Mercedes-Benz E 250 CDI Avantgarde BlueEFFICIENCY Cabriolet

Mercedes-Benz E 250 CDI Avantgarde BlueEFFICIENCY Cabriolet

Road Test

Price Guide (recommended price before statutory & delivery charges): $108,950
Options fitted to test car (not included in above price): Metallic Paint $2100, Entertainment Package $7400, Mixed Width Alloy Wheels $2800, Reversing Camera $1100, AIRSCARF $1190, Heated Seats $950
Crash rating: Five-star
Fuel: Diesel
Claimed fuel economy (L/100km): 5.3
CO2 emissions (g/km): 139
Also consider: Audi A5 Cabriolet, BMW 330d Convertible

Overall rating: 2.5/5.0
Engine/Drivetrain/Chassis: 3.0/5.0
Price, Packaging and Practicality: 2.5/5.0
Safety: 3.5/5.0
Behind the wheel: 2.5/5.0
X-factor: 3.0/5.0

About our ratings

Mercedes-Benz E 250 CDI Avantgarde BlueEFFICIENCY Cabriolet is a mouthful to say the least, but the elegant simplicity of this model disguises a technologically competent package that is not only graceful, but frugal as well.

The styling of new E-Class models is a little more adventurous than the previous CLK-Class it (essentially) replaces, at least where the exterior is concerned. But inside, the recipe is more of the same, a bunch of buttons and stalks not nearly as intuitive as more communicative systems found on some German rivals -- despite an iDrive-esque infotainment controller positioned conveniently on the centre console.

It's a shame, really, for the car is as technologically proficient as any on the market – perhaps even more so in some respects, but in keeping return (read: older) buyers familiar with the car's operating systems, the style pertaining to dashboard, centre stack and instrumentation design may deter would-be younger or tech-savvy converts.

The lack of space on offer in the backseat is also quite limited considering the larger impression the 'E' badge brings (in reality it's about the same as BMW's 320d we also tested). Though the rear pew for two is sufficiently proportioned elsewhere, and comparatively breezeless thanks to Mercedes-Benz's new AIRCAP system, legroom leaves even average rear-seat passengers wanting.

Air flow through the topless cabin is buffet free thanks to AIRCAP's small diffuser that rises from the top of the windscreen frame pushes air up and over the cabin. At the rear an automated net raises in time with the headrests, further aiding cosy travels. The system is not only effective in keeping the breeze off your ‘do, but also improves aerodynamic efficiency, and therefore, fuel consumption.  The only drawback to AIRCAP is its tendency to act as a bug catcher. Wear a white shirt and you can count the bugs that land...

The optional AIRSCARF system is a treat on colder days, the neck-level ventilation system circulating warm air to diminish drafts for front seat passengers. Combined with (optional) heated seats and an effective (and quite intuitive) HVAC system, the E-Class really is an all-temperature drop top.

Slow to below 40km/h and the folding canvas roof can be deployed at the touch of a button, taking around 20 seconds to open or close. The fabric and frame construction uses a 23.5mm thick canvas and lightweight mesh to insulate the cabin, noise suppression a clear highlight of the new E-Class’ design.

Having such a quiet cabin means there’s more scope for enjoying Benz’s creature comforts, especially the pumping (optional) Harmon Kardon entertainment package. Roof-on the system is astounding, Logic7 surround sound providing remarkable clarity of tone with rich bass and sweet mid-range. The system very nearly as impressive with the roof off, assuming you don’t mind a few sideways glances at the lights.

The canvas roof also benefits E-Class in being more compact when stowed, taking up less room in the boot for 300-litres of cargo space – much more than most folding hard-top designs.

At the Cabrio's other end a 2143cc overhead cam intercooled turbodiesel engine provides propulsion, the four-cylinder providing 150kW at 4200rpm and an impressive 500Nm from 1600-1800rpm. Acceleration is a relatively brisk affair the gallop from rest to 100km/h done and dusted in just eight seconds.

Acceleration lag, common to many turbodiesels, is still evident, though only just. Only occasionally does it present itself, for instance on reapplication of throttle in slower traffic or when diving from a standstill. On the plus side, the smaller capacity engine returned decent fuel economy returns, a week of mixed city and highway driving (mostly sans roof) seeing 7.1L/100km. As impressive as this seems, it is still almost two-litres more than the claimed ADR average.

The E 250 CDI’s five-speed automatic was better than most we’ve experienced in the past. Unlike the usual clunk you get from Benz’s native five-speeder (fitted only to four-cylinder engines, as opposed to the excellent 7G-Tronic fitted to the sixes and eights) this car offered almost imperceptible shifts, even under more demanding driving conditions. Perhaps there’s been more tweaking...

A sport mode and manual (+/-) override is offered, though barely necessary given the gallons of low-down torque on offer.

Similarly, effortless steering provides enough feel for accurate passage on winding roads while compliant suspension allows an enjoyably comfortable ride without compromising too greatly on road holding -- E-Class’ underpinnings showing only small signs of the re-engineering undertaken from its former role.

Strong brakes allow a positive and confident stopping feel with a progressive pedal translating to gentle calls to rest at the lights – perfect for impressing the high expectations of luxury-car-green passengers.

On the safety front, when compared to their two-door hardtop Coupe counterpart, E-Class cabriolet models receive additional body stiffening to improve rigidity sans-roof with ultra-high-strength steel added to crucial areas such as the A-pillar, doors and beneath the rear seat.

Passively, a total of seven airbags are included, notably with new side impact ‘headbags’ which rise from the doors to fulfil the roll of curtain airbags. Rear sidebags are also available optionally while rollover protection comes by way of pyrotechnically activated bars in the rear headrests.

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