Mercedes-Benz New E-Class Cabriolet 350 BlueTEC AMG Sport 7G-Tronic Plus 2dr Car Review - June 2013

The top-of-the-range AMG version of the E-Series cabriolet benefits from, amongst other things, an upgraded braking system, and boy does it need it with a 252bhp V6 twin-turbocharged diesel engine which produces a grunty 457lb-ft of torque at 1600-2400rpm. Combined with a 7-Speed automatic gearbox, that power plant will propel the car from 0 to 62mph in just 6.7 seconds, and all the way to a top speed of 155mph. The cabin is quintessential Mercedes-Benz, a classy and refined environment with wind and other exterior noise intrusions little more noticeable than in the hardtop coupe version. The ride can be a little too firm at times, but on the long motorway cruises at which the car excels this is less noticeable. Other rivals may be more agile, but the Mercedes rewards a smooth driving style and both the steering and handling in general are excellent.

Mercedes-Benz have been tweaking the E-Class over the past few months, and having given a nip and tuck to the saloon and estate versions they have now turned their attentions to the coupe and cabriolet. Most of the revisions take place at the extremities of the car, with the front end now sporting new headlamps, bumper, and a sporty grille, while at the other end there is a redesigned rear bumper and tail lights. Externally, the AMG version also gets chunkier alloys. Other standard features include power steering, central locking, stability control, climate control, electric door mirrors, electric windows, electrically operated hood, cruise control, rear parking sensor, part man-made leather seats, alarm, immobiliser, bluetooth, CD player, MP3 connectivity, and satellite navigation.

The Mercedes-Benz E-Class cabriolet comes with driver, passenger, and front side airbags, and with other features such as stability control and roll-over protection the car gives off an air of safety and security. The E-Class range performed very strongly in the 2013 JD Power Customer Satisfaction survey. The influential survey polled E-Class owners, and the result was a 13th place finish with a score of 81.1%, well above the industry average of 77%. While there are more exciting sports cabriolets available, the Mercedes-Benz E-Class is one of the most practical and is able to accommodate four fully-grown adults with ease and comfort even on the longest of journeys.

At £45,850 the Mercedes-Benz E-Class 350 BlueTEC AMG Sport 7G-Tronic Plus is the priciest model to date in the revised E-Class range, but although it is far quicker and more powerful than lesser models in the range running costs have not been hit significantly. Combined fuel economy is still 47.8mpg, and CO2 emissions only rise to 156g/km resulting in a Road Tax Band G classification. The E-Class range as a whole has traditionally suffered greater depreciation than other large convertibles, but the lure of the AMG badge will ensure this model performs more strongly in the used market than more workaday versions in the E-Class range.