India in the terms of car buying sense is quite crazy about the topless cars. Only a few could manage the machines as assorted as E400 Cabriolet of Mercedes-Benz. Still, the maker launches them in order to place their brands in the shelf apart from the conventional. It is a different story that coupe has better performance than the topless version. However, the math to marketing strategy is, ‘glamour sells’. And for that reason we strapped ourselves in the seats of E400 (visually and not really) that is recently delivered to us to find out – does this machine without its top can manage to make the heads turn?
A first glimpse straight into the eyes delivers the conclusion – it is no different than the E-Class, the one that was rolled out on our shores with the new angular headlamps and brand new front grille. However, the car looks best with its roof on, believably, the colour of roof also reflects a lot about its appearance. Those choosing to buy this example must prefer sampling all the fabrics out in the sun, rather than the glow lights of showroom, for a clearer vision about their presence on the roads.
Unlikely to standard E-Class, convertible trim is given only two-doors that looks pretty much large in size. And accompanying them are the raising waistline bumped into the wheel arches – the curve that compliments the best looking angle for a cabriolet like this. The roof covered from the back spoils the glam quotient which further even hampers the visibility of the rear in those outside mirrors.
Turning to its cabin, just like some other convertibles, this too faces generous space on the front but gets reserved at rear. However, the rear passenger seats are a one of the best offered in a convertible of this class. Two adults can fit easily, but not very comfortably, due to the scooped out front seats. What’s more relaxing at the rear is air-con vents dedicated for the special two passengers. Obviously, front is the most comfortable place to move in. No exception for this E-Class as well, one can enjoy features like adjustable seats, roof-control and deflector adjustment at the arm rest, and loads of other features.
Major commitment on the new E cabriolet is its engine. Earlier, under the nomenclature of E350, it used to hold a 3.5-litre naturally aspirated V6, which is now replaced by a 3.0-litre twin-turbo V6 that sends the max power of 338PS at 5250-6000rpm and 480Nm of peak torque between 1600-4000rpm mated to a 7-speed DSG auto gearbox. Though, the experience about the drive is not accounted, but those tyres shod on its wheels aren’t perfect for cornering, which means E400 cabriolet is better suited as a cruiser.
Yet, it is a showstopper!
