The 2018 Mercedes-Benz E400 4MATIC Cabriolet presents itself as a vehicle packed with features and cutting-edge technology, wrapped in a stunning design. After a week of thorough testing, several aspects of this luxury convertible came to the forefront. While the sheer density of its features and the impressive digital interface are immediately striking, the actual driving experience prompts deeper reflection. This review delves into the nuances of the 2018 Mb E400, exploring its blend of comfort, technology, and driving dynamics to provide a comprehensive understanding for potential enthusiasts and buyers.
Mercedes-Benz, under the guidance of Gordon Wagener, has undeniably crafted a visually arresting automobile. The design language of the 2018 E400 Cabriolet speaks volumes about understated elegance. Its silhouette is remarkably pure, exhibiting a harmonious balance from front to rear. The car’s elegance is undeniable, marked by well-judged proportions and a refreshing absence of superfluous lines or creases that plague many contemporary designs.
In an era where automotive aesthetics often lean towards overly styled and busy designs, Mercedes-Benz has taken a different path with the E400 Cabriolet. Wagener and his team have seemingly advocated for a return to classic, flowing forms reminiscent of iconic models like the Jaguar E-Type and certain Porsche 911 iterations. This design philosophy ensures that the 2018 MB E400 boasts an enduring appeal, likely to age gracefully in terms of aesthetics.
However, while the visual appeal is undeniable, the driving experience of the 2018 Mercedes-Benz E400 leans heavily towards relaxed cruising rather than spirited engagement. This is a car engineered for those who prioritize enjoying the scenery over the thrill of corner carving. It delivers a level of comfort akin to a plush lounge chair, making it an excellent choice for long, leisurely drives.
The inclusion of numerous semi-autonomous driving features, bundled within the optional Intelligent Drive Package, subtly shifts the driver’s role. While legally required and financially responsible for the vehicle, the driver sometimes feels like a secondary component. The underlying philosophy seems to favor digital automation, hinting at a future where autonomous systems take precedence.
The cabin of the 2018 MB E400 is undeniably a haven of luxury and sophistication. It’s a testament to Mercedes-Benz’s commitment to interior craftsmanship and passenger comfort.
Daimler, Mercedes-Benz’s parent company, stands at the forefront of autonomous driving technology. This emphasis is increasingly relevant as consumer preferences and regulatory pressures push the automotive industry towards greater vehicle autonomy. While advancements in self-driving technology are noteworthy, their integration into the driving experience inevitably diminishes driver involvement, potentially eroding driving skills and the traditional sense of shared road responsibility. Just as reliance on search engines might affect cognitive abilities, over-dependence on self-driving features could lead to a more passive and detached driving experience. Despite these considerations, the rise of autonomous driving appears inexorable.
During the test drive, deactivating the numerous “active-assist” systems became a priority to better gauge the inherent driving dynamics. Some of these systems, like lane keeping assist, exhibit limitations, occasionally struggling to differentiate between intentional lane changes and unintentional drifting. This underscores that while advanced, these systems are not yet infallible.
For long-distance cruising, the 2018 MB E400 Cabriolet excels. Mercedes-Benz has successfully adapted the E-Class platform to create an open-top car that offers reasonable rear-seat legroom and maintains a comfortable environment regardless of outside temperatures. This is achieved through features like wind deflectors and the AirScarf and AirCap systems, which provide warm air to the neck and head areas of both front and rear occupants.
The exterior design continues to impress with details and standard AMG styling elements. These include 18-inch alloy wheels, the distinctive “Diamond Grille,” full LED lighting, AMG front and rear aprons and side skirts, and sculpted hood lines. With the top down, the tonneau cover neatly conceals the fabric roof, which, when raised, effectively insulates against cold, rain, and external noise. The seats in the 2018 E400 Cabriolet are exceptionally comfortable, offering a wide range of adjustments to suit various body types.
The leather seating surfaces are designed to reflect sunlight, and the front seats feature a slide-forward and fold-down mechanism for easier rear access. While trunk space is limited, particularly with the top down, a pass-through enhances practicality.
Under the hood, the 2018 E400 4MATIC Cabriolet houses a 3.0-litre twin-turbo V-6 engine paired with Mercedes-Benz’s 9G-Tronic nine-speed automatic transmission and all-wheel drive. The transmission includes a fuel-saving “sailing” feature that shifts to neutral during coasting.
Performance figures are adequate, with 329 horsepower and 354 lb.-ft. of torque, enabling a claimed 0-100 km/hour time of 5.5 seconds. However, the powertrain generally operates quietly and unobtrusively until pushed harder, at which point a degree of coarseness becomes apparent. The driving experience, in this respect, prioritizes smoothness over engaging character, aligning with the car’s overall focus on relaxed luxury.
Selecting Sport or Sport + modes does inject some liveliness into the 2018 MB E400. These modes sharpen throttle response, add weight to the steering, and introduce more aggressive shift patterns. However, even in these settings, the driving experience remains more refined than exhilarating.
Inside, the cabin is a blend of Nappa leather, open-pore dark ash wood, subtle ambient lighting, and user-friendly technology interfaces.
The array of 21st-century electronics includes GPS navigation, satellite radio, smartphone integration via Apple CarPlay or Android Auto, and optional and standard 12.3-inch widescreen displays for instrumentation and infotainment. These systems manage a suite of driver-assistance features, from adaptive cruise control and lane keeping assist to emergency braking and parking assistance.
In conclusion, the 2018 Mercedes Benz E 400 4MATIC Cabriolet is a beautifully designed, feature-rich luxury convertible that prioritizes comfort and technology over outright driving excitement. It’s an ideal choice for those seeking a sophisticated and relaxed open-top driving experience, equipped with a wealth of modern amenities and advanced driver assistance systems.
2018 Mercedes Benz E 400 4MATIC Cabriolet – Key Specs:
- Base price: $80,300 (As tested: $92,700)
- Engine: 3.0-litre twin turbo V-6 (329 horsepower/354 lb.-ft. of torque)
- 0-100 km/hour: 5.5 seconds (factory figures)
- Transmission: nine-speed automatic
- Drive: all-wheel drive
- Fuel economy: 12.0 city/9.2 highway litres/100 km (premium fuel)
- Comparables: BMW 6-Series, Audi S5
Optional Packages Highlighted:
- 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.
Key Standard Features: All-season power soft top, power front seats with memory, heated front seats, AIRSCARF neck-level heating system, AIRCAP system, dual-zone automatic climate control, 64-colour LED ambient lighting, 50/50 split-folding rear seats, electric trunk partition, power-folding side mirrors, KEYLESS-START, illuminated entry system, HomeLink garage door opener, 12.3-inch high-resolution central display, analog gauges with high-resolution multifunction display, COMAND system with touchpad controller, 3-spoke Touch Control steering wheel, COMAND online navigation, voice control, FrontBass system, SiriusXM Radio with six-month trial, Apple CarPlay, Android Auto, hands-free Bluetooth interface, Bluetooth audio streaming, dual USB audio ports, HD Radio receiver, DYNAMIC SELECT, lowered suspension with selective damping system, ESP Dynamic Cornering Assist, Active Brake Assist, ATTENTION ASSIST, rearview camera, LED daytime running lamps, LED headlamps and taillamps, Crosswind Assist, PRE-SAFE, 10 air bags, pop-up roll bars, Blind Spot Assist, adaptive braking technology, Active Parking Assist, SmartKey with KEYLESS-START, rain-sensing windshield wipers, MAGIC VISION CONTROL.
