For enthusiasts familiar with the Mercedes-Benz lineup, the W212 generation E-Class holds a special place. Having experienced this model in sedan, coupe, and cabriolet forms, it’s clear this generation, launched in 2009, represents a high point for the brand. As a new generation approaches, this review serves as a tribute to the well-rounded nature of the 2015 Mercedes-Benz E400, particularly in its captivating cabriolet guise.
The E-Class has long been considered the quintessential Mercedes-Benz, embodying the brand’s core values more effectively than its C-Class and S-Class siblings. It strikes an ideal balance in size, offering an interior that is both comfortable and spacious without being overly large externally. The engine options are diverse, ranging from efficient four-cylinder diesels to powerful turbo V8s, and the availability of four body styles, including a station wagon, further broadens its appeal. Importantly, the 2015 Mercedes-Benz E-Class, including the E400, maintained a price point that, while premium, was not entirely out of reach for a discerning buyer seeking luxury and performance. A well-equipped E350 sedan, for instance, could be acquired for a price comparable to a loaded BMW 3-Series.
While the E-Class sedan might represent a sensible choice, the 2015 Mercedes-Benz E400 Cabriolet is undeniably driven by passion. It retains a degree of practicality with four usable seats and a comfortable ride, potentially serving as a primary vehicle for some owners. However, the very nature of a convertible implies a touch of impracticality, and the E400 Cabriolet, with its compact trunk and premium price tag, reinforces this notion.
Despite any perceived impracticalities, the 2015 Mercedes-Benz E400 Cabriolet makes a compelling case as a primary car. Its comfort is exceptional, with a smooth ride quality that effectively absorbs road imperfections. While some minor scuttle shake might be noticeable on rough surfaces, it’s far from intrusive. The dashboard, although familiar, exudes quality craftsmanship and intuitive design. The multi-adjustable front seats, equipped with heating and cooling, are truly luxurious, offering features like neck-warming air vents and customizable lumbar support to ensure comfort on long journeys. Even with the top down, the aerodynamic design minimizes wind draft, preserving hairstyles and ensuring a pleasant open-air experience.
These attributes were also present in the E350 Cabriolet of the previous year. The key differentiator for the 2015 Mercedes-Benz E400 lies in its engine. While slightly smaller in displacement compared to the E350’s 3.5-liter V6, the E400’s 3.0-liter V6 gains significant power and efficiency through the addition of twin turbochargers. This enhancement results in a 27 horsepower increase and a substantial 81 lb-ft torque boost, improvements that are readily apparent across the rev range. Fuel economy also sees an improvement, with the more powerful E400 achieving 3 MPG better fuel efficiency than the previous year’s E350 model.
In real-world driving, the 2015 Mercedes-Benz E400 is not a track-focused sports car, but rather possesses a refined and subtle quickness. It delivers ample power to confidently keep pace with models like the BMW 335i or Infiniti G37. The same smooth-shifting 7-speed automatic transmission from the E350 is employed in the E400, and as is typical for Mercedes-Benz, it remains the sole transmission option. While paddle shifters are present, they feel somewhat redundant in the E400’s character. This car excels in relaxed, competent cruising rather than aggressive driving. It encourages a more relaxed pace, allowing occupants to fully appreciate the quiet confidence and luxurious ambiance the cabriolet exudes.
As a successor to the W212 E-Class generation was on the horizon, the 2015 Mercedes-Benz E400 Cabriolet represented the culmination of proven engineering and refined luxury. While newer models would inevitably bring advancements – increased power, improved efficiency, lighter weight, enhanced safety – it’s debatable whether they could capture the quintessential “Benz-like” character more effectively than this model. With a test price approaching $75,000, the E400 Cabriolet is undoubtedly a premium vehicle. However, it’s challenging to find another car that so thoroughly embodies the classic values of the Mercedes-Benz brand. The subsequent generation E-Class had considerable standards to meet, set high by the impressive 2015 Mercedes-Benz E400 Cabriolet.
[
