Weekend Drive by Hormazd Sorabjee: A top-down approach

The new Mercedes-AMG E 53 4Matic+ has a fabric roof and may just be the luxury convertible India has been looking for

You’d think that owning a convertible in India is as logical as buying a surfboard in Siberia. But then, buying a convertible isn’t about logic. Even in our sun-scorched country, the idea of cruising with the wind in your hair defies reason.

Convertibles tug at the heart strings, and the Mercedes-AMG E53 4Matic+ Cabriolet does that rather well. It looks beautiful, even with the hood up. The burgundy fabric roof (one of a choice of four colours) contrasts smartly against the sleek, white exterior. And when you drop the hood, it’s even more of a head turner. The aggressive AMG grille, muscular flanks and stubby boot with four chrome exhausts sticking out of the rear (two are only for show) emphasise its sporty character.

The test of any modern convertible is the ease with which you can open and close the hood. This Merc Cabriolet passes with flying colours. A press of a button activates a battery of electric motors that seamlessly open and shut the soft-top roof in 20 seconds. You can do this at up to speeds of 50kph. You even get a spoiler or a flap, called the Aircap, which pops out on top of the windscreen to move the airflow higher for a draft-free experience.

The cabin is similar to the E-class, with the same twin-screen dashboard and four air vents, but it feels a bit more plush. It’s finished in ash-grey wood, with nicely bolstered red-and-black seats. The capacitive touch buttons on the wheel, though, are fiddly to use and not as intuitive as hard buttons.

But there’s no shortage of equipment. You get LED headlights, air suspension, adjustable dampers, heads-up display, cooled and heated front seats, 64-colour LED mood lighting and a punchy 590W Burmester audio system.

After familiarising myself with the controls, I’m ready to go. What will it be: Open or closed? Getting out of Mumbai, its best to have the roof up to shield against the noise, pollution and heat. I’m impressed with how cool the aircon keeps the cabin and how quiet it is for a car with a cloth roof. Sure, you aren’t as well cocooned as in a hard top, but with three layers of fabric, the soft top does a pretty good job of isolating you from the elements.

Away from the city, on a lonely road behind Lonavala, it’s time to put the hood down. It’s a cool morning and the three-litre, six cylinder’s throaty roar is accentuated in the still mountain air. Switch to Sport+ mode and exhaust pops and bangs every time you lift off the throttle pedal. Propelled by 435hp and a very healthy 520Nm, this cabriolet gallops to 100kph in just 4.5 seconds.

The cabin is similar to the E-class, with the same twin-screen dashboard and four air vents, but it feels a bit more plush.

Being a Merc, this cabriolet is comfy too, soaking up uneven roads without unsettling the passengers. It’s got poise, feels rock solid at high speeds, but it’s not perfect. Because of the low-profile tyres, sharp edges crash through and ground clearance isn’t great.

For the asking price of ₹1.3 crore, there aren’t many convertibles that offer the same level of practicality and comfort. Sure, the second row of seats is cramped and luggage space isn’t great, but if you’re looking for a thrilling open-top driving experience with top-of-the-line features and comfort, the Mercedes-AMG E53 is your best bet.