When Merc offered us a chance to swap our E-class Saloon – whose time with our fleet was nearly up – for a Cabriolet, we naturally agreed.
It’s the same engine and gearbox combo as the saloon – a 204hp 2.1-litre E250 CDI diesel mated to a manual gearbox – which is unfortunate because I wasn’t a fan of the manual in the saloon and would have preferred to try the auto, which I’ve a hunch will be much better.
The roof will open or close at up to 25mph, which means there’s none of the irritating waiting around while parked until it’s securely stowed, as is the case on some rivals, although you have to hold the button down the entire time the system is operating, which means driving away isn’t an option if you’re on your own because you’ll quickly run out of hands. That aside, the Cabriolet is a head-turning, comfortable, refined and classy car that’s up with the best drop-tops on whole-life costs, efficiency and looks.
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