The Mercedes-Benz E-Class, particularly the W212 generation launched in 2010, has always held a special place for enthusiasts who appreciate a blend of style and substance. When whispers of a 2014 facelift for the E-Class emerged, there was understandable apprehension. The original W212, with its distinctive rectangular headlights and pronounced rear fender flares, was considered by many, including seasoned automotive critics, to be a benchmark for modern Mercedes-Benz sedan design. The question was: could Mercedes improve on near-perfection without losing the essence of what made the W212 so appealing? Fortunately, the 2014 update to the 2014 E350 Mercedes, while refining some of the more polarizing design elements, retained the core appeal of the E-Class, delivering a car that is both handsome and dynamically capable.
Having spent considerable time behind the wheel of various E-Class models, including the pre-facelift W212 E350 sedan and the powerful E550 Cabriolet from the 2014 refresh, the opportunity to experience the 2014 E350 Mercedes Cabriolet was eagerly anticipated. The E550, with its twin-turbo V8, was undeniably impressive, offering a tidal wave of torque from low RPMs. The E350, while foregoing forced induction, presents a different but equally satisfying driving experience. Its 3.5-liter V6 engine delivers power smoothly and confidently, perfectly complementing the car’s relaxed demeanor. While the 7-speed automatic transmission might not offer the lightning-fast shifts found in some competitors, its programming aligns perfectly with the E350’s character, encouraging a more leisurely and refined driving style. The engine itself is no slouch, providing ample power and a pleasingly subtle growl when you demand more from the throttle.
In a market increasingly obsessed with overt sportiness, the 2014 E350 Mercedes Cabriolet offers a refreshing alternative. Even with the optional Sport package equipped on the test car, which included attractive 18-inch AMG wheels, drilled pedals, and supportive multi-contour seats, the focus remained firmly on comfort and refinement. Crucially, the Sport package avoided overly stiff suspension or artificially heavy steering – choices that often detract from the luxury experience. The E350 excels in providing a composed and precise ride while maintaining a crucial layer of isolation from road imperfections, a hallmark of a true luxury vehicle. With the fabric roof raised, the cabin is remarkably quiet for a convertible, rivaling some hardtop coupes in sound insulation. Lowering the top reveals a serene open-air experience, remarkably free from buffeting and drafts. The ride quality remains comfortable even on less-than-perfect surfaces, and the chassis exhibits impressive rigidity, free from unwanted shakes or rattles. From a repair perspective, the robust chassis and thoughtful engineering of the 2014 E350 Mercedes suggest a car built to last, minimizing potential issues down the road.
This sense of serene sophistication extends to the interior of the 2014 E350 Mercedes Cabriolet. While it might not boast the cutting-edge, often complex technology of ultra-high-end convertibles, the cabin materials and build quality feel comparable to vehicles in a significantly higher price bracket. When compared to competitors like a fully optioned BMW 4-Series convertible, which can quickly approach or exceed the price of the E350, the Mercedes-Benz holds its own remarkably well. Mercedes-Benz’s COMAND infotainment system, in this era, stands out as a user-friendly and visually appealing interface. Its intuitive layout avoids the confusing nested submenus that plague some rival systems, presenting key functions in a clear and accessible horizontal structure. The column-mounted gear selector, a feature sometimes criticized, proves to be perfectly functional and space-efficient in the E350 Cabriolet, freeing up valuable center console space. Steering wheel-mounted paddles are still available for those who desire manual gear changes. The overall interior design is elegant and executed with high-quality materials, befitting the test car’s near-$75,000 price tag when fully equipped. For buyers seeking a refined and comfortable open-top experience without the need for aggressive sportiness, the 2014 E350 Mercedes Cabriolet remains an excellent choice.
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