Sporty looks are a feature of all the current Mercedes models, no more so than in the new E-Class cabriolet. The large three-dimensional grille centred around the iconic three-pointed star makes a statement. The sloping bonnet blends beautifully into the windscreen and we love the use of a soft-top rather than a solid metal folding roof. It gives the car that devil-may-care look of a true ‘ragtop’.
Clever design work not only gives the latest Mercedes E250 cabriolet a stylish upmarket look, but also gives it an impressively low coefficient of drag of just 0.24.
Inside, the latest Mercedes-Benz E-Class cabriolet was the subject of a revamp for the 2014 model year. While it retains the same overall design theme detail changes to the colours and finish of the materials work well.
ENGINES / TRANSMISSIONS
The four-cylinder 2.0-litre turbo-petrol engine in the E 250 produces 155 kW of power and 350 Nm of torque. This powerplant has plenty of urge and is likely to meet the needs of almost all owners.
Revheads can opt for a twin-turbo V6 unit that puts out a hefty 245 kilowatts. It will set you back $$142,900. Sensible souls can save money by buying the E200 for the relatively bargain price of $88,900.
SAFETY
These mid-sized Mercedes have many crash avoidance items designed for the much more expensive S-Class. The car scans of all potential dangers for 360 degrees around the car; lane keeping; radar cruise control; automatic braking and pedestrian collision protection.
If you should still be caught up in a serious collision the big convertible will do its very best to minimise injuries.
Naturally it has a five-star crash test rating.
DRIVING
We live on the Gold Coast and the early autumn weather was perfect for cruising. Even in winter you can still enjoy motoring with the top down thanks to the heated seats and the, optional, Airscarf. The latter blows heated air onto your shoulders and we know from experience it makes a surprising difference.
A clever device called an Aircap rises from the top edge of the windscreen and lifts the airflow over the top of the open cabin by about ten centimetres, making a surprising difference by minimising air currents inside.
Ride comfort is very good and there is no real sign of body shake on anything other than very rough roads. Tyre noise doesn’t intrude to any real extent and the open-top Merc handles the notorious coarse-chip Australian road surfaces better than many other European cars.
We did bottom out the suspension when pushing hard over big undulations, but you have to keep in mind these are low slung sports models and have to be treated with care on Aussie backroads.
There’s better than average space in the rear seat of this cabriolet and a family unit of mum, dad and a pair of preteen children in the back works reasonable well.
The boot is on the small side for a car of this overall size, but pretty good for the convertible class. It can be increased in volume when the roof is up by moving the roof-stowage compartment up and out of the way.
Handling is excellent due to the low centre of gravity and balance offered by the front-engine rear-drive layout and by the dynamic precision built into these German machines.
We’ve never liked the floor operated parking brakes on Mercedes models. Primarily because we prefer the added safety of left-foot braking, and having to juggle feet to get the car up and running is a pain. The E-Class is one of the last models with this device and we anticipate it being put to rest when an all-new model is introduced in the next couple of years.
SUMMING UP
Well engineered and honed close to perfection in its latest, probably final, iteration the Mercedes E250 open-top car provides prestige, style and is a great cruising machine on the occasions when you can get that top down.
It seems silly to talk about price when reviewing a Mercedes-Benz convertible, but it really is a factor. In its class the Mercedes E250, at $106,400, while not exactly a bargain, is well within reach of those who have made their lives a financial success.
AT A GLANCE
MODEL RANGE
E 200 2.0-litre turbo-petrol two-door convertible: $88,900 (automatic)
E 250 2.0-litre turbo-petrol two-door convertible: $106,400 (automatic)
E 400 3.0-litre bi-turbo petrol two-door convertible: $142,900 (automatic)
Note: These prices do not include government or dealer delivery charges. Contact your local Mercedes-Benz dealer for driveaway prices.
FEATURES
ABS Brakes: Standard in all models
Automatic Transmission: Standard in all models
Cruise Control: Standard in all models
Dual Front Airbags: Standard in all models
Front Side Airbags: Standard in all models
Electronic Stability Program: Standard in all models
Rear Parking sensors: Standard in all models
Reversing Camera: Standard in all models
USB/Auxiliary Audio inputs: Standard in all models
Bluetooth: Standard in all models
Steering wheel mounted controls: Standard in all models
SPECIFICATIONS (Mercedes-Benz E 250 Cabriolet 2.0-litre turbo-petrol two-door convertible)
ENGINE:
Capacity: 1.991 litres
Configuration: Four cylinders in line
Compression ratio: Not supplied
Bore/Stroke: Not supplied
Maximum Power: 155 kW @ 5500 rpm
Maximum Torque: 350 Nm
DRIVELINE:
Driven Wheels: Rear
Manual Transmission: Not offered
Automatic Transmission: Seven-speed
Final Drive Ratio: Not supplied
DIMENSIONS, WEIGHT AND CAPACITIES:
Length: 4703 mm
Wheelbase: 2760 mm
Width: 1786 mm
Height: 1398 mm
Turning Circle: 11.1 metres
Kerb Mass: 1765 kg
Fuel Tank Capacity: 76 litres
Boot Capacity: 390 litres
SUSPENSION AND BRAKES:
Front Suspension: Three link, coil springs, gas shocks
Rear Suspension: Multi link independent, coil springs, gas shocks
Front Brakes: Ventilated disc
Rear Brakes: Disc
PERFORMANCE:
0-100 km/h Acceleration: 7.5 seconds
FUEL CONSUMPTION:
Type: 95RON
Combined Cycle (ADR 81/01): 6.5 L/100km
GREEN VEHICLE GUIDE RATINGS:
Greenhouse Rating: 7/10
Air Pollution Rating: 7.5 /10
STANDARD WARRANTY:
Three years/ unlimited km
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