Mercedes E-Class Cabriolet
Extensive facelift makes the Mercedes E-Class Cabriolet a classy contender again
Cars in this market live and die by their looks, and the sharp new face gives the E-Class the wow factor. But its charms are more than skin deep. While the four-cylinder diesel isn’t the obvious engine choice, it has decent pulling power and a pleasing, relaxed nature. Add generous kit and lower emissions, and you have a car that appeals on every level.
Whether you’re a car fanatic or merely a casual observer, there’s something about the phrase ‘convertible Mercedes’ that oozes class. Never mind that the company spends more time promoting its front-wheel-drive diesel hatchbacks – tell someone you drive an open-top Mercedes and people will wonder how you found the money.
Although the brand reckons that the six-cylinder E350 is likely to be the biggest seller in the UK, we’re testing the more affordable four-cylinder E250 CDI. And what it lacks in terms of cylinders, the new E250 certainly makes up for in wow factor. Facelift packages rarely transform a car, but in this instance, the scalpel work has resulted in a design that’s significantly more attractive.
Gone are the clunky twin headlamps and fussy grille, replaced with elegant one-piece lights and a beautifully crafted one-bar grille and bumper. Even the chrome strip at the bottom of the front apron looks great. Mercedes claims that the facelift is the most extensive it’s ever designed and engineered, and it’s clear where a lot of the time and effort has been spent.
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You’ll need to be more of a Mercedes expert to spot the other exterior changes, such as the rearranged rear lights, but the overall effect of the tweaks is significant. Our only gripe is the hefty design of the rear wings, which makes the 18-inch alloys look undersized.
The cabin is virtually identical to that of the original car’s, which is no bad thing. The roof mechanism looks and feels well engineered, and takes just 20 seconds to lower and raise. Mercedes has also tweaked its clever AirCap device. This full-width spoiler strip rises from the top edge of the windscreen, and reduces buffeting at speed. It looks ungainly, but it does an amazing job of throwing airflow over the car. As part of the facelift, its deployment can now be fully automated – it pops up over 25mph and retracts when the car dips under 10mph.
The only aspect of the roof that doesn’t hit the mark is the retractable luggage cover in the boot. It’s designed to free up more space when the hood is up, but it requires a hefty shove to move in and out of position.
The interior, however, is hard to fault, with high-quality switchgear and Mercedes’ easy-to-use infotainment system. Powered sliding seats make access to the rear simple, while the standard leather seat upholstery adds to the E-Class’ upmarket ambience.
While the idea of a Mercedes convertible powered by a four-cylinder diesel is likely to upset purists, it’s a competent combination. The 201bhp output is modest, but factor in torque of 500Nm with a slick seven-speed automatic gearbox, and the result is an impressive drivetrain. It’s flexible, punchy and good for 50.1mpg (although we only managed 31.6mpg on our test); all it lacks is the six-cylinder growl of the Audi.
On the road, the E250 CDI is thoroughly rewarding to drive. It has less weight over its nose than the six-cylinder E350 CDI, so the cheaper model is more fun to drive, with great balance and a sharp turn-in. Adaptive dampers are standard, and allow the car to strike a good balance between ride comfort and agility. The E-Class is also impressively resistant to body shake, with only big potholes causing the windscreen frame to shimmy.
Opt for the £44,100 AMG Sport tested here, and there’s a decent quota of standard kit, too. Active xenon headlamps, parking sensors and the AirCap deflector all feature, as does a raft of safety equipment. And although we think the AirScarf headrest heater shouldn’t be an optional extra, this is an impressive package.
