Shrewd algorithms, search engine surveillance and smartphones that eavesdrop: a few of the paranoia-inducing aspects of our modern world. It would not surprise me if some artificially-intelligent digital curator is pondering about the recent, increased frequency of my name mentioned alongside the term “Mercedes-Benz E-Class”.
It is true. I really have penned too many stories about the iconic nameplate from the three-pointed star brand over the past several months. Be assured that it is not because I am on their influencer payroll. It all started when I bought a classic W124 E-Class of my own late last year, marking a passionate love affair that lasted all too briefly, after discovering terminal mechanical issues.
Obviously I had to write an overly dramatic tale about the experience. In March the enhanced-for-2021 W213 was launched and I had the privilege of reporting back on that. Then last month, I thought it would be nice to stage a then-and-now comparison with the C124 and a current E-Class coupé (C238).
Just use the handy search bar to find these features, with great imagery from our motoring lens-master Waldo Swiegers. And now, time for some musings on the drop-top version of the new E-Class, availed to us by the automaker for a spirited weekend before the proper onset of winter.
Sorry to say, but this is probably not the last piece of reportage from me on the letter “E” here. There is an E200d saloon on the agenda later in June, after which a self-imposed break will commence.
So, about that cabriolet. By now you know the drill when it comes to Mercedes-Benz products wielding two doors. Save for rare, hideous anomalies (looking at you 2007 CLC-Class), the basic template results in products that are universally attractive. And when a fabric top is stirred into the mix, the glamour factor shoots up even further.
Our white test car with its rag ceiling arrangement caught desirous stares whether the top was in place or shed. Disrobing is an easy affair, initiated by a clearly-marked button on the central tunnel. And after greeting the fresh air the next step would be to activate the ingenious air-scarf function, dispatching warmth down the necks of driver and passenger.
In the E300, as with the E200, power comes from a 2.0-litre, four-cylinder, turbocharged-petrol. Except where the lower designation makes 145kW and 320Nm, this does 190kW and 370Nm. Enough to facilitate a gentle and pleasant tousling of the locks without ruining your hairdo. That honour can be left to the Mercedes-AMG 53 4MATIC+ version, which enters battle with the proven in-line six-cylinder, 3.0-litre motor armed with a turbocharger and electric supercharger. In the E300, comfort is the name of the game.
You find yourself adopting an easy approach to the power pedal, as the cabriolet ebbs along with swan-like grace. Classic FM is the default vibe here. Start hustling it along with more verve than necessary and the structural trade-off does start to rear its head. But then the buyer who picks this over the more rigid coupé is probably going to have prepared for that already.
Another thing the E-Class cabriolet buyer gets is exclusivity. It has no direct rival. Audi does not have a contender at this size point and neither does BMW. Prices range between R1,164,000 (E200) and R1,268,000 (E300).
You wonder though, if the C-Class cabriolet would achieve a very similar result for less outlay. Then again, if modest expenditure was the ultimate aim, buy a barebones A200 hatchback.
The longevity of the E-Class nameplate and its various iterations is for good reason: there are many who still regard it as the archetypal Mercedes-Benz.
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