Mercedes E400 AWD System Leaves YouTubers Roadshow Smitten
New platform, plush interior and a 329-horsepower biturbo V6. What’s not to like about the 2018 E-Class Cabriolet?
The Mercedes-Benz E-Class Cabriolet received a generation update for the 2018 model year, and Emme Hall of Roadshow recently compiled a short YouTube video covering the five most important things one should know about the elegant drop-top.
She first starts off with the E400 Cabriolet’s new chassis – the drop-top is now based on the Mercedes MRA platform, which apart from the E-Class sedan and coupe, also underpins the C-Class, the S-Class and the Porsche Panamera-rivaling AMG GT-4 Door. This architecture allows for better ride and handling and also the option for electrified powertrains.
The 3.0-liter biturbo V6 making 329 horsepower and 354 pound-feet of torque. The power is sent to the rear wheels as standard, via a new nine-speed automatic gearbox, but the customers can also opt for Mercedes’ 4MATIC all-wheel drive system at a premium of $2,500.
With the mechanicals done and dusted, we shift on to the interior, which particularly impressed Hall. “Mercedes-Benz has always been really good at a retro-future interior and the E400 [Cabriolet] is no different,” she says. “I really like these cool air vents and there is plenty of open-pore wood, and all that serves to compliment the standard 12.3-inch screen that is running Mercedes-Benz COMMAND infotainment system. Plus, I have got the optional 12.3-inch screen that serves as a reconfigurable [digital] gauge cluster.”
The fourth-most important element of the E400, according to Hall, is its unique comfort creatures. “Just because you are riding a convertible does not mean you have to be uncomfortable,” she says. “The optional AIRSCARF system pumps warm air [from the seat headrest] right onto my neck and there’s the AIRCAP wind-deflection system so people in the backseat don’t get their hair messed up.” Beyond that, of course, you also get fundamental premium amenities such as heated front seats, ambient lighting, two-zone climate control and plush leather upholstery.
And finally, we come to the price – the E400 Cabriolet starts at $66,300 for the rear-wheel drive model and $68,800 for the all-drive variant. Being said, a fully-loaded, E400 Cabriolet 4MATIC, as seen in the video above, can cost up to a whooping $85,000.