Mercedes E450 Cabriolet
V6 replaces straight six
The E450 Cabriolet’s lack of bona fide rivals hasn’t caused Mercedes-benz to sit back and leave it be. For 2020, the E-class range has been facelifted, and in the case of this range-topping drop-top (AMG’S E53 firmly to one side), that facelift is fairly significant. The old E450’s twin-turbocharged V6 has been replaced by Mercedes’ latest 3.0-litre single-turbo in-line six.
The same motor has already appeared in the latest CLS, S-class and GLE models and features the same 48V integrated startergenerator to provide a degree of extra punch and help fill any accelerative flat spots. In E450 guise, the engine alone kicks out 362bhp and 369lb ft, and the EQ Boost system can dish out an additional 22bhp and 184lb ft at a moment’s notice.
There’s an appealingly relaxed yet aristocratic nature about this car’s motive character, which sort of puts me in mind of the hookahsmoking caterpillar from Alice in Wonderland. With the roof down, you get a better taste of the straightsix motor’s sonorous, tuneful soundtrack, which develops from a languid growl into a rich roar as you use the extent of the throttle pedal’s travel. Acceleration is wonderfully creamy and consistent and the engine pulls strongly right the way through its rev range. You’re impressively sheltered from any buffeting when the roof’s down, too.
The air-suspended ride is comfortably supple but well controlled, while the lightly redesigned cabin mixes leather, wood and metallic surfacing treatments to wonderful effect. It’s a pretty fantastic machine for lazily wafting about from place to place, then.
But there’s a subtle dynamic streak here, too. You’re aware of the car’s width and well-controlled lateral body roll through fast corners, but grip and stability levels are high, thanks to four-wheel drive, and the relaxed steering is accurate.
If you prefer your four-seat convertibles to be more relaxed and comforting in their demeanour but with an imperious punch up their sleeve, this new E450 Cabriolet makes for a compelling choice.