• Practicality is above average
• Luxurious comfort for four is unique at this price
• Open-top touring for the whole family

Drivers always get the best in a cabriolet, and the E-Class in any form is a good place to be behind the wheel. Most cars lose their charm for passengers when the top comes off, however. Not here – the E-Class is a real treat for passengers in that regard.

Rear passengers are given an impressive amount of space for a four-seat convertible. Access is straightforward too, as the electric seats slide forward and the front seatbelts are tucked away, ready to be presented by the distinctive Mercedes ‘butler’ that automatically pushes the belt within easy shoulder reach – without leaving obstructions around the door aperture.

Large, wide and supportive rear seats allow wind-in-the-hair motoring for four without discomfort, particularly with the Aircap enabled to direct air over the cabin.

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Boot space and storage

It’s a downside of taking the roof off – you have to put it somewhere. Despite that, the E-Class Cabriolet has a 385-litre boot that is also very practically shaped, and usefully tall when the roof is raised. An electronic control raises the hood compartment, preventing attempts to lower the top when luggage occupies all the space.

The load area itself is wide, flat and very easily accessible for even bulky items. The rear seat is split 50:50, too, which allows larger flatpack objects to be carried.

Generous centre-cubby storage with a divided, butterfly-door armrest and good sized doorbins provide room for clutter, though the cupholders are worryingly close to some expensive electronics.

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Is it easy to park?

Similarly sized to the E-Class Saloon, the Cabriolet suffers from the predictable lack of rearward visibility. Despite the relatively wide body and thick pillars – particularly with the roof up – it’s otherwise easy to manoeuvre around town as long as you can find a parking space to fit. Of course, there’s an automated way of doing that, too.

A reversing camera, sensors, and optional 360-degree camera help keep the corners away from harm and spot children and pets when positioning the car, although once parked, the long doors will make for some ungainly exits in British car parks.

Safety

• Excellent track record on safety
•  E-Class Cabriolet offers space for the best child seats 
• Standard autonomous emergency braking

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Without a doubt, the Mercedes-Benz E-Class Cabriolet is the best option for a family among the four-seat convertible class. Euro NCAP hasn’t tested the Cabriolet specifically, but it awarded the saloon five stars, and the C-Class Cabriolet also achieved a full five stars.

Standard equipment includes adaptive brake lights and active brake assist, cruise control with speed limiter and attention assist.

The optional Driving Assistance package can significantly reduce fatigue, with class-leading low-speed lane-keeping and adaptive cruise, evasive steering assist and automated overtaking with cruise control and blindspot detection.

WATCH: Mercedes-Benz E-Class Saloon Euro NCAP crash test video