2015 Mercedes-Benz E400 Cabriolet: A Refined Farewell to the W212 Era

As a seasoned observer of the automotive landscape, particularly within the realm of Mercedes-Benz, the W212 generation E-Class holds a special place. Having experienced this model in its various guises – sedan, coupe, and cabriolet – throughout its production run that began in 2009, it’s clear this generation represented a high point for the brand. With a new E-Class iteration on the horizon, this review serves as a tribute to the 2015 Mercedes-Benz E400 Cabriolet, a vehicle that epitomizes the well-rounded excellence Mercedes-Benz has long been known for.

For many, the E-Class sits at the very heart of the Mercedes-Benz ethos, striking a harmonious balance unlike its C-Class and S-Class siblings. It offers an ideal size, presenting an interior that’s both intimate and spacious, matched by a commensurately sized exterior footprint. The engine options are diverse and compelling, ranging from efficient four-cylinder diesels to potent turbo V8s, and the availability of four body styles, including the increasingly rare station wagon, further broadens its appeal. Crucially, the 2015 Mercedes-Benz E400 Cabriolet, while undeniably a luxury vehicle, remains within a realm of attainability for a wider range of buyers – a well-equipped E350 sedan could often be had for a price point similar to a loaded 3-Series.

While the E-Class sedan might be considered the sensible choice, the cabriolet variant ventures into the realm of passion. It retains practical elements like four adult-sized seats and a comfortable ride, lending it a degree of sensibility. For some owners, it could even serve as a primary vehicle. However, the very nature of a convertible implies a certain level of impracticality, and the 2015 Mercedes-Benz E400 Cabriolet, with its compact trunk space and premium price tag, certainly leans into this character.

Yet, despite these practical considerations, the 2015 Mercedes-Benz E400 Cabriolet makes a compelling case for daily driving duties. The ride quality is remarkably smooth, effectively isolating occupants from uneven road surfaces. While some minor cowl shake might be perceptible on rougher roads, it’s far from intrusive. The dashboard, although familiar in its design by this point in the W212’s lifecycle, maintains a feeling of robust construction and intuitive usability. The multi-adjustable front seats, equipped with heating and ventilation, are truly exceptional. These seats offer features like neck-warming air vents, cooling and heating for the seat base, and extensive lumbar and bolster adjustments, ensuring comfort even on extended journeys. Even with the top down, the aerodynamic design minimizes wind turbulence, preserving hairstyles and overall comfort.

These attributes were also present in the E350 Cabriolet previously reviewed. The key distinction for the 2015 Mercedes-Benz E400 Cabriolet lies in its powertrain. Despite a slightly smaller 3.0-liter displacement compared to the E350’s 3.5-liter unit, the E400 gains significant performance through the addition of twin turbochargers. This results in a boost of 27 horsepower and a substantial 81 lb-ft of torque, improvements that are tangibly felt across the rev range. Surprisingly, this enhanced performance doesn’t come at the expense of efficiency; the E400 actually demonstrated a 3 MPG improvement in fuel economy compared to the previous year’s E350 model.

In real-world driving, the 2015 Mercedes-Benz E400 Cabriolet isn’t a blistering sports car, but rather possesses a refined and understated quickness. It accelerates with ample vigor to confidently keep pace with competitors like the BMW 435i or Infiniti Q60. The familiar 7-speed automatic transmission, standard across the E-Class range, handles gear changes with typical Mercedes smoothness and refinement. While paddle shifters are present, they feel somewhat out of place in the E400’s character. Engaging in aggressive, sporty driving feels contrary to the car’s inherent strengths. The 2015 Mercedes-Benz E400 Cabriolet is best enjoyed when driven at a relaxed, yet confident pace, allowing its quiet competence and overall composure to shine.

As the W212 E-Class generation makes way for its successor, advancements are inevitable – expect more power, greater efficiency, increased space, reduced weight, enhanced structural rigidity, and improved safety features. However, it’s debatable whether the next generation will capture the quintessential “Benz-like” character quite as effectively as the current model. With a test price approaching $75,000, the 2015 Mercedes-Benz E400 Cabriolet is not an inexpensive vehicle. Yet, it’s challenging to identify another car that so thoroughly embodies the classic Mercedes-Benz values of luxury, comfort, and understated performance. The upcoming generation E-Class certainly has significant benchmarks to meet.

2015 Mercedes-Benz E400 Cabriolet Specifications (as tested):