Mercedes-Benz has added a fourth bodyshell variation to its local E-Class range in the form of a soft-top cabriolet. The edgy, wedgy-suited E-Class Cabriolet comes in two engine variants, a 3.5-litre V6, badged E350 and a 5.5-litre V8 for the E500. First impressions are very good. From the arresting body with it’s muscular flanks to the elegantly restrained cabin, it’s a quality machine. And as a new Merc without new tech is a rare thing, the E-Class cabrio debuts turbulence-reducing AIRCAP to go with its headrest integrated AIRSCARF neck heaters, impressive 0.28 drag co-efficient and all-new headbags that inflate upwards from the door’s window sill line. The AIRCAP system, optional on E350, deploys a deflector from the top rim of the windscreen that works in conjunction with a draught-stop between the rear seats. It switches on automatically once rear seat passengers fasten their seat belts, but can be manually overridden by a set of buttons up front. It works too, producing a noticeable reduction in cabin noise and turbulence, particularly for rear passengers. Don’t panic though, it’s still wind-in-the-hair motoring, you just eat less of it.

We drove both models over some of the best driving roads in the Western Cape, with the lighter 215kW E350 proving the more composed handler of the two. The 285kW E500 is a powerhouse bahnstormer of note, but the extra weight in the nose means it’s more quickly unsettled under braking with more pronounced weight transfer. Addictive as the surging power from the V8 is, I'd opt for the more useable V6, which is no slouch itself. Merc claims 6.8 seconds for the 0-100kph dash against the V8’s 5.3. Both cars use the familiar 7G-TRONIC seven-speed auto with steering wheel-mounted paddles placing fast, smooth changes at your fingertips. Claimed combined cycle fuel consumption figures are 9.0 and 11.0 for the V6 and V8 respectively, with the top up of course.

Electric roof opening and closing operations take 20 seconds and can now be accomplished on the move at speeds up to 40kph. The 23.5mm thick multi-layered fabric roof does a great job of mimicking a metal one, sealing out road noise with aplomb. Another really impressive attribute of the new cabrio is bodyshell stiffness. Subjectively, it’s the most rigid four seater cabrio I’ve sampled to date.

It's hard to find fault with the new E-Class Cabriolet. It’s comfortable, well-equipped, powerful yet relatively efficient and at the very forefront of soft-top technology. There won’t be a diesel derivative or an AMG monster, but you can spec an AMG Sports Package, which includes sportier seats and steering wheel, AMG-specific front and rear bumpers and twin-spoke rims amongst other cosmetic upgrades.

Pricing:
Mercedes-Benz E-Class Cabriolet E350  -  R770 000
Mercedes-Benz E-Class Cabriolet E350  -  R900 000

Verdict: A lot of money for a lot of car.