Mercedes-Benz E 450 Cabriolet test: topless and unpopular

car test: In recent years, Cabriolet sales were at a ten-year peak in the early 2000s, when the record was 1,322 topless cars. Then a self-respecting car manufacturer did not have a convertible in its portfolio, but now the choice is smaller and the compactness of the electric car is greater.

The combination electric and convertible is limited to the Smart ForTwo EQ and Fiat 500e minivans, as it’s really just a giant sunroof defending the convertible’s name.

Many expensive cars

Of the 300 convertibles that have been registered, according to the Road Traffic Information Council, in the past two and a half years, Mazda is topping the stats with its MX-5, but Porsche is following suit, with BMW, Mercedes-Benz, Mini and Ferrari in the following places. For the Mercedes segment, most AMG models were sold out, but the 367-hp E 450 concept in the in-line six under the hood shouldn’t be despised either.

The drawback, of course, is the price, which is a million kroner more than the best-selling Mazda, but the experience is not comparable. In a well-equipped E 450 4Matic Cabriolet with Airmatic air suspension, Burmester stereo, several AMG packages and other equipment, the driving rules will be unprecedented for those who enjoy the outdoors. With the wind in your hair, the sun on your nose, and the scent of nature in the cabin, whether it’s sea air or a spread of manure, being outdoors in the car is a special experience.

HOT AND COLD: Without an air hood, air sash and wind deflectors as well as with the windows down, more wind gets into the cabin, but the heat in the steering wheel, armrests and not least the air vents also helps extend the convertible’s season. Photo: Håkon Sæbø / Finansavisen

little wind

With the so-called Aircap over the windshield, the cabin wind is limited and with the Airscarf in the headrest, hot air is blown where you can freeze even more. You still have to prioritize the old backseat wind deflectors for a modest 4,320 kroner, which virtually eliminates all wind and extends high season to almost the entire year.

With heat in the steering wheel, armrests, seats, and air nozzles, plus a small hood, a handful of temperatures isn’t a challenge anyway, but sunburn can be.

This car also has a so-called Energizer package with “eight programmes, breathing exercises and training programme,” among other things to keep you awake and alert along the way. You have to take care of yourself with yoga and other meditation activities, but with adaptive cruise control with coil holder and cooling in the seats, you’re ready for a comfortable ride.

Many hours behind the wheel, especially at high speeds, can be tiring due to wind noise, pollen, and dry eyes, but you’ll likely be reluctant to raise the roof unless it’s raining or very cold.

COMFORT: In the door, which is upholstered for the occasion in walnut and leather, you can adjust the seats and a number of heating functions, as well as listen to the Burmester system, which drowns out most of the wind noise. Photo: Håkon Sæbø / Finansavisen

A sports car, not a sports car

In the age of the electric car, it’s all too easy to calculate the curb weight under two tons, which you’ll enjoy if you want to take advantage of all the power of the three-liter V6 with a turbo under the hood. Connected to a nine-speed automatic transmission with sport program and gear levers for manual overtaking, the vehicle can be used for more than just enjoying lazy days.

The Dynamic Select drive program allows you to tighten the vehicle and driveline in several ways, including air suspension with so-called Air Body Control, which also allows you to raise the car if you’re driving on bumpy cabin roads or through deep snow. With traction on all four wheels, the maneuverability is excellent on most surfaces, while at the same time making the car more stable when turning on the steering wheel and pedals at an impressive pace.

The car can look sporty and ready to drive, and is faster than most with acceleration from 0-100 km/h in just over five seconds, but it’s better suited to enjoying it at a brisk, but not picky, pace. The areas of overtaking and acceleration don’t present challenges and as the ceiling goes down, the feeling of speed increases to the point that there’s no speed you’ll miss.

Fun: In addition to leather, precious woods and other hard materials, the driving environment features many large digital surfaces, practical operating options and plenty of equipment. Photo: Håkon Sæbø / Finansavisen

elegant and luxurious

The level of comfort is very high due to the distinctive chassis and convertible systems, but also because the seats are good, the quality of materials is high and the appearance is beautiful. You have to live with some plastic on the doors, but there are more important things in life to worry about. In emerald green metallic with a brown roof, the car looks like a stylish coupe, but is more completely open.

Then you lose the noise-canceling effect of the roof, but for more sound of birds chirping and sports exhaust in the car, along with the mentioned smells, they should not be despised. You sit for a bit at a fair, but most people shake their gestures with appreciation and blush, especially like-minded topless lovers.

The vehicle features the latest Mercedes-Benz infotainment system MBUX, where Apple Car Play, voice control, gesture control, steering wheels, touch screen and the operating surface between the seats are at your disposal. The digital instrument panel with a myriad of functions and display options is controlled from the steering wheel, as is the vehicle’s advanced head-up display.

LINE LUCK: The Mercedes-Benz E 450 4Matic Cabriolet in Emerald Green Metallic features the style of the first green buds on trees and shrubs. Photo: Håkon Sæbø / Finansavisen

Plenty of space on the plane

Based on the E-Class, the car is at the same time so large that Shaman sits nicely in the back seat and even with the roof low, the luggage compartment is large enough for golf groups and suitcases. If you fold the rear seats down, you’ll get room for both skis and other big things, while the trailer hitch fits the boat better than a trailer full of sticks and other quick stuff.

Practical solutions such as hiding the rear-view camera behind the star on the trunk lid, seat belt fed after tall doors and shuttering the servo, are also details worth taking on a trip. So, with less rainfall and warmer days, a convertible is the mode of transportation of choice.

This article was first published in Finansavisen Engine.