The 2018 Mercedes-benz E400 4MATIC Cabriolet is undeniably a stunning vehicle, leaving a lasting impression with its extensive features and impressive digital displays. A week-long test drive revealed a car that excels in creature comforts and aesthetic appeal, yet curiously lacks excitement in the actual driving experience. This raises the question: can a car be too beautiful for its own good, sacrificing driving engagement for serene cruising?
Mercedes-Benz, under the guidance of design chief Gordon Wagener, has crafted a truly beautiful machine. The design philosophy emphasizes purity and balance, evident in the car’s elegant shape from front to rear. It’s a masterclass in understated sophistication, free from unnecessary creases and flamboyant details that plague many modern cars.
Wagener’s design team has seemingly drawn inspiration from timeless classics like the Jaguar E-Type and Porsche 911, favoring smooth, rounded forms that promise enduring aesthetic appeal. The 2018 E400 Cabriolet is a car that will likely age gracefully, a testament to its refined design.
However, those seeking an engaging and thrilling driving experience might find themselves wanting. The E400 Cabriolet is engineered for relaxed cruising, prioritizing passenger comfort and scenic enjoyment over spirited corner carving. It’s a vehicle as comfortable and laid-back as a Barcalounger, designed for those who prefer to observe the world rather than actively participate in the drive.
The abundance of semi-autonomous driving features, bundled within the optional Intelligent Drive Package, further reinforces this relaxed driving ethos. While technologically impressive, these systems can make the driver feel somewhat redundant, almost a legal necessity rather than an integral part of the driving process. Despite the hefty price tag exceeding $80,300 plus options, the underlying message seems to be a gradual shift towards autonomous driving, where digital brains take precedence over human input.
The cabin is undeniably a highlight, a sanctuary of luxury and technology.
While the allure of autonomous technology is undeniable, it also raises concerns about the diminishing role of the driver. As the automotive industry progresses towards self-driving cars, there’s a risk of losing the skills, decision-making abilities, and shared road etiquette that have been fundamental to driving culture for over a century. Just as some argue that search engines can hinder cognitive abilities, an over-reliance on self-driving features might lead to driver complacency and a disconnect from the driving experience.
During the test drive, disabling many of the “active-assist” features became a priority to regain a more traditional driving feel. Some of these systems, like lane keeping assist, can be overly intrusive and lack the nuanced judgment of a human driver, occasionally mistaking intentional lane changes for unintentional drifting. While these technologies are advancing rapidly, they are not yet foolproof.
Nevertheless, the 2018 E400 Cabriolet excels as a long-distance cruiser. Mercedes-Benz has successfully adapted the E-Class platform to create a comfortable open-top car with adequate rear legroom, suitable for both warm and cold climates. Clever wind deflectors and the AirScarf and AirCap systems, which provide warm air to the neck and head areas, contribute significantly to passenger comfort with the top down.
The exterior design commands attention. Bystanders will undoubtedly admire the car’s sleek lines and sophisticated details. Standard AMG styling elements, including 18-inch alloy wheels, a distinctive “Diamond Grille,” full LED lighting, AMG aprons and side skirts, and power ridges on the hood, further enhance its visual appeal.
The multi-layer fabric soft top effectively isolates the cabin from noise and weather when raised, and disappears completely beneath a tonneau cover when retracted. Inside, the seats are exceptionally comfortable, offering a wide range of adjustments to suit various body types. The sun-reflecting leather upholstery and easy-entry front seats further enhance practicality. While trunk space is limited, especially with the top down, a pass-through offers some added utility.
The powertrain of the 2018 Mercedes-Benz E400 4MATIC Cabriolet features a 3.0-liter twin-turbo V6 engine paired with Mercedes’ 9G-Tronic nine-speed automatic transmission and all-wheel drive. The transmission includes a fuel-saving “sailing” feature that shifts to neutral during coasting. While the engine produces 329 horsepower and 354 lb.-ft. of torque, providing adequate acceleration (0-100 km/h in a claimed 5.5 seconds), it doesn’t deliver a particularly thrilling performance. The powertrain generally operates quietly and unobtrusively, but can sound somewhat coarse when pushed hard. Ultimately, the driving experience prioritizes smoothness and refinement over raw power and character, aligning with the car’s overall mission as a comfortable cruiser.
Switching to Sport or Sport+ driving modes does inject a bit more responsiveness into the throttle and steering, and sharpens the shift mapping. However, even in these modes, the E400 Cabriolet doesn’t transform into a sports car.
The cabin environment is a blend of luxury and technology. Standard features include Nappa leather, open-pore dark ash wood trim, subtle ambient lighting, and user-friendly technological interfaces.
The array of 21st-century technology, including GPS navigation, satellite radio, smartphone integration via Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, and dual 12.3-inch widescreen displays, requires some acclimatization. These systems control a vast range of functions, from entertainment and navigation to the car’s numerous driver-assistance features. The E400 Cabriolet is equipped with technologies that can follow traffic, assist with steering, lane changes, and even emergency braking and maneuvering, representing the cutting edge of automotive technology in a convertible format.
In conclusion, the 2018 Mercedes-Benz E400 4MATIC Cabriolet is a beautiful and luxurious convertible that prioritizes comfort, style, and technology over driving excitement. It’s a car designed for relaxed cruising and enjoying the journey, equipped with a plethora of features and a stunning aesthetic. While driving enthusiasts seeking thrills might look elsewhere, those prioritizing a comfortable and sophisticated open-top experience will find the E400 Cabriolet a compelling choice.
2018 Mercedes-Benz E400 4MATIC Cabriolet Specs (As Tested):
- Base Price: $80,300
- Price as Tested: $92,700
- Engine: 3.0-litre twin turbo V-6 (329 horsepower/354 lb.-ft. of torque)
- 0-100 km/h: 5.5 seconds (factory figures)
- Transmission: Nine-speed automatic
- Drive: All-wheel drive
- Fuel Economy (litres/100 km): 12.0 city/9.2 highway (premium fuel)
- Comparables: BMW 6-Series, Audi S5
Optional Packages (As Tested):
- 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 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 system, AIRCAP system, dual-zone automatic climate control, 64-colour 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 with six-month trial, Apple CarPlay, Android Auto, hands-free Bluetooth interface, Bluetooth audio streaming, dual USB audio ports, HD Radio receiver, DYNAMIC SELECT, lowered suspension with selective damping system, ESP Dynamic Cornering Assist, Active Brake Assist, ATTENTION ASSIST, rearview camera, LED daytime running lamps, LED headlamps and taillamps, Crosswind Assist, PRE-SAFE, 10 air bags, pop-up roll bars, Blind Spot Assist, adaptive braking technology, Active Parking Assist, SmartKey with KEYLESS-START, rain-sensing windshield wipers, MAGIC VISION CONTROL.
