- Doors and Seats
2 doors, 4 seats
- Engine
2.0T, 4 cyl.
- Engine Power
180kW, 370Nm
- Fuel
Petrol (95) 7.4L/100KM
- Manufacturer
RWD
- Transmission
Auto
- Warranty
3 Yr, Unltd KMs
- Ancap Safety
NA
2017 Mercedes-Benz E300 Cabriolet review
What is it?
This is the drop-top version of Mercedes-Benz’ acclaimed E-Class range of luxury cars.
Based on the new E-Class Coupe, the Cabriolet is part of the most comprehensive convertible family on the road, one of six roofless designs offered by the prestige brand.
Interestingly, it’s the only one not offered as a high-performance AMG model – buyers who want to go fast would be better served by other members of the Mercedes family.
The E-Class Cabriolet is all about style, tech and effortless progress.
How much does it cost and what do you get?
Priced from $123,500 plus on-road costs in four-cylinder E300 form, or $157,500 plus on-road costs for the V6-powered E400, the E-Class Cabriolet is loaded with standard kit.
All Australian E-Class Cabriolet models are fitted as standard with an AMG pack that includes a smart-looking body kit, 20-inch alloy wheels and interior elements such as leather-trimmed sports seats and a flat-bottomed steering wheel with gear shift paddles.
You get an outstanding infotainment system with twin 12.3-inch displays that include sat nav, Apple CarPlay and 360-degree camera systems, along with first-rate multibeam LED headlights powered by 84 individual elements capable of selective illumination on the road.
Mercedes’ best safety gear includes autonomous emergency braking, active cruise control and its advanced “Drive Pilot” driver aid that makes for a relaxing drive in many circumstances.
What’s under the bonnet?
The E300 tested here is powered by a turbocharged 2.0-litre four-cylinder engine that sends 180kW and 370Nm to the rear wheels through a nine-speed automatic transmission.
Mercedes claims the combination is good for a 6.6 second dash to 100km/h, which feels adequate rather than potent on the road.
Fitted as standard with a sports exhaust, the E300 plays a fairly flat tune compared to V6 and V8 models in the ‘Benz brigade. The fruity exhaust adds a touch of character to a driveline that feels anonymous in other Mercedes models, though it’s not a particularly engaging tune.
Efficient, smooth and capable of making good progress, the engine should meet the requirements of buyers looking for something to get them where they need to go in style.
Customers keen on more performance can spend an extra $34,000 to get hold of the E400 Cabriolet, which brings a twin-turbocharged 3.0-litre V6 with 245kW and 480Nm outputs as well as all-wheel-drive traction and extra kit including a Burmester surround sound system, head-up display readout and metallic paint as standard.
Those extras are available as options on the E300, save for the all-wheel-drive hardware that is exclusive to the V6 version.
What’s it like to drive?
Riding on air suspension, the E300 drives as a luxury convertible should, soaking up big bumps and retaining its composure over tricky surfaces.
Well-weighted steering and brakes make the E300 a pleasure to drive around town, helped by five driving modes including an individual driver-configurable setup that allows you to chose your own steering, suspension and driveline settings.
The big convertible brings calm composure when pushed a little harder, with plenty of grip available from those 20-inch tyres.
That said, this is not a car that goads you into driving like Lewis Hamilton, preferring a restrained approach fitting the model’s luxury outlook. We spent plenty of time using the car’s “pilot” mode that looks after most acceleration, braking and steering duties while in traffic, impressed by the stress-free nature of its assistance.
This car offers a classic approach to luxury motoring – a comfortable ride, well-sorted controls and easy-going engine that make for uncomplicated progress on the road.
But enthusiasts should look elsewhere in the Mercedes range for driving thrills.
What’s it like inside?
The E300’s cabin is a highlight for the model, blending technology and attention to detail like few other cars on sale.
It functions beautifully as a convertible, the electric soft-top rising or falling in 20 seconds with the touch of a button, helpfully working at speeds up to 50km/h.
You can raise or lower all four windows with the touch of a single button, choosing to be exposed to the elements or protected by Mercedes’ innovative air cap system that pumps a curtain of air over the top of the windscreen, minimising buffeting for front occupants.
The brand’s “air scarf” neck warming system is also fitted as standard, using seat-mounted fans to swirl warm air around your collar to take the edge off chilly days.
Home to twin 12.3-inch displays positioned behind a single strip of glass stretching partway across the cabin, the convertible shares much of its infotainment hardware with the range-topping S-Class limousine.
Intuitive to access and attractive to behold, the system makes it easy to interact with mapping, entertainment or vehicle functions while on the road, either by manipulating a control pad and rotary wheel that fall to hand on the centre console, or by a pair of Blackberry-esque touch-sensitive pads mounted on the steering wheel.
Customisation is key to the experience, with 64 colours of ambient lighting featuring as standard alongside the digital dash that can adopt sporty, classic or futuristic facades.
Finished as standard with black open-pore wood and aluminium highlights, the E-Class’ aviation-inspired air vents, well-bolstered seats and generally well-finished cabin exude prestige appeal.
There is plenty of space for up-front occupants ahead of a pair of unusually spacious rear seats designed to accommodate adults – not always the case in a two-door car.
Mercedes says boot space runs to a reasonably useful 310 litres with the soft-top stowed or 385 litres with the roof in place, though the cargo area is not designed with bulky baggage in mind.
Is it safe?
Absolutely. The E-Class is one of the safest cars on sale, combining a strong body with nine airbags and some of the most advanced driver aids you can find. It has more crash-prevention features than just about any other convertible on sale, (Audi’s latest A5 is the only one that comes close) including driver aids capable of detecting drowsiness and an “evasive steering assist” function to help avoid dangerous obstacles.
Would I buy it?
Yes, the E-Class Cabriolet would definitely make the shortlist if I were in the market for a luxury four-seat convertible.
What else should I consider?
Driving enthusiasts might be tempted to save some money and go for the slightly cheaper (and more characterful) Mercedes-AMG C43 Cabriolet and its 270kW of power, or go the whole hog and plump for the wild new C63 AMG drop-top. If money is no object, there is also the plush four-seat Mercedes-Benz S-Class convertible, as well as the two-seat SLC-Class and SL-Class duo, or the fire-breathing Mercedes-AMG GT Roadster. Looking away from Mercedes, the BMW 4-Series brings a folding hardtop into the equation, while Audi’s latest A5 and S5 are also worth a look.
2017 Mercedes-Benz E300 Cabriolet pricing and specifications:
Price: From $123,500 plus on-road costs
Engine: 2.0-litre four-cylinder turbo petrol
Power: 180kW at 5500rpm
Torque: 370Nm at 1300-4000rpm
Transmission: Nine-speed auto, rear-wheel-drive
Fuel use: 6.8L/100km
- For more information visit our Mercedes-Benz showroom