We say The E-Class Cabriolet is a stylish drop-top which is set up for smooth, comfortable driving, but it lacks the performance punch of some rivals.Performance There’s an engine share scheme between each E Class bodystyle which means the usual mix of diesel and petrol engines, making it the first drop top diesel on offer from the German manufacturer. At the top of the range is a 382bhp 4.0-litre V8 petrol engiEmissions The E Class Cabriolet comes with diesel engines and also Mercedes’s BlueEfficiency eco-signature. That forces CO2 emissions as low as 143g/km on the E220 2.0-litre CDI engine, which also has the best fuel economy figures of 52mpg.Driving Suspension set ups vary between trim levels and that means a lowering and stiffening of suspension setups to give a more sporty, aggressive ride if you require it. As standard though the E Class cabriolet isn’t cumbersome but it’s not particularly agile. As mentioned earlier, this is a car where you enjoy the ride rather than the feedback and engagement as you throw it round bends.Feel It’s comfortable rather than agile or nimble with the steering feeling a little woolly and uncommunicative. But, if you move towards sports suspension setups and trim levels, the E Class Cabriolet does become more involving and enjoyable to drive as you pSpace The E Class is a small car with a wheelbase exactly the same as the smaller C Class family. That means interior space can become a little cramped, especially if all the seats are taken up. Passengers in the back won’t suffer too much in terms of headroomEquipment As you’d expect, the E Class Cabriolet comes well equipped – given its premium tag and BMW badge. In basic, SE trim form the drop-top comes with 17-inch alloy wheels, leather seats and an Advanced Parking Guidance system. At the top of the range is the SPrice Pricing for the E Class Cabriolet starts from a little over £35,000 but that can rise by more than £20,000 depending on options and extras.Quality The E Class is solid, stylish and uses some of the best materials available. There should be no reliability issues as a result and more to the point, you’ll feel like you’re in a car that should probably cost more than this. The same goes for its engines.Safety There are always a few more safety features thrown in when a car is stripped of its roof to make up for the apparent loss in rigidity. Fortunately the E Class comes with a roll-over protection system, reinforced surfaces and a wide range of safety featurePros The Mercedes E Class looks great and comes with a wide range of diesel engines that can cut fuel costs quite dramatically, as well as reduce CO2 emissions. Comfortable and ideal for long journeys on the motorway where other drop-tops mightn’t be.Cons It’s a little boring in terms of drive and not quite as dynamic looking as some of its rivals.Alternatives BMW 3 Series Convertible, Audi A5 Cabriolet
