Mercedes E-Class Cabriolet E300 2.0 258 AMG Line Premium Auto

Launched in 2017, this 'A238'-series Mercedes E-Class Cabriolet was not only sleeker and more stylish than its predecessors but also slightly larger and quite a lot more sophisticated. The result was an arguably more prestigious approach to Executive convertible motoring than obvious competitors of the period could offer. True, it wasn't the sharpest steer in its class. Nor was it the most lavishly equipped or the most affordable to buy. But it was the best at being all the things that typical executive cabriolet owners wanted their cars to be. And yes, it felt a class above its rivals, just as a Mercedes-Benz always should.

Mercedes said that with this A238 generation E-Class Cabriolet, it had worked hard to inject what it called a little more 'luxurious, sporty character' into the car. Hence this E-Class Cabriolet platform's wider track, the slightly lowered suspension and the standard 'DYNAMIC SELECT' driving modes system. All of which certainly made a difference, but not enough of one to essentially alter the character of this car; it was still more of a boulevard cruiser than a B-road blaster. Which is exactly as it should be. Not that this car is unaccomplished when the going gets twisty. It's just that other rivals see dynamic cornering as being that bit more important. In Stuttgart however, they spent their development time on everyday features that they thought typical buyers would appreciate more. Our favourite one is called 'AIRCAP' and it's there to deal with the windy buffeting that normally afflicts open-topped cars at speed, using a deflector that rises above the windscreen frame and a draught-stop that rises above the normal level of the rear seats. Combined with the 'AIRSCARF' warm air neck-level vents, it makes this a convertible you'd be comfortable using 'al fresco' all the year round. Under the bonnet, most buyers will choose the 2.0-litre 194hp four cylinder diesel powerplant that features in this entry-level E220d variant. It's still not quite as refined as we'd ideally like, but it's a responsive and efficient unit, capable of 57.7mpg on the combined cycle and 126g/km of CO2 (NEDC figures). 4MATIC 4WD was optional. Hardly anyone is likely to choose the petrol-powered four cylinder alternative, the 2.0-litre turbocharged 245hp E300 model, which was only offered in standard rear-driven form. There may though, be quite a lot of interest in trading up to one of the mainstream V6 versions, both only offered in 4MATIC guise. There were two options at this level, the 258hp E350d diesel and the 333hp E400 petrol model. Plus at the very top of the range, there was a high performance 435hp Mercedes-AMG E53 Cabriolet flagship variant in which toupees will need to be very firmly tied down. In all the six cylinder variants, you get the 'AIR BODY CONTROL' air suspension system that from new was optional on the four cylinder derivatives. This set-up can be fine-tuned via the various settings of the 'DYNAMIC SELECT' driving modes system that influences throttle response, steering feedback and the reactions of the standard silky-smooth 9G-TRONIC PLUS nine-speed automatic gearbox that all E-Class Cabriolet models had to have.