to your experience.