A week spent test driving the 2018 Mercedes-benz E400 4MATIC Cabriolet evoked a range of reactions: astonishment at the sheer volume of features, awe at the expansive digital instrument and infotainment screens, a somewhat subdued driving experience, appreciation for the luxurious comforts, and finally, a puzzling question: Why did such a beautiful car feel so…unexciting?
There’s no denying the aesthetic achievement of the Mercedes-Benz design team, spearheaded by the esteemed Gordon Wagener. The design embodies a certain purity.
The 2018 Mercedes-Benz E400 4MATIC Cabriolet showcases elegant lines and balanced proportions.
From front to rear, the car presents a harmonious balance. Its elegance is undeniable, characterized by well-judged proportions. The absence of fussy lines and gratuitous embellishments is truly commendable. In an era where many vehicles suffer from overly complex designs, Wagener’s influence is clear. He seems to have guided his team away from fleeting trends, encouraging them to embrace smooth, flowing forms reminiscent of icons like the Jaguar E-Type and the best iterations of the Porsche 911. This E-Class Cabriolet possesses a timeless aesthetic that promises to age gracefully.
However, if you’re seeking an engaging and thrilling driving experience, the 2018 Mercedes-Benz E400 Cabriolet may not entirely satisfy. This is a car engineered for those who prioritize relaxed cruising and enjoying the scenery over spirited corner carving. Its driving dynamics are as laid-back as a comfortable recliner, though equally plush, it must be said.
Equipped with an array of semi-autonomous driving aids – part of the optional $2,700 Intelligent Drive Package – the driver almost feels relegated to a secondary role. While regulations mandate a driver, and of course, someone needs to afford this $80,300-plus-options vehicle, one gets the impression that the creators of this car, and others like it, would prefer to entrust driving entirely to digital systems.
Stepping inside reveals a truly delightful cabin.
Daimler, Mercedes-Benz’s parent company, is at the forefront of autonomous driving technology, a significant area as consumer preferences and regulatory pressures push the automotive industry towards increasingly autonomous vehicles.
While the engineering complexity is impressive, its encroachment upon the pure driving experience is regrettable. It diminishes driving skills, reduces decision-making engagement, and erodes the sense of shared road community that has been fundamental to modern society for over a century. Much like how search engines can impact memory, self-driving features risk making drivers passive and detached. Nevertheless, the age of self-driving technology is rapidly approaching.
Naturally, many of the “active-assist” and “evasive-assist” systems were disabled during the test drive. Some of these features, like lane keeping assist, struggle to differentiate between a deliberate lane change and unintentional drifting. The technology, while advanced, is not yet infallible.
However, as a long-distance, comfortable cruiser, the E-Class Cabriolet excels. Mercedes-Benz has skillfully adapted the E-Class platform to create an open-top car with adequate rear passenger space and a comfortable ride, regardless of the weather. Credit goes to the combination of wind deflectors and the ingenious heating and cooling vents. The latter, marketed as AirScarf and AirCap, deliver warm air to the neck area for front passengers and across the heads of rear occupants.
The 2018 Mercedes-Benz E400 Cabriolet is undeniably a head-turner. Its visual appeal stems not only from its fundamental design but also from refined details and standard AMG styling elements: 18-inch alloy wheels, the distinctive “Diamond Grille,” full LED lighting, AMG front and rear aprons and side skirts, and sculpted power domes on the hood.
Rear view of the 2018 Mercedes-Benz E400 Cabriolet, highlighting the seamless integration of the convertible top.
With the top down, the tonneau cover neatly conceals the multi-layer fabric roof. When raised, the roof effectively insulates against cold, rain, and road noise. Mercedes-Benz also deserves praise for the seats. Finding a comfortable driving position is virtually effortless. The leather upholstery is designed to reflect sunlight, and the front seats power forward and fold for easy access to the rear. Trunk space is limited, even with the top up, but a pass-through adds some practicality.
Close-up on the refined interior details of the 2018 Mercedes-Benz E400 Cabriolet, showcasing premium materials.
Regarding the powertrain, this all-wheel-drive (4MATIC) cabriolet features a 3.0-liter twin-turbo V6 engine paired with Mercedes-Benz’s 9G-Tronic nine-speed automatic transmission. The transmission includes a fuel-saving “sailing” mode that automatically shifts to neutral when coasting.
The power output (329 horsepower and 354 lb.-ft. of torque) is adequate, though not exhilarating, despite Mercedes-Benz’s claimed 0-100 km/h time of 5.5 seconds. Under normal driving conditions, the powertrain is quiet and unobtrusive. However, when pushed harder, a degree of engine coarseness becomes apparent. The driving experience lacks distinct character, which seems consistent with the car’s overall focus on relaxed luxury.
Switching the drive mode to Sport or Sport+ does inject some liveliness into the E400 Cabriolet. Throttle response sharpens, the steering gains a touch more weight (though remains somewhat numb), and the transmission shifts more aggressively. However, even in these modes, the driving experience remains far from awe-inspiring.
Finally, the cabin presents itself as a sophisticated blend of Nappa leather, open-pore dark ash wood trim, subtle ambient lighting, and intuitive technological interfaces.
The COMMAND infotainment system and digital instrument cluster in the 2018 Mercedes-Benz E400 Cabriolet.
The term “almost intuitive” is used because familiarizing oneself with the extensive array of 21st-century electronics takes time. This includes the GPS navigation, satellite radio, smartphone integration via Apple CarPlay or Android Auto, the optional 12.3-inch widescreen instrument cluster with customizable display styles (classic, sport, and progressive), the standard 12.3-inch central display, and more.
This 2018 E-Class Cabriolet is equipped to follow traffic, steer autonomously, provide lane-keeping assistance, execute lane changes with a signal stalk command, and perform emergency braking and maneuvers. Perhaps these are the features that modern convertible drivers truly desire?
Ultimately, the 2018 Mercedes-Benz E400 Cabriolet is undeniably beautiful.
2018 Mercedes Benz E 400 4MATIC Cabriolet Specifications:
- Base price: $80,300 (USD)
- Price as tested: $92,700 (USD)
- Engine: 3.0-liter twin-turbo V6 (329 horsepower, 354 lb.-ft. of torque)
- 0-100 km/h (0-62 mph): 5.5 seconds (manufacturer claim)
- Transmission: 9-speed automatic
- Drivetrain: All-wheel drive (4MATIC)
- Fuel economy (city/highway): 12.0/9.2 L/100km (premium fuel recommended)
- Competitors: BMW 6-Series, Audi S5
Front profile of the 2018 Mercedes-Benz E400 4MATIC Cabriolet, showcasing its elegant design and stance.
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 automatic climate control, 64-color LED ambient lighting, 50/50 split-folding rear seats, electric trunk partition, power-folding side mirrors, KEYLESS-START, illuminated entry system, HomeLink garage door opener, 12.3-inch high-resolution central display, analog gauges with high-resolution multifunction display, COMAND system with touchpad controller, 3-spoke Touch Control steering wheel, COMAND online navigation, voice control, FrontBass system, SiriusXM Radio (6-month trial), Apple CarPlay, Android Auto, hands-free Bluetooth, Bluetooth audio streaming, dual USB audio ports, HD Radio receiver, DYNAMIC SELECT, lowered suspension with selective damping, ESP Dynamic Cornering Assist, Active Brake Assist, ATTENTION ASSIST, rearview camera, LED daytime running lamps, LED headlamps and taillamps, Crosswind Assist, PRE-SAFE, 10 airbags, pop-up roll bars, Blind Spot Assist, adaptive braking technology, Active Parking Assist, SmartKey with KEYLESS-START, rain-sensing wipers, MAGIC VISION CONTROL.
