As a long-time admirer of the W212 generation Mercedes-Benz E-Class, the announcement of a 2014 facelift sparked a mix of anticipation and apprehension. The pre-facelift W212, with its distinctive rectangular quad headlights and classic ponton-style rear fenders, was, in my view and many others’, a benchmark for modern Mercedes-Benz sedan design. The question was: could Mercedes improve upon such a well-regarded design? Thankfully, any worries were quickly dispelled. While the iconic design cues of the original W212 sedan were updated, the 2014 Mercedes-Benz E350 Convertible emerged as a beautifully cohesive and undeniably handsome vehicle, retaining the essence of the E-Class while embracing a contemporary aesthetic.
Having previously experienced the E-Class in various forms, including the W211 and W212 E350 sedans and the powerful E550 Cabriolet refresh, I was familiar with the platform’s inherent qualities. The E550 Cabriolet, with its twin-turbo V8, delivered exhilarating performance, boasting a remarkable 440 lb-ft of torque from just 1600 rpm. The 2014 Mercedes-Benz E350 Convertible, while foregoing forced induction, offers its own distinct and satisfying driving experience. The 3.5-liter V6 engine provides ample power and torque figures that remain competitive within its class. While the 7-speed automatic transmission might not possess the razor-sharp shift speeds of some rivals, its smooth operation and relaxed character perfectly complement the E350 Convertible’s overall demeanor. Furthermore, the engine produces a pleasingly subtle yet noticeable induction growl when the throttle is engaged more assertively, adding a touch of auditory excitement to the driving experience.
In a market increasingly saturated with vehicles chasing an often-artificial sense of “sportiness,” the 2014 Mercedes-Benz E350 Convertible is a breath of fresh air. While equipped with the optional Sport package, its enhancements are tastefully restrained, limited to attractive 18-inch AMG wheels, sporty drilled pedals, and supportive multi-contour seats. Crucially, the Sport package wisely avoids incorporating overly firm suspension or artificially heavy, adjustable steering. This restraint benefits the E350 Convertible immensely, allowing it to deliver a driving experience characterized by both precision and the refined isolation expected of a true luxury car. With the fabric roof raised, the cabin remarkably approaches the quietness of a fixed-roof coupe, an impressive feat for a convertible. Lowering the top reveals a cabin that remains pleasantly free of buffeting winds, enhancing open-air enjoyment. The ride quality is consistently comfortable, effectively absorbing road imperfections, and the chassis exhibits exceptional rigidity, free from unwanted cowl shake or rattles, even on less-than-perfect road surfaces.
This sense of refined solitude extends to the interior of the Mercedes-Benz E350 Convertible. While it may not feature the overtly futuristic gadgetry found in ultra-high-end convertibles, the cabin exudes a sense of quality and meticulous construction that rivals those significantly more expensive vehicles. Compared to competitors like a fully-optioned BMW 4-Series convertible, which can easily exceed $70,000, the larger E-Class Convertible presents a compelling value proposition. Mercedes-Benz’s COMAND infotainment system remains a personal favorite within the luxury segment, distinguished by its crisp graphics and intuitive user interface. It avoids the frustratingly complex submenu structures that plague some competing systems, instead presenting primary functions across a clear and logical horizontal plane. While the column-mounted gear selector might not appeal to all drivers, it proves perfectly functional and unobtrusive in the E350 Convertible, aligning with its relaxed driving character. Steering wheel-mounted paddle shifters are still present for those occasions when manual gear changes are desired. The overall interior ambiance is one of high-quality materials and sophisticated design, befitting our test vehicle’s as-tested price of just under $75,000. For drivers seeking a genuinely comfortable and composed open-top experience, prioritizing refinement over overtly aggressive “sportiness,” the 2014 Mercedes-Benz E350 Convertible emerges as an exceptionally well-suited choice.
2014 Mercedes-Benz E350 Cabriolet Specifications (as tested):
- Base Price: $61,125
- Price as Tested: $74,755
- Options: Palladium Silver metallic paint, Deep Sea Blue/Silk Beige Nappa Leather, Wood/Leather steering wheel, rear spoiler, high-performance tires, Premium 1 Package, Lighting package, Sport package, Parking Assist package, Driver Assistance package.
- Powertrain: 3.5-liter V6 engine, 7-speed automatic transmission
- Horsepower: 302 hp
- Torque: 273 lb-ft
- Observed Fuel Economy: 22.1 mpg
Vehicle provided for testing by Mercedes-Benz. Photos by the author.
