When we look for a car that is capable of bringing plenty of enjoyment to the drive, we’ve only got to look at a cabriolet to get a taste of how much delight motoring can be. Having the option of putting the hood down to enjoy the sun and fresh air is a luxury worth paying a little extra for. Mercedes Benz has been making convertibles ever since the car was invented, and they know just what it takes to make a great open top cabriolet tourer. New to the market is the fresh new Mercedes-Benz E-Class range, and in this striking line-up sits one or two of my favourites for 2013. The E-Class Cabriolet boasts six models, and one of them will be just right for prospective buyers.

Back with a vengeance, the E-Class Cabriolet has fresh styling and lots of refinements and tunings to make it, arguably, the best in its class. My favourites are the E 200 Cabriolet, the CDI version and the very fast E 500 BlueEFFICIENCY model. This is not to say that these are necessarily better than the other models; it’s just to say that these are the ones that strike the right note for me, and let me quickly explain why.

I like the E 200 Cabriolet, because it is the entrance model that allows a buyer into the glorious realms of Mercedes-Benz convertible motoring. That in itself is an attractive thought. The E 250 CDI BlueEFFICIENCY model I like because of the magnificent fuel economy that the CDI engine provides. It is the only diesel version in the mix, and who can argue with Mercedes E-Class CDI performance and luxury with the added bonus of a combined fuel consumption figure of well under 6.0 litres/100 km. That leaves the heavyweight punch of the awesome performing E 500 model. Very quick acceleration (0-100 km/h in 5.2 seconds) with the glorious noise of the rumbling 300 kW, V8 engine under the hood is what makes this E-Class Cabriolet so thrilling to drive.

Visual changes reveal a unified headlight design that makes the E-Class Cabriolet look meaner and more aggressive, A change to the grille gives it a singular look instead of the separated grille of the previous model, and there are some stylish LED rear lights that finish the rear end of the car off very nicely, indeed. The flared rear wheel-arches give a more muscly appearance, and the overall low-profile lines of the E-Class are very polished. If you are after a cabriolet that is one of the most relaxing to drive, then the new E-Class Cabriolet is just that. The modernized styling makes it look totally renewed, while the latest technology and engines tweaks improve its safety (which was very good anyway), performance and user-friendliness.

On the road the latest Mercedes Benz E-Class Cabriolet hunkers down nicely in the corners to give loads of grip, while the quality of ride is second to none. This is a smooth cruiser. New technology includes the Pre-Safe Plus system that can detect a rear-end collision and apply the brakes hard to stop you plunging into the car in front. The Distronic Plus system is able to steer the car around corners, accelerate and slow you down. This is a great feature, particularly when you are in heavy traffic situations. I don’t know if it makes you a better driver, but it does prevent you from crashing into cars and objects that position themselves in front of you. There is also a 360-degree camera that scans the objects about you to aid parking.

Other engines include the very fast 3.0-litre biturbo, V6 that is found in the E 400 Cabriolet, which also feels as quick as the E500 (I just love the sound of the V8 E 500). An enhanced version of the 2.0-litre petrol engine found in the E 200 is found in the E 250. The extra performance is noticeable, particularly in outright acceleration. To finish off the engine choices is another petrol version which really seems to blend the overall performance and refinement that the E-Class Cabriolet offers: and that is the E 350 BlueEFFICIENCY Cabriolet.

All E-Class Cabriolet models are very well endowed with the best luxury features available. Beautifully crafted leather interiors just beckon to be sat in, and the dash display is elegant and well organised. Seats are heated; there is Bluetooth communication software, and a range of gorgeous exterior colours and alloy patterns to choose from.

Get yourself sorted and enjoy the charming Mercedes Benz E-Class Cabriolet experience.

The current E-Class Cabriolet models include the:

• E 200
• E 250
• E 400
• E 250 CDI BlueEFFICIENCY
• E 350 BlueEFFICIENCY
• E 500 BlueEFFICIENCY

For any more information on the Mercedes-Benz E Class Cabriolet, or for that matter any other new car, contact one of our friendly consultants on 1300 303 181. If you’d like some fleet discount pricing (yes even for private buyers!), we can submit vehicle quotes requests out to our national network of Mercedes-Benz dealers and come back with pricing within 24 hours. Private Fleet – car buying made easy!

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