The Essentials

• Price from £35,195
• What Car? says:
• Fuel economy: up to 55.4mpg
• What is it? Mercedes E-Class Cabrio is probably the best luxury convertible of its type

• Drive

  Stick to comfier SE trim and a strong diesel engine for the most cosseting experience. Fabulously refined, roof up or down

• Inside

  Every driver should be able to get comfortable - many will then get annoyed with the illogical controls and foot-operated parking brake

• Safety

  Lots of technology to help prevent an accident and in case it can't, headbags, roll-over protection and a reinforced structure to keep you safe

• Reliability

  Mercedes is determined to put its cars back at the top of the reliability charts, so you can expect this one to last and last

• Space

  Four adults can fit inside, albeit snugly for the two in the back. The boot is a decent size, but shrinks with the roof folded

• Standard and extras

  Luxury SE includes climate control, Bluetooth and all round parking sensors. Sport adds a bodykit, bigger wheels and stronger brakes

• What's it like to drive?

  There's an engine to suit everyone, but our favourite is the E350 CDI with the automatic gearbox. It's not the quickest off the mark but has plenty of pull so it soon gets going. Stick with SE trim for the smoothest, most comfortable journey. It's still nimble around bends with plenty of grip, while the firm ride of Sport models feels at odds with open-top cruising. Roof-up, the cabin is super-quiet, and even with it lowered the crafty Aircap wind deflectors keep things relaxed all round.

• What's it like inside?

  Youll have no trouble getting comfortable, thanks to the seat and wheel adjustment in the Mercedes E-Class Cabriolet. However, the confusing arrangement of controls on the dash, foot-operated parking brake and combined indicator and wiper control stalk are all potential irritations. Visibility isn't bad for a convertible. The rear seats are cosy for two adults, and not just thanks to those wind deflectors, but the boot is a useful size, if awkwardly shaped.

• How reliable is it?

• Should I buy one?

  The Mercedes E-Class Cabriolet is competitively priced compared with an Audi A5 or BMW 3 Series convertible, although it will depreciate faster than the BMW. It also has very generous standard kit included - from automatic lights and wipers to parking sensors front and back. You'll need to pay extra for the delicious Airscarf neck-warmers, however. The diesel engines offer the lowest running costs, and stop-start has been introduced to the range too.