IF you want to sneak through life without being noticed then the Mercedes E-Class cabriolet is definitely not the car for you.
That’s because with its dashing good looks and beautifully-sculpted lines, it’s a car that is guaranteed to stand out in any crowd and draw the attention of onlookers.
In fact, during my time with the car I was asked at least a dozen times what model it was, especially with the roof down.
Although at £45,000 it’s not the cheapest car on the market today, it does come with a whole host of quality features such as heaters to keep your head and neck warm while driving with the top down and an ingenious traffic warning device that has lots of little yellow cars on the mapped road if the traffic is slow moving or red cars if it is grid-locked - now, that is invaluable if you tackle motorways on a regular basis.
Other creature comforts include dual-zone air con, sat nav, rain sensing wipers, Nappa leather steering wheel and gearstick, plus a multi-media system that is compatible with every possible device from iPod to USB ports, a memory card reader and the somewhat more traditional CD changer.
The driver and front seat passenger are treated to plenty of space with heated leather seats that offer every imaginable adjustment for lumbar, back and neck support. There are rear seats, but leg and headroom is a bit cramped at times.
The E-Class cabriolet has plenty of storage options throughout the cabin and the boot, which although limited due to housing the soft top roof, is plenty big enough for smaller items of luggage.
But for me, luxuries aside, this car is all about performance and boy, what a performer!
I was actually blessed with some summer sunshine and at the flick of a switch the roof was quickly lowered away and I was left to the mercy of Mother Nature.
In and around town, the car cruised through the busy traffic and parking was made easy thanks to the all-round sensors and the added bonus of a reversing camera.
Then out on the faster roads, the 2.2-litre engine delivered incredible power and acceleration as it moved smoothly through the six-speed manual gearbox. The ride was smooth and extremely comfortable, even in the optional sport mode.
Mercedes has kitted the E-Class Cabriolet with a comprehensive list of safety features including anti-lock brakes, agility control sports suspension, multi-stage airbags, a tyre pressure monitoring system along with lots more and a great security package to keep any unwanted attention at bay.
All in all, this car is the perfect companion for summer driving with the roof lowered and the wind in your hair, but thankfully it has all the credentials to be a great car for winter too - now where are those seat warmers!
FAST FACTS
Mercedes E250 CDI BlueEFFICIENCY Sport Cabriolet
Price: £45,060
Mechanical: 204bhp, 2,143cc, 4cyl diesel engine driving front wheels via 6-speed manual gearbox
Max speed: 155mph
0-62mph: 7.8 seconds
Combined mpg: 50.4
Insurance group: 43
CO2 emissions: 153g/km
BIK rating: 15%
Warranty: 3yrs/ unlimited miles