The Mercedes-Benz E-Class has long been revered as a benchmark in the luxury car segment. Synonymous with success, the E-Class boasts a rich heritage of delivering style, safety, performance, and sophistication. The 2021 Mercedes-Benz E-Class lineup receives a significant refresh, ensuring its continued appeal to discerning buyers.
As a mid-size offering, the 2021 E-Class encompasses four distinct body styles: sedan, station wagon, coupe, and convertible. The convertible variant, known as the Cabriolet, stands out as a luxurious four-seater, perfectly accommodating two couples in opulent comfort and prestige. This year, the E-Class Cabriolet assumes an even greater significance within the Mercedes-Benz portfolio, particularly following the discontinuation of the larger S-Class Cabriolet. We recently had the pleasure of experiencing the updated 2021 Mercedes-Benz E 450 Cabriolet over several days amidst the sunny autumn landscapes of Southern California. Driving with the top down along the scenic coastal, mountain, and rural roads of Ventura and Santa Barbara counties was an exceptional experience. To simply call it a delightful prelude to the holiday season would be an understatement.
Pricing and Trim Levels
Prospective buyers of the Mercedes-Benz E-Class Cabriolet can select from three compelling models: the E 450 (starting at $71,950), the E 450 4Matic (starting at $74,450), and the performance-oriented AMG E 53 (starting at $82,850). Both the E 450 4Matic and the AMG E 53 variants feature all-wheel drive, with the AMG model incorporating a performance-tuned version of 4Matic for enhanced dynamism.
Our test vehicle was a generously equipped E 450 4Matic. It was finished in the premium Designo Diamond White metallic paint and featured the AMG Line styling package, complemented by striking 20-inch AMG aluminum wheels. The interior was adorned with a sophisticated Yacht Blue treatment, harmonizing with the fabric roof, and further enhanced by the Exterior Lighting package, Warmth & Comfort package, Air Balance package, and Driver Assistance package. Additional options included multi-contour front seats with massage and ventilation functions, soft-close doors, a head-up display, illuminated door sill plates, and augmented video for the navigation system. Essentially, our test car was equipped with nearly every available option, reflected in its as-tested price of $89,885. Despite this extensive list of features, it’s worth noting that this price point remains more than $10,000 below the starting prices of convertible counterparts like the BMW 840i xDrive and Lexus LC 500.
Interior Elegance Takes Center Stage
While competitors such as BMW and Lexus may command higher price tags and arguably possess more overtly dramatic styling, the Mercedes-Benz E-Class prioritizes rear-seat passenger comfort, which subtly influences its overall design. For the 2021 model year, the E-Class receives updated front and rear fascia designs, a refreshed palette of paint colors, and new wheel designs. The AMG Line package and multi-spoke wheels on our test car certainly amplified its visual presence. However, in direct comparison to the BMW 8 Series and Lexus LC convertibles, the E-Class might be perceived as less visually flamboyant.
Stepping inside, our test car’s Macchiato Beige and Yacht Navy interior evoked a classic, refined ambiance. The light brown Sen wood trim gleamed elegantly in daylight, while the 64-color ambient lighting system created a soothing atmosphere at night. A newly designed steering wheel for 2021 incorporates capacitive Touch Control Buttons, and a flat-bottom steering wheel is available as an option. Mercedes-Benz’s meticulous attention to detail is evident throughout, enveloping both driver and passengers in an atmosphere of style and luxury. If the exterior styling is understated, the interior more than compensates with its lavish appointments and sophisticated design.
Supreme Comfort: A Hallmark of the E-Class Cabriolet
Anyone familiar with leather seats in a convertible knows the discomfort of returning to a car parked in the sun. Seat surfaces can become scorching, especially on sunny afternoons. The E-Class Cabriolet addresses this issue with sun-reflective leather. This innovative feature incorporates a special coating that effectively reduces surface temperature by up to 55 degrees Fahrenheit, proving particularly beneficial when parked top-down in direct sunlight.
Beyond this thoughtful detail, the E-Class Cabriolet truly excels in providing comfort for four adult occupants. Naturally, the front seats remain the most desirable, especially when equipped with the optional multi-contour seats offering massage, heating, and ventilation. Our test vehicle also included the Warmth and Comfort package, featuring a heated steering wheel, heated armrests, and rapid front-seat heating. Furthermore, the E-Class incorporates two key innovations specifically designed for open-top driving: AirCap and AirScarf. AirScarf is a neck-level heating system integrated into the front seats, while AirCap is an automatic wind deflector system that minimizes turbulence and drafts within the cabin. Combined with the Warmth and Comfort package, these features allow for comfortable top-down driving even in cooler weather conditions.
User-Friendly Technology and Infotainment
Dual 12.3-inch digital displays serve as the instrument cluster and interface for the Mercedes-Benz User Experience (MBUX) infotainment system, which includes the “Hey Mercedes” natural voice recognition technology. In our experience, the voice recognition system’s performance can be somewhat inconsistent with the top down, occasionally struggling to accurately understand commands compared to its typical level of performance.
Despite potential concerns about sun glare on the dashboard displays, visibility remains excellent. Similarly, the digital interface is surprisingly intuitive and user-friendly. Anyone familiar with smartphones or tablets will find the instrumentation panel and MBUX system easy to navigate. The E-Class Cabriolet also features a 13-speaker Burmester surround sound system that effectively overcomes wind noise when driving with the top down, delivering a rich audio experience. However, audio fidelity is noticeably enhanced when the roof is closed. New options for 2021 include augmented video for navigation, projecting directional graphics onto a live video feed to simplify navigation, and a comprehensive head-up display.
Advanced and Refined Driving Assistance
Beyond the upgraded infotainment, the 2021 E-Class benefits from Mercedes-Benz’s latest generation of Intelligent Drive advanced driving assistance systems (ADAS). These technologies are bundled within the Driver Assistance package and encompass active driving aids that assist with speed regulation, braking, and steering, ultimately reducing driver workload and mitigating potential collisions.
Mercedes-Benz’s ADAS implementations are generally exceptional. The systems operate seamlessly, accurately, and discreetly, encouraging their consistent use. Standout features within the Driver Assistance package include Active Emergency Stop Assist, which can safely bring the vehicle to a controlled stop if the driver becomes unresponsive, and Active Lane Change Assist, which smoothly executes lane changes when the driver signals. Both systems function in conjunction with the Active Distance Assist adaptive cruise control. However, it’s important to acknowledge that these systems are not infallible. During our testing, while changing lanes mid-curve on a freeway, the E-Class Cabriolet momentarily misinterpreted a road sign as an obstacle and briefly applied the brakes. While such occurrences are not unique to Mercedes-Benz vehicles, they underscore the ongoing need for refinement in these technologies.
Potent and Efficient Powertrain
The E 450 Cabriolet is powered by Mercedes-Benz’s highly regarded EQ Boost turbocharged 3.0-liter inline six-cylinder engine, paired with a smooth-shifting 9-speed automatic transmission. Power is sent to the rear wheels in standard configuration, with 4Matic all-wheel drive available as an option, as equipped on our test vehicle.
This mild-hybrid powertrain delivers 362 horsepower between 5,500 rpm and 6,100 rpm, and 369 lb-ft of torque from 1,600 rpm to 4,500 rpm. The Integrated Starter Generator provides an additional “EQ Boost” of 21 hp and 184 lb-ft of torque when needed. Mercedes-Benz claims the E 450 4Matic Cabriolet can accelerate from 0 to 60 mph in a brisk 4.9 seconds. The car feels effortlessly quick and produces a pleasing engine note when revved. Furthermore, it demonstrates impressive fuel efficiency for its performance capabilities. The EPA estimates a combined fuel economy of 25 mpg, and our real-world testing yielded 22.4 mpg, despite periods of spirited driving while exploring the various Dynamic Select driving modes.
Refined Ride and Handling Dynamics
Equipped with an adaptive damping suspension and the optional Air Body Control air suspension, the E 450 Cabriolet achieves a truly exceptional balance of ride comfort and handling prowess.
In Eco or Comfort modes within the Dynamic Select system, the car glides effortlessly over road imperfections, providing ample feedback to the driver while effectively isolating passengers from harshness and unwanted body motions. Comfort mode is perfectly suited for relaxed cruising, complementing the car’s luxurious and laid-back character. Switching to Sport or Sport+ mode transforms the E 450 Cabriolet’s demeanor. While the AMG Line styling hints at performance potential, these driving modes fully unlock it. Agility and composed athleticism become apparent, and the E-Class Cabriolet can genuinely surprise with its dynamic capabilities.
A Unique Position in the Luxury Convertible Market
The market for a genuine four-passenger luxury convertible is relatively niche, and within this segment, the 2021 Mercedes-Benz E 450 Cabriolet stands virtually alone if accommodating rear passengers is a priority.
If rear-seat space is not a primary concern, alternatives broaden slightly. One could consider downsizing to the Audi S5 Cabriolet (starting at $60,600) or the BMW 440i Convertible (starting around $60,150 in 2020). Alternatively, one could step up to the BMW 840i Convertible (starting at $97,400) or Lexus LC 500 Convertible (starting at $101,000). Mercedes-Benz itself offers the C-Class Cabriolet (starting at $54,700) and, while available, the 2020 SL (starting at $91,000; with a new SL model arriving for 2022). However, the E-Class Cabriolet firmly occupies the desirable middle ground, and deservedly so.
Tailored for a Specific Luxury Car Enthusiast
Driving along Santa Barbara’s Cabrillo Boulevard on a warm evening, passing bustling upscale restaurants with outdoor seating, the sunset reflecting in the E 450’s mirrors, palm tree silhouettes blurring overhead, and the car’s advanced technology and ambient lighting illuminating the sumptuous cabin, the E 450 Cabriolet’s purpose became remarkably clear. It is designed for moments and settings like these.
The following afternoon, my family joined for a drive along the Pacific Coast Highway in Malibu. My children found ample space in the rear seats, and the AirCap system effectively minimized wind buffeting. Again, the car’s design intent was unmistakable: to comfortably transport four occupants in open-air style, a rare capability among convertibles. The Mercedes-Benz E-Class Cabriolet occupies a unique space, making it an ideal choice for aspirational luxury car buyers seeking open-top driving without compromising on space or comfort.
