The 2018 Mercedes-Benz E400 4MATIC Cabriolet made a strong impression during a week-long test drive, leaving a mix of awe and contemplation. Its extensive list of features and impressive digital interface were immediately striking. However, the actual driving experience proved to be less engaging than anticipated, though the comfort features were undeniably pleasing. This raises a fundamental question: can a car be too beautiful and technologically advanced to truly excite the driving enthusiast?
Mercedes-Benz, under the guidance of Chief Design Officer Gordon Wagener, has undeniably crafted a visually stunning vehicle. The design language exudes purity and balance, from the front to the rear. Its elegance lies in its refined proportions and the commendable absence of superfluous creases and unnecessary design elements.
In an era where many car designs lean towards overly complex and busy aesthetics, Mercedes has opted for smooth, rounded forms reminiscent of iconic vehicles like the Jaguar E-Type and classic Porsche 911s. This design philosophy suggests the 2018 E400 Mercedes Benz Cabriolet will maintain its aesthetic appeal for years to come.
However, drivers seeking a deeply engaging and thrilling driving experience might find themselves wanting more. This car is clearly engineered for those who prioritize serene cruising and scenic enjoyment over aggressive cornering and performance driving. It offers a level of comfort akin to a luxurious armchair, making it more of a relaxed cruiser than a sports car.
The inclusion of numerous semi-autonomous driving features, bundled within the optional $2,700 Intelligent Drive Package, subtly shifts the driver’s role. While legal regulations still necessitate a human behind the wheel, and of course, someone to finance the $80,300 base price (plus options), the underlying direction seems to favor a future where digital systems take over driving responsibilities.
The cabin environment of the 2018 E400 Mercedes Benz is undeniably luxurious and inviting, a testament to Mercedes-Benz’s commitment to interior refinement.
The automotive industry is undeniably moving towards autonomous driving technology, with Daimler, Mercedes-Benz’s parent company, at the forefront of this evolution. This shift is driven by changing consumer preferences and regulatory pressures. While the engineering achievements in autonomous technology are remarkable, they also represent a departure from the traditional joy of driving, potentially diminishing driving skills and the sense of community among drivers that has been a part of modern society for over a century. Just as some argue that search engines might reduce cognitive abilities, over-reliance on self-driving features could lead to driver complacency and detachment from the driving experience. Nevertheless, the era of self-driving vehicles is rapidly approaching.
During the test drive, deactivating many of the “active-assist” systems became a priority to better evaluate the core driving dynamics. Some of these systems, like lane keeping assist, demonstrate limitations in discerning intentional lane changes from unintentional drifting, highlighting that these technologies are still under development and not yet infallible.
However, as a long-distance, comfortable grand tourer, the E-Cabriolet excels. Mercedes-Benz has effectively utilized the E-Class platform to create an open-top car that provides adequate rear passenger space and maintains a comfortable environment regardless of the weather. This is achieved through a combination of wind deflectors and the AirScarf and AirCap systems, which deliver warm air to the neck area for front passengers and across the heads of rear occupants.
The visual appeal of the 2018 E400 Mercedes Benz is undeniable. Beyond its overall shape, specific design elements and standard AMG styling cues contribute to its striking appearance. These include 18-inch alloy wheels, the distinctive “Diamond Grille,” full LED lighting systems, AMG front and rear aprons, side skirts, and sculpted power ridges on the hood.
With the top lowered, the tonneau cover neatly conceals the multi-layer fabric roof. When raised, this roof effectively insulates the cabin from cold, rain, and external noise, enhancing year-round usability. The seats in the E400 Cabriolet are another highlight, offering exceptional comfort and adjustability. The leather upholstery is designed to reflect sunlight, and the front seats feature power adjustments for easy access to the rear. While trunk space is limited, especially with the top down, a pass-through provides some added practicality.
The powertrain of the 2018 E400 Mercedes Benz is a standard all-wheel-drive cabriolet configuration, featuring a 3.0-liter twin-turbo V6 engine paired with Mercedes’ 9G-Tronic nine-speed automatic transmission. The transmission includes a “sailing” feature, designed to improve fuel efficiency by automatically shifting to neutral during coasting.
While the engine output of 329 horsepower and 354 lb.-ft. of torque is adequate, and Mercedes claims a 0-60 mph acceleration time of 5.5 seconds, it doesn’t deliver a truly exhilarating sense of power. Under normal driving conditions, the powertrain operates quietly and unobtrusively. However, when pushed harder, a degree of engine coarseness becomes apparent. The overall driving experience lacks a distinct character, which seems consistent with the car’s focus on relaxed cruising.
Engaging Sport or Sport + driving modes does inject a bit more responsiveness into the E400 Cabriolet. These settings sharpen throttle response, add some weight to the steering, and provide more aggressive shift patterns. However, even in these sportier modes, the driving experience remains more refined than truly thrilling.
The cabin of the 2018 E400 Mercedes Benz, even in its standard configuration, presents a sophisticated blend of Nappa leather, open-pore dark ash wood trim, subtle ambient lighting, and user-friendly technology interfaces.
The technology suite is extensive, requiring some time to fully grasp the functionalities of the GPS navigation, satellite radio, smartphone integration via Apple CarPlay or Android Auto, and the optional 12.3-inch widescreen instrument cluster with customizable display styles. The standard 12.3-inch central display further enhances the modern feel of the interior.
This E-Cabriolet is equipped with advanced driving aids that can manage traffic flow, provide steering assistance, assist with lane changes, and initiate braking and maneuvering in emergency situations. Whether these features align with the desires of traditional convertible enthusiasts is a matter of personal preference.
Undeniably, the 2018 E400 Mercedes Benz Cabriolet is a visually captivating car.
2018 Mercedes Benz E 400 4MATIC Cabriolet Specifications:
- Base Price: $80,300
- Price as Tested: $92,700
- Engine: 3.0-liter twin-turbo V6 (329 hp, 354 lb-ft of torque)
- 0-60 mph: 5.5 seconds (manufacturer claim)
- Transmission: 9-speed automatic
- Drivetrain: All-wheel drive
- Fuel Economy (city/highway): 12.0 L/100km city / 9.2 L/100km highway (premium fuel)
- Competitors: BMW 6-Series, Audi S5
Optional Packages:
- 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 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, AIRCAP system, dual-zone climate control, 64-color ambient lighting, 50/50 split-folding rear seats, electric trunk partition, power-folding side mirrors, KEYLESS-START, illuminated entry, HomeLink, 12.3-inch central display, analog gauges with multifunction display, COMAND system with touchpad, Touch Control steering wheel, COMAND navigation, voice control, FrontBass system, SiriusXM Radio (trial), Apple CarPlay, Android Auto, Bluetooth, USB ports, HD Radio, DYNAMIC SELECT, lowered suspension, ESP Dynamic Cornering Assist, Active Brake Assist, ATTENTION ASSIST, rearview camera, LED daytime running lamps/headlamps/taillamps, Crosswind Assist, PRE-SAFE, 10 airbags, roll bars, Blind Spot Assist, adaptive braking, Active Parking Assist, SmartKey, rain-sensing wipers, MAGIC VISION CONTROL.
