Mercedes-Benz E-Class re-refines the luxury convertible benchmark

Mercedes’ mid-sized four-seat cabrio finally has the interior size to match its style.

Mercedes-Benz’s new E-Class cabriolet just about achieves the best of both worlds. The engineering minimises the external effects such as bumpy roads and traffic noise — but also comfortably exposes the occupants to the elements.

Multiple layers of fabric and insulation create what the company describes as an “acoustic soft-top”. Simply put, when the roof is raised, noise is down — to sedan-like levels.

Flip a switch at up to 50km/h and that roof retracts into the boot to give an appreciation of the elements that no sedan can match, with or without a panoramic sunroof.

At that point the E-Class’s real party tricks are exposed. Vents built into the front seats blow warm or cool air to counter the ambient temperature and wind-deflectors at the top of the windscreen and behind the rear seats ensure one’s coiffure isn’t blown out of shape.

The interior retains the features that have made the E-Class such a hit, from dual 12.3-inch screens to lashings of leather and a quality feel to the switchgear.

The interior of the Mercedes-Benz cabriolet keeps the dual digital 12.3-inch screens common to the E-Class.. Pictue: Supplied

There are two cabrios, starting with the $123,500 E300, with four-cylinder turbo and nine-speed automatic. Standard are digital radio, smartphone connectivity, ambient lighting in 64 shades, dual-zone aircon, adaptive LED headlamps and semi-automated parking.

Its 20-inch wheels are shod with run-flat tyres and doing away with the spare endows 385L of dboot space with the roof up or 310L when stowed.

Opt for the V6-powered E400 at $157,500 and the default inclusions extend to head-up display, metallic paint, a 13-speaker Burmester audio and all-wheel drive.

Active safety gear includes a bonnet that pops up to protect pedestrians who wander into your path, autonomous emergency braking, automatic lane keeping, rear cross-traffic alert and driver alertness monitor.

The cabrio inherits the sedan’s refined ride, regardless of the roof’s position. There’s no body shake as a result of not having a fixed lid and, in the E400, acceleration is appropriately brisk.

The clincher: this car has no direct competition. Audi’s A5 won’t accommodate four adults in this level of comfort and BMW’s ageing 6 Series convertible starts at $198,000.

Smart aerodynamic aids help make open-top touring an unruffled experience. Picture: Supplied

VERDICT

Convertibles are an increasingly rarefied breed but the E-Class stands out as the best four-seater in the prestige game in terms of price and performance.