The 2018 Mercedes-Benz E400 4MATIC Cabriolet is undeniably a head-turner. After spending a week behind the wheel, it’s clear this vehicle excels in aesthetics and feature richness, yet it presents a driving experience that may leave enthusiasts wanting more thrill. Is this blend of beauty and subdued performance the right combination for luxury convertible buyers? Let’s delve into the details.
Mercedes-Benz, under the guidance of Gordon Wagener, has crafted a truly stunning design with the E400 Cabriolet. There’s an undeniable purity to its form, a harmonious balance from the front to the rear. The car exudes elegance, boasting perfect proportions and a refreshing absence of superfluous lines and creases that plague many modern designs.
In an era where automotive styling often leans towards overly complex origami-like shapes, Wagener and his team have championed a return to smooth, flowing forms reminiscent of iconic designs like the Jaguar E-Type and classic Porsche 911s. This E-Cabriolet is poised to age gracefully, its aesthetic appeal enduring for years to come.
However, if you seek an engaging and exhilarating driving experience, the 2018 Mercedes Benz E400 Cabriolet may not fully satisfy. This car is engineered for those who prioritize serene cruising and enjoying the scenery over spirited corner carving. It offers a level of comfort akin to a plush armchair, but with a similar level of excitement behind the wheel.
Equipped with a suite of semi-autonomous driving aids, part of the optional $2,700 Intelligent Drive Package, the driver sometimes feels more like a legal requirement than an integral part of the driving process. While these technologies showcase Mercedes-Benz’s leadership in autonomous driving, they subtly diminish the traditional driver engagement that many car enthusiasts cherish. The industry’s push towards self-driving technology, driven by both consumer demand and regulatory pressures, is undeniable, but it raises questions about the future of driving pleasure.
The cabin, however, is a sanctuary of luxury and technology.
Despite the advancements in autonomous driving, the reviewer admits to disabling many of the “active-assist” features to regain a more traditional driving feel. Features like lane keeping assist, while technologically impressive, sometimes struggle to differentiate between intentional lane changes and unintentional drifting, highlighting the current limitations of these systems.
As a long-distance cruiser, the E-Cabriolet excels. Mercedes-Benz has successfully adapted the E-Class platform to create an open-top car that offers decent rear-seat legroom and impressive comfort in various weather conditions. This is largely thanks to features like wind deflectors and the AirScarf and AirCap systems, which provide warm air to the neck and head areas for both front and rear passengers.
From an exterior perspective, the 2018 E400 Cabriolet is a visual delight. Beyond its overall shape, it boasts attractive details and standard AMG styling elements including 18-inch alloy wheels, the distinctive “Diamond Grille,” full LED lighting, AMG aprons and side skirts, and power domes on the hood.
With the top down, the tonneau cover neatly conceals the multi-layer fabric roof. When raised, the roof provides excellent insulation against cold, rain, and noise. Mercedes-Benz also deserves praise for the seat design, offering exceptional comfort and adjustability. The leather surfaces are designed to reflect sunlight, and the front seats feature a power slide and fold function for easy rear access. While trunk space is limited, even with the top up, a pass-through adds a touch of practicality.
Delving into the powertrain, the 2018 E400 4MATIC Cabriolet features a 3.0-liter twin-turbo V6 engine paired with Mercedes’ 9G-Tronic nine-speed automatic transmission and all-wheel drive. The transmission includes a fuel-saving “sailing” mode that shifts to neutral during coasting.
While the engine’s output (329 horsepower and 354 lb-ft of torque) is adequate, achieving a claimed 0-100 km/h time of 5.5 seconds, it doesn’t deliver a truly exhilarating experience. For most driving situations, the powertrain operates quietly and unobtrusively. However, when pushed harder, a degree of engine coarseness becomes apparent. The overall driving character leans towards refinement rather than raw excitement, aligning with the car’s grand touring mission.
Selecting Sport or Sport+ driving modes does inject a bit more responsiveness into the throttle and steering, and sharpens the shift mapping. However, even in these modes, the driving experience remains more composed than captivating.
The cabin environment is a highlight, characterized by a sophisticated blend of Nappa leather, open-pore dark ash wood trim, subtle ambient lighting, and user-friendly technological interfaces.
The array of 21st-century technology, including GPS navigation, satellite radio, smartphone integration via Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, and the optional 12.3-inch widescreen instrument cluster, requires some initial familiarization. The standard 12.3-inch central display and COMAND system offer a comprehensive suite of features.
The 2018 E400 Cabriolet is equipped with advanced driver-assistance systems capable of following traffic, steering, lane keeping, lane changing, and emergency braking and maneuvering. Whether these features are genuinely desired by convertible drivers is a matter of personal preference.
Ultimately, the 2018 Mercedes-Benz E400 4MATIC Cabriolet is a beautifully designed and luxurious convertible that prioritizes comfort and technology over outright driving excitement.
2018 Mercedes Benz E 400 4MATIC Cabriolet – Key Specs:
- Base Price: $80,300
- Price as Tested: $92,700
- Engine: 3.0-liter twin-turbo V6 (329 hp, 354 lb-ft of torque)
- 0-100 km/h (0-62 mph): 5.5 seconds (manufacturer claim)
- Transmission: 9-speed automatic
- Drive: All-wheel drive (4MATIC)
- Fuel Economy (City/Highway): 12.0/9.2 L/100km (premium fuel)
- Competitors: BMW 6-Series, Audi S5 Cabriolet
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 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: (A comprehensive list is provided in the original article for further details).
In conclusion, the 2018 Mercedes-Benz E400 Cabriolet is an excellent choice for buyers seeking a luxurious and visually stunning convertible with advanced technology and a focus on relaxed cruising. However, drivers prioritizing a highly engaging and dynamic driving experience might find it somewhat subdued compared to sportier alternatives in its class.
