This week I bring you the 2019 Mercedes-Benz E450 Cabriolet, an updated version of the 2018 E400. The biggest difference is the addition of 33 more horses.
Under the hood, the E450 has a 3-liter Bi-turbo V6 that is putting out 362-horses and an impressive 369-pound feet of torque. It is hooked to a 9-speed automatic with paddle shifters and my review vehicle is the 4Matic, which means it is full-time all-wheel drive, but it also comes rear-wheel drive only.
Exterior
The exterior looks of the E450 are stunning, especially with the 19” AMG wheels, but I find the convertible top to be most impressive. Most soft tops have visible bows on the exterior, but this one is smooth and is 3-layers thick for sound reduction and long-term wear. It will go up and down in 21-seconds at speeds up to 31-miles per hour. There is a surprising amount of trunk space for a retractable convertible top, and a built-in partition shows you how much cargo you can load when you lower the top.
Interior
Like most Benz models, the E450 has an exceptional interior with attractive stitching and this one has light brown elm wood across the dash and around the center console. As soon as you open the door, you’ll see this is a real 4-seater convertible with rear bucket seats. Many convertibles won’t fit two adults in the back seat, but this one will, and Mercedes makes it easy to get in the back with electric sliding front seats.
As you sit behind the multi-function steering wheel with controls, you see two extremely vivid 12.3” screens. Right in front of you are the gauges and driver info center, then in the middle of the dash is the COMAND infotainment screen. This is where you operate the entertainment, navigation, comfort and convenience features, and customizable vehicle settings.
All systems can be operated from a fixed mouse, or there is a more traditional round knob below it on the center console. The mouse can even be used as a scratchpad for operations like entering an address for the navigation system. Whether you use the knob or the mouse, there is a bit of a learning curve before it becomes intuitive.
Also on the console you can change the Dynamic Select settings from Eco to Comfort to Sport and finally my favorite, Sport Plus. All 4 settings change the E450 dramatically.
The beautiful quilted seats are comfortable, they are heated and cooled, and have 14 adjustments for your comfort. The headrests will blow warm air on your neck for cool days with the top down.
Standard Equipment and Options
The standard equipment list is long, but big items include: keyless entry, pushbutton start, Bluetooth, Android auto and Apple CarPlay, and one of the better rear cameras I have seen. When you put the E450 in reverse, the 3-point star on the trunk raises for the camera view.
It has the start/stop system, but it can be disabled. It also has brake hold, which allows you to take your foot off the brake when you stop. When you touch the accelerator, the brakes release.
One cool thing is the car reads speed limit signs and replicates them on the head-up display. When using the adaptive cruise control, if the speed limit drops or rises, it adjusts your speed accordingly.
This particular car has almost $20,000 in options. The major options include: the Airbody controlled suspension system, the Premium package which gives you wireless cell charging, and an upgraded Burmeister sound system. The AMG package gives you aluminum pedals and the beautiful 5-spoke wheels.
My tester has the Driver Assist package, which is the adaptive cruise control, lane change assist, emergency braking, blind spot monitoring, and active reverse braking.
Other options include: massaging front seats that heat and cool, the head-up display, and active parking assist.
Verdict
This roadster handles and rides unbelievably well, and is whisper quiet inside-especially for a convertible. It is extremely safe and full of technology. It even has a pop-up roll bar in the event of rollover.
What You’ll Pay
This car is rated at 19 miles per gallon in town, 26 on the highway, and 22 overall. Total MSRP on my tester the way it is equipped is $90,645.
That is a lot of money, but this is a lot of car that you’ll fall in love with every time you get behind the wheel.
2019 Mercedes-Benz E450 Cabriolet
- What I liked most: Interior & exterior appearance, driving pleasure.
- What I would change: Can’t think of a thing.
- MSRP: Base price $69,800 as equipped $90,845 with transportation.
- Fuel Economy: 19 city/26 highway/22 combined.
- Official Color: Rubelite Red Metallic.
- Odometer reading when tested: 1900 miles.
- Weight: 4189 pounds.
- Spare Tire: Compact temporary spare.
- Length-Width-Height: 190” long/80.9” wide/56.2” high.
- Fuel Tank Capacity: 17.4 gallons with the filler on the passenger side.
- Towing Capacity: 3500 pounds.
- 2019 E450 in a few words: A great roadster, sure to turn heads and keep a smile on your face.
- Warranty: 4-years/50,000 mile bumper-to-bumper with roadside assistance.
- Final Assembly Location: Bremen, Germany.
- Manufacturers website: www.MBUSA.com
- Up Next: 2019 McLaren 720S
Photo Credit: Mercedes-Benz
