The 2018 Mercedes-Benz E400 4MATIC Cabriolet is a vehicle that evokes a complex mix of emotions. After spending a week behind the wheel, the sheer density of its features list is staggering. The massive digital instrument and infotainment screens are undeniably awe-inspiring. Yet, beneath the surface of this beautiful machine, the actual driving experience left me somewhat underwhelmed. While creature comforts are abundant and pleasing, a central question lingered: Why did such a stunning automobile feel so…boring?
There’s no denying the visual appeal of this Mercedes. Gordon Wagener, the head of design, and his team have crafted something truly special. The design language speaks of purity, with an overall shape that’s both elegant and balanced from front to rear. It’s a testament to sophisticated restraint, especially in an era where car designs often succumb to overly busy and fussy aesthetics. Mercedes has commendably avoided superfluous creases and unnecessary embellishments, opting instead for smooth, rounded forms reminiscent of timeless classics like the Jaguar E-Type and the finest Porsche 911 iterations. This E-Cabriolet is designed to age gracefully, aesthetically speaking.
However, if you’re seeking an engaging and thrilling driving experience, the 2018 Mercedes E400 Cabriolet might not fully satisfy. This car is engineered for those who prioritize soaking in the scenery over aggressively tackling winding roads. It offers a level of comfort akin to a luxurious Barcalounger, prioritizing relaxed cruising over spirited performance.
Equipped with a suite of semi-autonomous driving features, bundled within the optional $2,700 Intelligent Drive Package, the driver almost feels relegated to a secondary role. While legal regulations and the necessity of payment for this $80,300-plus-options vehicle mandate a human presence behind the wheel, there’s a palpable sense that the minds behind cars like the E400 Cabriolet envision a future where digital intelligence takes over the driving task entirely.
The cabin is undeniably a lovely space to inhabit. But the overarching trend towards autonomous technology, championed by Daimler, Mercedes’ parent company and a global leader in the field, raises questions about the future of driving. As consumer preferences and regulatory pressures push the automotive industry toward increasingly autonomous vehicles, the role of the driver is undeniably shifting.
While the engineering complexity of these systems is admirable, their intrusion upon the driving experience is, for some, regrettable. It potentially diminishes driving skills, decision-making abilities, and the sense of shared community among drivers that has been a part of modern society for over a century. Just as some argue that search engines can hinder independent thought, an over-reliance on self-driving technology may lead to a less engaged and more passive driving experience. Nevertheless, the age of autonomous driving is rapidly approaching.
Naturally, during my week with the 2018 Mercedes E400 Cabriolet, I deactivated as many of the “active-assist” systems as possible. Some of these features, like lane keeping assist, can be problematic, struggling to differentiate between a deliberate lane change and unintentional lane drifting. The technology, while impressive, is not yet infallible.
However, as a long-distance cruiser designed for comfortable point-to-point journeys, the E-Cabriolet excels. Mercedes has skillfully adapted the E-Class platform to create an open-top car with surprisingly generous rear-seat legroom, while ensuring comfort in various weather conditions. This is largely thanks to clever wind deflectors and the integrated AirScarf and AirCap systems. AirScarf gently blows warm air onto the necks of front passengers, while AirCap extends a wind deflector and raises the rear headrests to minimize cabin turbulence for both front and rear occupants.
The exterior aesthetics of the 2018 Mercedes E400 Cabriolet are undeniably striking. Bystanders will certainly take notice as you drive by. Beyond the fundamental design purity, attention to detail and standard AMG styling elements further enhance its visual appeal. These include 18-inch alloy wheels, the distinctive “Diamond Grille,” full LED headlights and taillights, AMG front and rear aprons, side skirts, and even power domes on the hood.
With the top down, the tonneau cover neatly conceals the multi-layer fabric roof. When raised, this roof provides excellent insulation against cold, rain, and external noise. Mercedes also deserves praise for the seating in the E400 Cabriolet. The seats are exceptionally comfortable and highly adjustable. If you cannot find a comfortable position in these seats, the issue likely lies with the occupant, not the seat design.
The leather seating surfaces are designed to reflect sunlight, helping to keep them cooler in warmer climates. The front seats also feature a power-slide forward and fold-down function, facilitating easy access to the rear seats. Trunk space is limited, even with the top raised, but a pass-through feature adds a degree of practicality.
Under the hood, the 2018 E400 4MATIC Cabriolet features a familiar powertrain: a 3.0-liter twin-turbo V-6 engine paired with Mercedes’ ubiquitous 9G-Tronic nine-speed automatic transmission and all-wheel drive. The transmission includes a “sailing” feature, which disengages the engine during coasting to improve fuel efficiency.
While the engine produces a respectable 329 horsepower and 354 lb.-ft. of torque, the power delivery doesn’t feel particularly awe-inspiring. Mercedes claims a 0-100 km/hour (0-62 mph) time of 5.5 seconds. In most driving situations, the powertrain operates quietly and unobtrusively. However, when pushed harder, a degree of engine coarseness becomes apparent. The driving experience, in terms of powertrain character, feels somewhat bland, aligning with the car’s overall focus on relaxed cruising.
Selecting Sport or Sport+ driving modes does inject a bit more liveliness into the E-Cabriolet. These modes sharpen throttle response, add a touch of weight to the otherwise light steering, and introduce more aggressive shift mapping for the transmission. However, even in these sportier settings, the driving experience remains more refined than truly exhilarating.
The cabin ambiance in the standard 2018 Mercedes E400 Cabriolet is a tastefully executed blend of Nappa leather, open-pore dark ash wood trim, subtle ambient lighting, and user-friendly technological interfaces.
While generally intuitive, mastering the full array of 21st-century electronics requires some initial familiarization. This includes the GPS navigation system, satellite radio, smartphone integration via Apple CarPlay or Android Auto, the optional 12.3-inch widescreen instrument cluster with customizable display styles (classic, sport, and progressive), the standard 12.3-inch central infotainment display, and numerous other features.
The 2018 E-Cabriolet is equipped with advanced driver-assistance systems that can follow traffic, assist with steering, help keep you in your lane, execute lane changes upon signal activation, and even brake and maneuver autonomously in emergency situations. These features represent the kind of technological advancements that modern convertible drivers are increasingly coming to expect.
Ultimately, the 2018 Mercedes-Benz E400 4MATIC Cabriolet is undeniably a beautiful and technologically advanced vehicle.
2018 Mercedes Benz E 400 4MATIC Cabriolet Specifications:
- Base Price: $80,300
- Price as Tested: $92,700
- Engine: 3.0-liter twin-turbo V-6 (329 horsepower/354 lb.-ft. of torque)
- 0-100 km/h (0-62 mph): 5.5 seconds (manufacturer claim)
- Transmission: Nine-speed automatic
- Drive: All-wheel drive
- Fuel Economy (city/highway): 12.0/9.2 L/100 km (using premium fuel)
- Competitors: 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: 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 airbags, pop-up roll bars, Blind Spot Assist, adaptive braking technology, Active Parking Assist, SmartKey with KEYLESS-START, rain-sensing windshield wipers, MAGIC VISION CONTROL.
