The 2018 Mercedes-benz E 400 4MATIC Cabriolet made a significant impression during a week-long test drive, evoking a mix of reactions. While the sheer volume of features and the expansive digital displays were immediately striking, the driving dynamics proved less engaging. However, the car excelled in comfort and refinement, prompting a central question: can a vehicle be too beautiful and technologically advanced to truly excite?
Mercedes-Benz, under the guidance of Gordon Wagener, has undeniably crafted a visually stunning automobile. The design language embodies purity and balance, flowing seamlessly from front to rear. Its elegance is undeniable, characterized by well-judged proportions and a welcome absence of superfluous lines and creases that plague many modern vehicles.
Wagener and his team deserve commendation for resisting the trend of overly styled cars. Instead, they have opted for smooth, rounded contours reminiscent of iconic designs like the Jaguar E-Type and classic Porsche 911s. This restrained approach ensures the E-Cabriolet’s timeless appeal, suggesting it will age gracefully in the years to come.
Driving Experience: Comfort Over Carving
However, those seeking a thrilling and involving driving experience may find the E 400 Cabriolet falling short. This car is clearly engineered for relaxed cruising, prioritizing passenger comfort and scenic appreciation over spirited cornering. It offers a driving experience akin to sinking into a comfortable armchair – pleasant and relaxing, but hardly exhilarating.
The inclusion of numerous semi-autonomous driving aids, bundled within the optional Intelligent Drive Package, further diminishes the driver’s role. While these technologies represent impressive engineering, they contribute to a sense of detachment from the act of driving. In a world increasingly focused on autonomous driving, the E 400 Cabriolet seems to embrace this future, perhaps at the expense of driver engagement.
Cabin and Interior: A Haven of Luxury
Stepping inside the E 400 Cabriolet reveals a truly luxurious cabin. The interior design is a testament to Mercedes-Benz’s commitment to high-quality materials and sophisticated aesthetics.
The extensive use of Nappa leather, open-pore dark ash wood trim, and subtle ambient lighting creates an atmosphere of refined elegance. The technological interfaces are seamlessly integrated and mostly intuitive, although mastering the full array of features requires some acclimatization.
The digital instrument cluster and infotainment screens are particularly noteworthy. The optional 12.3-inch widescreen instrument cluster offers customizable display styles, while the standard 12.3-inch central display provides access to navigation, entertainment, and vehicle settings. Features like Apple CarPlay, Android Auto, and satellite radio are all readily available, ensuring modern connectivity.
Technology and Features: A Digital Age Convertible
The 2018 E 400 Cabriolet is packed with technology, some of which enhances the driving experience, while others redefine it. The semi-autonomous driving features, though potentially intrusive for driving purists, are undeniably advanced. Systems like Active Distance Assist, Active Steering Assist, and Active Lane Keeping Assist aim to ease the burden of driving, particularly on long journeys.
For open-top enjoyment in various climates, Mercedes-Benz has incorporated features like Airscarf and Aircap. Airscarf provides neck-level heating for front passengers, while Aircap is a wind deflector system that reduces turbulence in the cabin when the top is down. These features, combined with effective wind deflectors, make top-down driving comfortable even in cooler temperatures.
Standard AMG styling elements further enhance the car’s visual appeal. These include 18-inch alloy wheels, the distinctive “Diamond Grille,” full LED lighting, AMG front and rear aprons, and side skirts. These touches contribute to a sporty yet sophisticated aesthetic.
Comfort is paramount in the E 400 Cabriolet. The seats are exceptionally comfortable, offering ample adjustability. Heated front seats and armrests, along with climate comfort front seats, are available, further enhancing passenger well-being. The leather seating surfaces are designed to reflect sunlight, keeping them cooler on sunny days.
Performance and Powertrain: Adequate but Not Awe-Inspiring
Under the hood, the 2018 E 400 Cabriolet features a 3.0-litre twin-turbo V-6 engine paired with Mercedes-Benz’s 9G-Tronic nine-speed automatic transmission and 4MATIC all-wheel drive. The engine produces 329 horsepower and 354 lb.-ft. of torque, providing adequate performance for everyday driving.
While Mercedes-Benz claims a 0-100 km/hour time of 5.5 seconds, the powertrain doesn’t deliver a particularly engaging experience. It is refined and smooth in most situations, but lacks character and audible excitement when pushed harder. The transmission includes a “sailing” feature designed to improve fuel efficiency by automatically shifting to neutral during coasting.
Switching to Sport or Sport+ driving modes sharpens throttle response, adds weight to the steering, and provides more aggressive shift mapping. However, even in these modes, the driving experience remains more focused on comfort and composure than outright excitement.
Conclusion: A Beautiful Cruiser, Not a Driver’s Car
The 2018 Mercedes-Benz E 400 4MATIC Cabriolet is a beautifully designed and technologically advanced luxury convertible. It excels in comfort, refinement, and offers a plethora of features aimed at making driving easier and more relaxing. However, driving enthusiasts seeking an engaging and dynamic experience may find it lacking.
Ultimately, the E 400 Cabriolet is best suited for those who prioritize style, luxury, and comfort over outright driving thrills. It’s a car to be seen in and to be comfortable in, perfect for cruising and enjoying the scenery, rather than carving corners. For buyers in the market for a sophisticated and feature-rich convertible, the 2018 Mercedes-Benz E 400 Cabriolet remains a compelling option, even if it leans more towards relaxed elegance than adrenaline-pumping performance.
2018 Mercedes Benz E 400 4MATIC Cabriolet – Key Specifications (As Tested):
- Base Price: $80,300
- Price as Tested: $92,700
- Engine: 3.0-litre twin turbo V-6 (329 horsepower/354 lb.-ft. of torque)
- Transmission: 9-speed automatic
- Drive: All-wheel drive (4MATIC)
- Fuel Economy (Claimed): 12.0 L/100km (city) / 9.2 L/100km (highway)
- 0-100 km/h: 5.5 seconds (factory figures)
- Comparables: BMW 6-Series, Audi S5
Optional Packages (As Tested):
- Premium Package ($4,800): 12.3-inch instrument cluster display, Burmester surround sound system, foot-activated trunk release, KEYLESS-GO, climate comfort front seats, rapid heating feature for front seats, heated front armrests, illuminated door sills.
- Intelligent Drive Package ($2,700): Active Distance Assist, DISTRONIC, Active Steering Assist, Evasive Steering Assist, Active Blind Spot Assist, Active Lane Keeping Assist, Active Lane Change Assist, Active Brake Assist with Cross-Traffic Function, Congestion Emergency Braking, Active Emergency Stop Assist, PRE-SAFE PLUS, Traffic Sign Assist.
- Multicontour front seats with massage ($1,800)
Key Standard Features: (List from original article – already incorporated in review).
