By Mauricio Lezcano / carsntravel.com / Photos Daimler Global Media Site
For 2015, the classic E-Class four seater Cabriolet is among the most desirable vehicle in the executive segment. By combining intelligent, efficient technology with luxurious equipment that offers superb comfort.
Exterior
The front bumpers with large air intakes and wing-design chrome detailing clearly bring out the dynamism of the agile vehicles. All in all, the front with its sports car grille presents a distinctive, sporty face; headlamps are fitted with LED low beam and LED daytime running lamps as standard, while all-LED technology is available in this class as an option. Inside the headlamps, flowing LED fibre-optic cables resembling eyebrows reinforce the four-eyed look that is typical of the E-Class.
In addition the tail light units LED fibre-optic cables echo the styling cues of the front headlamps, and a broad-looking rear bumper in wing design with chrome-look trim serve to discreetly underline the athletic appearance of the E400 Cabriolet. This character can be further accentuated by the addition of the optional Sports packages including a two-pipe exhaust system with trapezoidal tailpipes.
The four seater Cabriolet E400 model has fully retractable side windows, with a beltline that continuously ascends gently as it runs from the front to the boot lid emphasising its clear proportions. The classic fabric soft top bestows it with a sense of exclusive elegance at the same time as evoking memories of the great four-seater Mercedes-Benz cabriolets of the past.
2015 MB E400 Cabriolet
2015 MB E400 Cabriolet
Interior
Inside, the stylish materials dominate alongside clearly structured surfaces and the two-part trim element that stretches across the entire dashboard. This can be selected in a choice of authentic materials, such as wood or aluminium, thereby rounding off the interior’s high-quality overall impression.
The instrument cluster features dials backed in white and the head unit’s trapezoid-shaped full-colour TFT display with its high-gloss frame. The kinship with the E-Class family is indicated by an analogue clock between the air outlets, as well as by controls in silver chrome.
One special asset of the E-Class Cabriolet is that, thanks to the acoustic soft top with its particularly high-grade insulation, the vehicle achieves the lowest noise level in its class. The unique acoustic soft top ensures that, even at high speeds, only very little wind noise is heard in the interior.
The highly innovative AIRCAP system is available as an option for exceptional comfort when driving with the top down. These reduce wind turbulence within the vehicle interior and therefore wind noise. The two rear head restraints together with the draught-stop between them respond to the number of vehicle occupants by extending automatically if the rear seat belts are in use.
2015 MB E400 Cabriolet
2015 MB E400 Cabriolet
Engine and Transmission
Under the hood, is the six-cylinder engine with biturbo drive. With its performance potential and formidable levels of torque from low engine speeds, this engine redefines standards in the six-cylinder sector.
Mercedes-Benz will continue to offer the 7G-TRONIC PLUS automatic transmission with DIRECT SELECT lever and DIRECT SELECT shift paddles. The latest version of the 7G-TRONIC PLUS to emerge provides major benefits in terms of efficiency and ease of maintenance.
An additional feature is the Momentary M mode. The benefit of this is that if the driver has shifted up or down manually, the transmission independently switches back to fuel-efficient automatic shift mode after a set period of time.
2015 MB E400 Cabriolet
Equipment
The Cabriolet model comes with a comprehensive range of high-quality equipment as standard, including state-of-the-art infotainment systems. These help to keep drivers up to date with what is happening around the world or in the office while out on the road, at the same time as offering them great listening pleasure as well as the option of adding powerful navigation systems or an internet connection.
The Audio 20 CD Radio comes as standard equipment. It features a 14.7 cm TFT colour display, twin tuner and MP3-capable CD player as well as a USB connection in the centre armrest. Bluetooth capable devices can also be connected, and SMS text messages displayed. The Audio 20 CD can optionally be combined with a six-disc CD changer as well as the Becker MAP PILOT budget navigation unit, which can also be retrofitted if the appropriate pre-installation is ordered.
Summary
By combining intelligent, efficient technology with luxurious equipment that offers superb comfort, the Mercedes Benz E400 Cabriolet does not compromise when it comes to indulging a passion for superlative driving enjoyment. The design of the exterior and interior alike is fresh and sharp, as befits the many stand-out technical features.
Fuel economy is rated at 20 mpg city and 29 mpg highway with the 7 speed automatic transmission. The manufacturer’s suggested retail price starts at $61,350.00, the one I drove included Steel Gray Exterior Paint, Natural Beige / Black Nappa Leather, Heated and Active Ventilate Front Seats, Keyless-Go, Premium 1, Lighting, Sport, Lane Tracking and Parking Assist Packages, and it came in at $74,300.00.00 including destination charges.
mlezcano@carsntravel.com
