Mercedes-Benz E-Class Cabriolet - A Good-looking Car

What is it? Merc updates it four-seater drop-top

Verdict: Still a refined cruiser. Shame about the firmer ride

Mercedes’ E-Class Cabriolet has just been updated in line with recent changes to the rest of the range. That means a fresh new look, updated engines and various other improvements.

The outgoing car was one of our favorite four-seat drop-tops – especially when you combined the 3.0-liter six-cylinder diesel engine with the SE suspension, because you got an effortlessly smooth power delivery along with a soft and wallowy ride.

Mercedes’ E-Class Cabriolet has just been updated in line with recent changes to the rest of the range.

Unfortunately, the range-topping diesel (badged the E350 Bluetec) is now available only in AMG Sport trim, which means you get adaptive sports suspension as standard. This isn’t a good thing; the firmer set-up highlights the reduction in stiffness in the Merc’s body, and causes the car to shudder more over poor surfaces – especially at low speeds. Avoid selecting Sport mode, and the ride isn’t too bad – just not as cosseting as before.

True, the stiffer suspension reduces body sway through bends, but only marginally. The E-Class still isn’t especially agile, so it doesn’t like quick direction changes. The new electronic steering system designed to cut fuel consumption is nicely weighted, though, making this a composed high-speed cruiser.

True, the stiffer suspension reduces body sway through bends, but only marginally.

We also tried the new twin-turbo E400 petrol. It’s seriously strong, pulling smoothly from low revs and hitting 62mph in just 5.3 seconds. It also sounds good, although the boomy exhaust note never totally fades away, even at a steady motorway cruise. Unsurprisingly, fuel economy and maximum range between fill-ups aren’t that impressive, either.

Sitting in the back of a drop-top is often a breezy affair. Things are different in the E-Class, thanks to a system called Aircap, which deflects wind over rear passengers, and which now deploys automatically above 25mph.

Sitting in the back of a drop-top is often a breezy affair.

Prices have increased across the range, but factor in the extra kit you now get as standard, and the Cabrio is better value than ever.

The E-Class Cabriolet is still a good buy, then. It’s just a shame Mercedes is no longer offering the best engine (the E350 Bluetec) with the best suspension set-up (SE). You now have to choose between a soft ride and a punchy and refined diesel, whereas it was the combination of the two that made Merc’s drop-top so appealing.

It’s just a shame Mercedes is no longer offering the best engine (the E350 Bluetec) with the best suspension set-up (SE)