Used Mercedes-Benz E-Class Cabriolet for sale: everything you need to know

You can trace the lineage of the Mercedes E-Class Cabriolet several decades back into the 20th century, but the latest model was sold between 2017 and 2023, replaced in 2024 by a new CLE Cabriolet that also replaces the smaller Mercedes C-Class Cabriolet.

The E-Class is one of few drop-tops on the market that isn’t trying to be a sports car, instead brilliantly serving the role of a comfortable and surprisingly practical cruiser, capable of carrying four adults and looking rather stylish as it does so.

Not many other manufacturers have offered something like the E-Class Cabriolet in recent years, beyond smaller models like the Audi A5 Cabriolet, BMW 4 Series Convertible, and the smaller Mercedes C-Class Cabriolet. Depending on how much you intend to drop the roof, the E-Class Coupe is a similarly stylish and slightly more affordable option.

Should you buy a Mercedes-Benz E-Class Cabriolet?

Even more so than the smaller C-Class Cabriolet, the Mercedes E-Class Cabriolet is a cruiser. It might get an AMG version at the top of the range but this is not a sports car. It’s arguably all the better for it, following a formula that Mercedes has successfully applied for decades now: four proper seats, a smooth ride, and a roof that’s incredibly snug when it’s in place.

When the roof is down the E-Class remains comfortable, thanks to technology like ‘Aircap’ which helps send the flow of air well over the passenger cabin, and Airscarf which feeds warm air to the back of your neck through the seats. Rear seat space isn’t saloon-car big, but far better than most other drop-tops.

The interior is stylish and feels well-built, and all models are well-equipped, though various option packs available when new mean some used examples might be better specified than others. 2020-on models featured Mercedes’ latest MBUX infotainment system, which is a notable improvement worth seeking out.

None of the engines should disappoint you, with the usual mix of punchy petrol and frugal diesel units, though the V6 models help make the E-Class feel worth the money more than the four-cylinders. This generation E-Class is proving reassuringly reliable too.

There really aren’t many natural rivals for the E-Class Cabriolet. BMW’s 6 Series Convertible disappeared in 2018 and its 8 Series Convertible replacement aims at a higher market - and isn’t as spacious as the E-Class. Just like we suggested in our full review, the most compelling alternative is probably the E-Class Coupe, if you don’t think you’ll get much use from the Cabriolet’s folding roof.

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What’s the best used Mercedes-Benz E-Class Cabriolet model to buy?

With a Mercedes E-Class saloon we might recommend one of the more sensible variants but if you’re looking at the Cabriolet, chances are you also want to indulge in the experience, and for this reason we’d aim for either the E 450 petrol or E 400 diesel if you have the budget - the smoothness and sound are qualities you just don’t get from the smaller four-cylinder engines.

There’s no need to look too far up the trim level range though. Even earlier AMG Line models were well-equipped but when AMG Line Premium took over as the base model, that improved further, getting everything from a memory pack for the seats, steering wheel and mirrors, to a 360-degree parking camera.

Used Mercedes-Benz E-Class Cabriolet fuel economy and performance

• Mercedes-Benz E 300: With a 2-litre turbocharged four-cylinder the E 300 produces 245PS through a 9-speed automatic gearbox. It gets from 0-62mph in 6.6 seconds, with 31mpg combined economy.
• Mercedes-Benz E 350: The more powerful 2-litre develops 299PS, bringing the 0-62mph time down to 6.1 seconds, with up to 36.2mpg economy depending on the trim line.
• Mercedes-Benz E 450 4Matic: E 450 models get a 3-litre turbocharged petrol V6, making 367PS and using a 9-speed auto gearbox. It’s also all-wheel drive, and gets from 0-62mph in 5.8 seconds. Economy is quoted at up to 31.4mpg.
• Mercedes-Benz E 220 d: The 2-litre diesel makes 194PS in 220 d form and gets a 9-speed auto gearbox as standard. 0-62mph comes up in 7.7 seconds, while combined economy is 50.4mpg.
• Mercedes-Benz E 300 d: Another variant of the 2-litre, power grows to 245PS and the 0-62mph drops accordingly, to 6.6 seconds. Mercedes quotes up to 46.3mpg.
• Mercedes-Benz E 400 d 4Matic: The top diesel is a turbocharged V6 making 340PS with standard all-wheel drive, and a 5.2-second 0-62mph time. Up to 40.9mpg should be possible.
• Mercedes-AMG E 53 4Matic+: The range-topper gets a 3-litre turbocharged inline six petrol engine and 4Matic all-wheel drive, with a 9-speed dual-clutch automatic gearbox. It sprints from 0-62mph in 4.5 seconds and delivers 30.7mpg combined.

What used Mercedes-Benz E-Class Cabriolet trim levels are available?

Mercedes chopped and changed the E-Class Cabriolet trim lines during the car’s time on sale between 2017 and 2023, but the lineup below is a representative sample of most of the cars you’re likely to find on the market. Befitting a model towards the upper end of Mercedes’ range there’s a high level of equipment, which the original buyers could also upgrade with various option packs, so some cars may still be better equipped than others.

• The Mercedes-Benz E-Class AMG Line Premium comes with 19-inch alloy wheels, AMG body styling, Dynamic Select with five driving modes, front and rear parking sensors and a 360-degree camera, multibeam LED headlights, heated front memory seats and a memory steering wheel and mirrors, Artico artificial leather and Dinamica artificial suede trim, keyless go, and brushed stainless pedals.
• The Mercedes-Benz E-Class AMG Line Night Edition Premium Plus upgrades to 20-inch alloys, and gets a 13-speaker Burmester sound system.
• The Mercedes-AMG E 53 Premium has 19-inch alloy wheels, AMG Ride Control sports air suspension, an AMG performance exhaust, intelligent LED lights, red seat belts, and Nappa leather trim.
• The Mercedes-AMG E 53 Premium Plus steps back up to 20-inch wheels, comes with more Nappa leather options, and includes the 13-speaker Burmester audio system.

Used Mercedes-Benz E-Class Cabriolet dimensions and boot size

The Mercedes-Benz E-Class Cabriolet’s dimensions are:

• Length: 4846mm
• Width: 1860mm (without mirror), 2065mm (with mirrors)
• Height: 1429mm (1425mm AMG 53)

The Mercedes-Benz E-Class Cabriolet’s boot size is:

• 385 litres (360 litres E 350)

Used Mercedes-Benz E-Class Cabriolet road tax

Premium pricing means that almost all E-Class Cabriolets attract a VED surcharge in years two to six, meaning the majority of the range will cost you £570 per year (at the time of writing) to tax, dropping to a lower rate from their seventh year onwards.

How much is it to insure a Mercedes-Benz E-Class Cabriolet?

Much like tax, you should probably expect slightly higher insurance rates from a car like the E-Class Cabriolet compared to something more mundane, and an E 220 d in AMG Line trim kicks off the range in group 35 out of 50. This climbs to group 48 for the range-topping E 53.

Read our full Mercedes-Benz E-Class Cabriolet review