Miele for Life asked motoring journalist Glenn Butler to shake off the envious stares and take the new Mercedes E Class Cabriolet for a liberating roof down cruise…

What is it about the convertible that elicits such strong emotions in observers? These sun-loving drop-tops get envious looks as they glide by, their occupants soaking up rays and radiating pleasure.

Our desire for these roofless wonders does not necessarily stem from their high prices, because wind-in-the-hair motoring can cost as little as $32K with the new Mazda MX-5. Neither is it only their sleek, supple lines that get us excited because for a time Australia’s best-selling ‘convertible’ was the boxy Jeep Wrangler SUV — the one with the removable soft-top that required a Masters in Engineering to refit.

If we’re honest, it’s jealousy — and I tar myself with the same brush. I want to be inside the convertible, not outside watching it glide by.

Mercedes-Benz has a number of such vehicles, from the $86,900 C-Class Cabriolet right up to the super luxurious, super quick and super expensive AMG GT C Roadster $339,000.

The latest E-Class Cabriolet, which has just arrived in Australia, slots into the middle of Benz’s convertible range on both price ($123,000) and physical size. As you’d expect for the six-figure outlay, this four-seat fair-weather machine carries a heady mix of creature comforts and techno-wizardry.

The leather interior is up to Benz’s usual standards of luxury, but is outshone by the huge digital display screen that stretches from the driver’s instrument binnacle across to the centre stack. This wide wide-screen conveys everything you’ll need to know about the satnav, climate control, stereo and all the Benz’s other infotainment systems.

On the move the E300 Cabriolet is an oasis of calm, thanks in part to its energetic 2.0-litre turbocharged engine which never feels stressed, and its air suspension which feels like, well, riding on air. It’s also incredibly quiet with the roof up — not all soft-top convertibles can lay claim to that.

But it’s roof down cruising for which people buy these cars, so roof down I went at every opportunity. Once I got used to feeling like a goldfish in a leather-lined, chrome-rimmed bowl (everybody stares, and it’s quite wonderful!) I realised that motoring without a roof is quite liberating. It doesn’t get you there any faster, nor does it magically find great parking spots when you arrive — you just enjoy the journey more, and arrive happier.

The Benz has the ability to convert itself while moving, providing the speed is less than 50km/h. Perhaps equally as useful is its willingness to re-roof itself while moving, like when an unexpected rain shower hits during a peak-hour commute home.

Mercedes-Benz claims the E300 Cabriolet is an all-seasons convertible, but doesn’t advocate top-down driving during rain showers even though the interior is waterproof to a certain extent. Instead, it means you can drive around roof-down on colder days because Aircap and Airscarf will keep you warm and unbuffeted.

Airscarf is a system of vents in the seats that keep your neck and upper body warm, just like a scarf. Aircap refers to a mechanical deflector on top of the windscreen and a second deflector behind the back row of seats that both raise to channel air up and over the cabin, rather than into it. It’s kind of like having a roof to keep the wind out but not the sunshine, and it works surprisingly well.

Annoyingly, the E300 is just as competent a conveyance when the roof is in place too. I say annoyingly, because it means owners effectively get the best of both worlds. Whereas my seven day test is up and my joyous days in the sun are but a dimming memory.

Glenn Butler test drove this new release for Miele for Life as a guest of Mercedes Benz.

Quick facts

Mercedes-Benz E300 Cabriolet

Price: $123,000

Engine: 2.0-litre, turbocharged 4-cylinder

Transmission: 9-speed automatic

Power & Torque: 180kW / 350Nm

Fuel Economy: 7.4L/100km