The Mercedes-Benz E-Class has long been synonymous with luxury, performance, and sophisticated design. As a devoted admirer of the W212 generation, particularly the pre-facelift models, I approached the 2014 Mercedes E-Class facelift with a mix of anticipation and apprehension. The original W212, to many, myself included, represented the pinnacle of modern Mercedes-Benz sedan aesthetics. The question lingered: could the facelift enhance, or would it detract from, this established success? Thankfully, my worries were unfounded. While the iconic rectangular quad headlights and the distinctive ponton-style rear fender flares of the earlier W212 models were reimagined, the 2014 Mercedes E emerged as an even more cohesive and undeniably handsome vehicle.
My experience with the E-Class lineage is extensive, having spent considerable time behind the wheel of both W212 and W211 E350 sedans, courtesy of family ownership. More recently, I had the pleasure of experiencing the 2014 refresh in the exhilarating E550 Cabriolet guise. The E550, with its twin-turbocharged V8, was an absolute powerhouse, delivering a staggering 440 lb-ft of torque from a mere 1600 rpm. The sheer thrust was, to put it mildly, abundant. However, for this review, the focus shifts to the 2014 Mercedes E350 Cabriolet. This model forgoes forced induction, relying on a naturally aspirated 3.5-liter V6 engine. While it may lack the E550’s brutal power, the E350’s powertrain is far from underwhelming. It offers a refined and enjoyable driving experience, perfectly suited to the E-Class’s character. Although the 7-speed automatic transmission might not possess the lightning-fast gear changes of some competitors, its programming aligns seamlessly with the E-Class’s relaxed and elegant demeanor. The V6 engine still delivers class-leading power and torque figures, accompanied by a satisfyingly sporty induction growl when you demand more from the throttle.
In a market increasingly saturated with vehicles chasing an often forced and unnecessary sense of “sportiness,” driving the 2014 Mercedes E350 Cabriolet is a breath of fresh air. While this particular model was equipped with the optional Sport package, its enhancements were tastefully restrained, limited to 18-inch AMG wheels, drilled pedals, and supportive multi-contour seats. Crucially, it avoided the pitfalls of overly stiff suspension or artificial-feeling adjustable steering. The result is a 2014 E350 that excels in its core mission: providing luxurious comfort and refined driving dynamics. It navigates the road with precision, yet maintains the crucial layer of isolation that defines a true luxury car. Even with its fabric roof, the cabin remains remarkably quiet when closed, rivaling many hardtop convertibles. With the top down, drafts are minimal, enhancing the open-air experience. The ride quality is supple and comfortable, and the chassis exhibits impressive rigidity, remaining free of unwanted scuttle shake or rattles, even on imperfect road surfaces.
This sense of serene isolation extends to the cabin of the 2014 Mercedes E. While it might not boast all the cutting-edge, often superfluous, technology found in ultra-high-end convertibles, the build quality and material selection are undeniably on par with significantly more expensive rivals. When compared to competitors like a fully optioned BMW 4-Series convertible, which can easily exceed $70,000, the larger 2014 Mercedes E-Class Cabriolet presents a compelling value proposition. Mercedes-Benz’s COMAND infotainment system remains a personal favorite in the luxury segment, praised for its crisp visuals and intuitive operation. It avoids the frustratingly complex submenus prevalent in some competing systems, instead organizing key functions across a clear, horizontal menu structure. The column-mounted gear shifter, while not universally favored, feels perfectly appropriate in the relaxed character of the E350 Cabriolet. For those occasions when manual gear selection is desired, steering wheel-mounted paddles are readily accessible. The rest of the interior exudes quality, with premium materials and a sophisticated design aesthetic that justifies the test vehicle’s as-tested price of just under $75,000. For drivers who prioritize a composed and comfortable ride, and who are unmoved by the industry’s relentless pursuit of aggressive “sportiness,” the 2014 Mercedes E350 Cabriolet emerges as an exceptionally well-suited choice.
