Pros & Cons
- Pillarless solid-top serenity.
- Legitimate four-adult seating.
- Linear turbo V6 refinement.
- Cargo vanishes top-down.
- Sterile seven-speed responses.
- Dealer-tier maintenance budgets.
2015 Mercedes-Benz E400 Cabriolet Review with Vyocar
Its twin-turbo V6 is capable but sterile, missing the V8 rumble that gives convertibles their soul.
Overview
It’s a four-seat convertible positioned as the E-Class midsize offering, a luxurious and expensive way to get some sun. As part of the Mercedes-Benz E-Class family, this midsize drop-top is based on the W212-generation chassis, shared with an older E-Class convertible, which gives it a solid, rattle-free feel many convertibles lack. With 329 horsepower from its twin-turbocharged V6, it’s quick, but I’m more interested in whether that two-door convertible layout works in reality. Those rear seats are rightsized for actual humans, a small miracle.
So, how does this four-seat convertible stack up? Put it next to a BMW 640i and you’ll see this E-Class player favors daily comfort over lap times. It’s lovely with the top down, but let’s be clear: this is no twin-turbocharged wagon. Those station wagons are for cargo; this is for cruising. Is it luxurious? Absolutely. Is it expensive? Painfully so. You’re paying for that solid Mercedes-Benz feel, not just a badge.
What’s New for 2015
For 2015, the big news under the hood is the new engine: a twin-turbocharged V-6 that swaps the old carry-over naturally aspirated 3.5-liter V-6 for a 3.0-liter displacement. This twin-turbo V-6 grants you the E400 status and a nice shove in the back, which frankly the old motor needed. Outside, you get updated styling that’s more evolutionary than shocking; they restyled the headlights and taillights, tweaked the grille, and smoothed out the front and rear fascias. Inside? The glorious AirScarf system carries over, because Mercedes knows your neck gets cold while you’re pretending it’s summer in October.
Pricing, Trim Levels, and Best Pick
Powertrain, Transmission, and Driving Dynamics
Let’s talk about what moves this convertible. Under the hood lies a 3.0-liter twin-turbocharged V-6, which Mercedes badges as a direct-Injection Biturbo V6. It’s good for 329-horsepower and 354 lb-ft torque, sent through a 7-speed automatic transmission — the 7G-Tronic, if you’re keeping score. This rear-wheel drive setup with an open differential won’t win drag races, but the claimed 6.3 seconds 0-to-60-mph is decent for a heavy drop-top. Honestly, though, this BiTurbo V6 is responsive but never explosively powerful. You’ll notice the absence of an N/A V8 the second you miss that V8 rumble. It’s capable, just a bit sterile.
Now, about driving it. Those paddle shifters tempt you to take control, but the G-Tronic box can be stubborn on a downshift when you catch the red mist. In daily use, the road manners are polished and predictable. RC as a GT alternative fits this comfort-first vibe, where smooth, effortless speed matters more than hard-edged aggression. The horsepower and torque arrive smoothly, so it’s easy to handle. But let’s be clear: this 7-speed slushbox and the overall powertrain are tuned for comfort, not corner-carving. It’s a cruiser, not a canyon killer.
Mercedes-Benz E400 Fuel Economy Test
The EPA claims 20 mpg city and 29 mpg highway for a 24 mpg combined rating. In my real world loop, I logged 23 mpg overall. CTS luxury sedan shoppers cross-shopping this drop-top will notice the tradeoff. That 29 mpg highway figure? It’s a fantasy unless you mimic a ghost-footed drone. My urban crawl netted a grumpy 18 mpg city; blame the open roof and my leaden right foot. What can I say? It’s a convertible. Resist? Please.
Now, peek at the optimistic European cycle floating 31 mpg highway. Even Mercedes’ gentler global test cites 28 mpg highway. My best highway stint hit 25 mpg. A frisky canyon run returned, well, 25 mpg again. So it’s consistently okay, not a sipper. For grand tours, it works. For budget fame, look elsewhere.
Interior, Comfort and Space
I’ve logged more miles in driver’s seats than some pilots, so I know when a cabin works. Up front, the multi-adjustable heated and cooled front seats are a genuine treat, those power active perforated leather seats contouring without a fuss. The lumbar support is firm where it counts, and the AirScarf? It’s a clever cheat code against chill, genuinely keeping low draft levels at your neck. Mercedes gets the driver’s throne right.
But the party ends quickly behind you. There’s limited space back there, people. Legroom, hiproom, and headroom are best described as cozy, fine for kids or groceries. The pillarless side windows aid visibility, but the bulky backseat head restraints steal some of that view. Deploy the retractable wind blocker and things quiet down; heated air vents offer a sliver of back seat comfort. It’s a convertible, not a limo — managing expectations is part of the deal.
Cargo Space & Family Practicality
Cargo space and family practicality in this drop-top Merc? Oh, please. Look, the trunk gives you 11.5 cubic feet with the roof sealed, but that plummets to 8.8 cubic feet for top-down cargo, welcome to convertible cargo math. That storage reality means you’re packing light: maybe two roll-aboard suitcases or a pile of duffels, so choose your luggage wisely. The rear seats work for a quick jaunt, but trying to install children seats back there feels like a puzzle designed by a sadist. Sure, it carries four full-sized adults, but after twenty minutes, the folks in back will be auditing your friendship. Family hauler this is not.
Infotainment, Connectivity & Tech
Front and center is that high-resolution 7-inch infotainment screen (17.8 cm, 800×480), the face of the COMAND system. You operate it via a dial ahead of the armrest that gives me strong nostalgic vibes for an old iPod. The navigation (Navi) boasts 3D maps and 3D terrain—pretty to look at, but I care more about dynamic route guidance and accurate arrival times. It pulls Points of Interest (POI) from its preinstallation Garmin MAP PILOT, and a traffic information decoder tries to help. But let’s be real, in 2015, fast LTE and 4G internet services were still finding their legs, so temper your expectations for zippy Online services or the Mercedes-Benz App.
For hooking up your life, you get USB connectivity and Bluetooth hands-free for phone calls and media streaming. Want to stream music? The options are there. The Harman Kardon 14-speaker audio system is the hero here, making the Radio or SIRIUS Service sound fantastic with the top down. Storage? There’s an SD card slot, dual ports, and internal hard drive storage split into a 10 GB partition for system data and a 200 GB one for your files. A Media Interface adapter tucked in the glovebox external input promises Android compatibility, iPhone compatibility, iPod compatibility, and even Windows compatibility—a relic of a bygone era.
Controlling it all, the steering wheel controls handle next song and previous song basics. Or, you can battle the voice control system, branded LINGUATRONIC. This Speech Dialog (SDS) uses Text-to-Speech (TTS) and often argues with my accent. The 360° bird’s-eye view camera system, stitching feeds from the front camera, rear camera, and ORVM cameras, is a neat parking aid, though its resolution hasn’t aged gracefully. Software updates may have later offered a more intuitive interface. The media player in this integrated head unit system handles MP3 formats and other audio formats just fine.
Daily use? The search function for address entry by street and house number works, with short loading times that are acceptable. But as a test driver who prizes livability, I find this tech suite a mixed bag. It’s packed, but it feels like a complex appliance. It gets the job done, but rarely makes you smile.
Safety Features & Driver Assistance
This 2015 cabriolet packs a respectable set of driver-assistance systems that helped it score a four-star NHTSA rating and an IIHS good mark when crash-tested. That’s comforting for a convertible. The backup camera and surround-view camera are your best friends in a tight spot, though the park assist sensors get jumpy, chirping at leaves like they’re concrete pillars. It’s a solid, if slightly nervous, parking guide.
The active safety stuff shows its age. Distance keeping cruise control works smoothly on straight highways, but lane keep assist gently fights you on backroads, more annoying co-pilot than helpful aide. Forward collision warning and attention assist are sobering, effective reminders to wake up. Blind spot warning sensors are generally trustworthy, but I still turn my head. Look, these driver assistance programs are capable helpers, not replacements for your eyes. For 2015, it’s a good kit that keeps you aware, not asleep at the wheel.
Warranty and Ownership Costs
When it rolled off the lot, it had a New Vehicle Limited Warranty stretching 4 years or 50,000 miles, wrapping in powertrain coverage and roadside assistance. Want to extend the hug? An Extended Limited Warranty was on the menu. Chasing a used one today? Target a Certified Pre-Owned Warranty or see if that transferable warranty still has juice. After that, you’re in out-of-warranty repairs territory, and let’s be honest, high repair bills for a German convertible are a when, not an if.
Now, the real talk on upkeep. Your life is ruled by Mercedes-Benz service intervals, alternating between Service A and Service B. It starts simple with an oil change, but soon you’re budgeting for brake service or a tire replacement. Dealer labor costs here are celebrity-tier, so I usually send people to trusted independent Mercedes-Benz specialists. They source genuine OEM parts but charge human prices. You must factor in long-term maintenance costs; this isn’t a purchase, it’s a relationship. Luxury vehicle ownership costs are part of the deal, but with some cleverness, E-Class maintenance affordability is within reach. Just don’t play chicken with the service light.
Final Verdict: Should You Buy the 2016 Cadillac CTS?
If you’re shopping for a luxurious four-seat convertible that values composure over chaos, the E400 Cabriolet deserves your attention. Its 3.0-liter twin-turbocharged V6 delivers a healthy 329 horsepower and 354 lb-ft of torque, moving this elegant drop-top to 60 mph in roughly six seconds. The power delivery is smooth and linear, perfectly aligned with the E-Class’s grand-touring mission. This isn’t about fireworks; it’s about refined, effortless pace. Add the electrically operated fabric soft top with excellent sound insulation, and you get open-air driving that feels calm, solid, and genuinely premium. Four usable seats, timeless styling, and a beautifully finished cabin seal the deal. It’s a proper cruiser, not a show pony.
That refinement, however, comes with trade-offs. The 7-speed G-TRONIC automatic and comfort-biased chassis make highway miles disappear with ease, but they don’t encourage spirited driving. Steering feedback is muted, braking feels competent rather than engaging, and the infotainment system now shows its age. Enthusiasts looking for sharp responses and backroad thrills will find the experience a bit too relaxed. On the upside, the safety and driver-assistance tech is substantial for its era and works as intended, supporting rather than distracting the driver.
So, is it worth the money? The E400’s premium pricing is offset by strong long-term ownership confidence, solid resale value, and relatively light competition in the four-seat luxury convertible segment. Park it next to rivals like the Audi S5 Cabriolet or BMW 4 Series Convertible, and the Mercedes stands out as one of the last truly traditional, comfort-first luxury cabriolets. If your priority is stylish, stress-free open-top motoring for real-world use, not lap times, the 2015 Mercedes-Benz E400 Cabriolet makes a compelling and grown-up choice.
FAQs about the 2015 Mercedes-Benz E400 Cabriolet
Performance
Is the 2015 Mercedes-Benz E400 Cabriolet a quick convertible or more of a comfort-first grand tourer?
Practicality
How practical is the trunk in the 2015 E400 Cabriolet with the soft top up versus down?
Safety
What safety ratings and driver-assist features matter most when buying a used 2015 E400 Cabriolet?
| SPEC | DETAIL |
|---|---|
| Engine Options | 3.0-liter twin-turbocharged V6 (Direct Injection Biturbo) |
| Drivetrain | Rear-wheel drive (RWD) |
| Power / Torque | 329 hp / 354 lb-ft |
| 0–60 mph | ~6.0–6.3 seconds |
| Top Speed | Electronically limited to ~130 mph |
| EPA Fuel Economy | 20 city / 29 highway / 24 combined |
| Real-World MPG | 18–23 mpg city • 24–26 mpg highway • ~23 mpg combined (tested) |
| Fuel Tank | 21.1 gallons |
| Transmission | 7-speed automatic (7G-TRONIC) |
| Suspension | Independent front and rear suspension • Comfort-tuned setup |
| Brakes | 4-wheel disc brakes with ABS, traction control, electronic stability control |
| Wheels / Tires | 18–19 inch alloy wheels depending on package (all-season or performance tires) |
| Curb Weight | ~4,300 lbs |
| Seating Capacity | 4 passengers |
| Cargo Capacity | 11.5 cu ft (top up) • 8.8 cu ft (top down) |
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