2014 MERCEDES-BENZ E-Class Cabriolet Review

And just when you thought the 2014 E-Class Cabriolet had run out of open-top motoring cards, it raises with its Airscarf system. Having debuted on the previous R230-generation SL, this blows warm air around the driver and front passenger’s necks. The only downside here is that this is the hate-it-or-love-it kind of system. Some passengers will adore it, while others won’t be able to stand it for more than a few minutes.

Regardless of that, once you set the top in motion, the car reveals an interior with less changes than its body.

The cabin brings the updates of what one may call "usual" changes for a facelift. For us, the interior has always been the weakest part of an E-Class. This remains true, but they've added some pretty nice bits, starting with a new list of materials.

The driver receives more attention that the rest of the occupants. To start with, he gets white dashboard instruments. While these make little difference during the day, once night falls the dashboard becomes different altogether.

Just as importantly, the automatic transmission shifter has migrated from the center console to the steering column. While this American layout suits the Mercedes M-Class or the S-Class, it does seem a bit forced on the E-Class.

And since we've mentioned the steering column, we have to explain that this now offer extended adjustment range. One small detail that matters.

Despite the platform on the E-Class Coupe and Cabriolet being closer to a modified C-Class architecture than the E-Class platform, interior space is not a problem. On the contrary. First of all, the rest of the interior dimensions are different, so you’ll feel better than in the C-Class Coupe.

Anybody who's been inside a Mercedes E-Class sedan knows the airy feeling. The interesting bit is that this is somehow also kept in the rear. Sure, you don't get a seatbelt concierge arm like up front and the space is more limited, but the experience back here is pleasant enough on a long journey.

It all starts with the easy access. You are invited inside one of the most spacious four-seater convertibles on the market. Four adults can share this car in comfort. Of course, those up front do have to make a bit of a compromise regarding their seating position.