Wednesday, August 25, 2010

Mercedes E350 CDI Cabriolet

Latest soft-top hits British roads – and we give our verdict on top-spec diesel

Text: Luke Madden / Photos: Pete Gibson

August 2010

The temperature is rising in the battle to be top of the convertible class – and with its blend of style, efficiency and comfort, Mercedes’ E350 CDI looks a real contender.
We got behind the wheel to see if it has what it takes to beat our favourite drop-top, the BMW 3-Series Convertible. And first impressions are good. The latest E-Class’s elegant design works well in the Cabriolet bodystyle, and our flagship Sport model’s subtle bodykit and rear diffuser help make the Mercedes one of the most handsome drop-tops on the road. As with the exterior, the cabin is understated but stylish, and solidly built. Plus, equipment is generous. Limited rear legroom is the only disappointment.
On the road, the 3.0-litre V6 diesel is the perfect companion. It delivers 228bhp and 540Nm of torque, and provides relaxed cruising as well as effortless overtaking ability. The E350 CDI is quick off the line, too, covering 0-62mph in 6.9 seconds. At low speeds, a diesel thrum enters the cabin, but as you pick up the pace you won’t hear the engine at all.
The seven-speed 7G-Tronic auto gearbox is excellent, with shifts so smooth they’re barely noticeable. The only issue we have with it is an occasional, disconcerting pause before the car moves off from a standstill.
Party trick for the Cabriolet is the Aircap, which sees a deflector pop up above the windscreen as the glass panel between the rear seats rises higher. This reduces wind turbulence, and keeps the cabin refined at speed. Add clever climate control and the Airscarf neck heating system, and top-down motoring is practical even on cold days. The fabric roof folds neatly under the rear deck in
20 seconds. But when in place, it minimises wind noise, thanks to its special ‘acoustic’ construction.
In corners, the E350 is composed and the steering is accurate, if a little short on feel.
Buyers looking for driving thrills would be better off with the BMW.Those who want a relaxed cruiser, however, should go for the Merc –it’s a class leader in this respect.
Although you will detect a small amount of body flex over coarse or bumpy surfaces, it’s still smooth and comfortable. Lesser SE-spec models – which do without the stiff suspension of our performance-tuned model – will be even more refined.
The E350 CDI Sport weighs in at £40,780, and BlueEFFICIENCY tweaks bring 40.4mpg combined economy and CO2 emissions of 189g/km – figures that complete an excellent all-round package.

Rival: 330d M Sport Conv.
BMW is a much more involving proposition, and offers behind-the-wheel fun that the Mercedes can’t match. It’s also greener – although it’s not as comfortable as the E-Class, and costs more