2014 Mercedes-Benz E-Class Cabriolet Photo Gallery

If you’re looking for a luxury convertible that can seat four people and doesn’t cost more than $100,000, your choices are limited to the Audi A5/S5, the BMW 4 Series, the Infiniti Q60, the Lexus IS C, and this, the 2014 Mercedes-Benz E-Class Cabriolet. The example shown here is the E550 equipped with every factory option, and painted Iridium Silver Metallic with a red roof, red leather seats, and Black Ash wood interior trim.

2014 Mercedes-Benz E-Class Cabriolet Photo Gallery

For 2014, the E-Class Cabriolet is restyled. The changes are most evident up front, where larger air intakes, new headlights, and a redesigned grille provide a more aggressive but less distinctive appearance. Full LED lighting is available, as well as several wheel choices. Around back, the 2014 E-Class Cabriolet has a restyled bumper and new taillights.

2014 Mercedes-Benz E-Class Cabriolet Photo Gallery

If the 2014 Mercedes E-Class convertible’s exterior styling changes are somewhat less distinctive than the previous model, the automaker has dramatically upgraded the interior. New silver trim tastefully decorates the cabin, adding much needed bling, and the transmission shifter is gone from the center console, replaced by a lever on the steering column. The console is redesigned, featuring repositioned cupholders and beautiful wood that inexplicably covers an ashtray and a lighter. Say what, now?

2014 Mercedes-Benz E-Class Cabriolet Photo Gallery

This example of the E550 Cabriolet is equipped with the Sport Package, which includes optional multi-contour sport seats. They look like they’ve got big, uncomfortable bolsters, but once you’re sitting in them you can adjust how snugly they hug your body. Thanks to the broad range of adjustment, comfort levels are high, and the wood-and-leather sport steering wheel is a real pleasure to hold.

2014 Mercedes-Benz E-Class Cabriolet Photo Gallery

Four adults can ride in the E-Class Cabriolet, and if the front seat occupants are kind enough to scoot up a bit, taller people can even squeeze into the back seat. I easily put a preschooler and a kindergartener into this car for a family ride along the coast. They complained plenty about being cold, and I may have ruined their appetite for top-down driving in the future.

2014 Mercedes-Benz E-Class Cabriolet Photo Gallery

Front seat occupants stay warmer, and the optional AirScarf system is one reason why. These vents, located just below the front seat head rests, envelope the driver’s and front passenger’s upper bodies in warmth, while heated front seats and a heated steering ensure toasty traveling on even the chilliest of days.

2014 Mercedes-Benz E-Class Cabriolet Photo Gallery

The E350 Cabriolet is equipped with a 302-horsepower, 3.5-liter V-6. This is the E550 model’s twin-turbocharged, 4.6-liter V-8 engine, which puts out 402 horsepower at 5,000 rpm and 443 lb.-ft. of torque between 1,600 rpm and 4,750 rpm. A 7-speed automatic transmission powers the rear wheels, and provides paddle shifters for manual gear changes.

2014 Mercedes-Benz E-Class Cabriolet Photo Gallery

Both Consumer Reports and J.D. Power rate the Mercedes-Benz E-Class favorably for quality, reliability, and dependability. However, the car is expensive to own, according to Consumer Reports.

2014 Mercedes-Benz E-Class Cabriolet Photo Gallery

The Insurance Institute for Highway Safety (IIHS) has not performed crash tests on the E-Class Cabriolet, but the organization has assessed the E-Class Coupe. The ratings don’t transfer due to the Cabriolet’s lack of a significant structural element – namely, the roof – but they do demonstrate that the convertible is based on a vehicle that has received the highest possible crash-test ratings from the IIHS.

2014 Mercedes-Benz E-Class Cabriolet Photo Gallery

There’s no shortage of safety features for the E-Class Cabriolet. Standard equipment includes side-curtain airbags, a rarity for a convertible. The car also comes with Attention Assist drowsy driver detection as well as a telematics system with Automatic Collision Notification. Options run the gamut from simple things like a reversing camera to complex features such as Active Lane Keeping Assist, Active Blind Spot Assist, Steering Assist, Pre-Safe Brake with Pedestrian Detection, and more.

2014 Mercedes-Benz E-Class Cabriolet Photo Gallery

The Mercedes E-Class Cabriolet’s mBrace2 telematics system includes three free months of services, which are available thereafter via subscription. In addition to Automatic Collision Notification, this system provides a range of services such as SOS Emergency Call, Stolen Vehicle Location Assistance, Roadside Assistance Connection, concierge services, destination download capability, and real-time traffic and weather reports. Mercedes-Benz Apps provides the E-Class Cabriolet’s driver with access to the Internet, including Facebook, TuneIn global radio, news reports, and more.