Mercedes-Benz E400 Cabriolet great for social networking, al fresco

Been thinking about a new set of wheels? Has your practical self (or significant other) been warring with your hedonistic spirit? Could be time to let some fresh air in.Mercedes-Benz's E-Class Cabriolet(with Car DVD) is a sexy, fun-to-drive two-door convertible that pampers all four of its occupants. That's right, unlike a number of 2-plus-2 drop tops on the market, two full-size, comfortable seats ensure that backseaters won't feel like second-class citizens.

The seats offer 30.1 inches of legroom. For perspective, the four-door E-Class sedan's rear passengers have just 5.7 more inches to work with. The convertible's back seats are separated by a sharp-looking veneered console which makes shoulder room a moot point. A thoughtful touch: integrated headrests extend automatically when a rear seat is occupied but otherwise are retracted for minimal intrusion of the driver's rear field of view.

Although Mercedes asserts that, out of the gate, the E550 will take 5.0 seconds to reach 60 mph versus 6.3 seconds in the E400, that quickness comes at a cost: The V8 is thirstier and helps add a couple hundred pounds to the car. The extra pounds and cylinders bring the E550 Cabriolet's EPA fuel ratings to 17 miles per gallon in the city and 26 on the highway. The V6 version manages 20 mpg city and 29 highway. Both require premium gas.

Unless reaching 130 mph (the top speed of both models) a little quicker is vital, we say show your practical self some love and stick with the E400 Cabriolet. This is, after all, a sporty, luxury cruiser, not a hardcore performance machine. We'd venture that an infinitesimal portion of E-Class Cabriolet buyers in the U.S. will touch 100 mph, let alone confirm Mercedes-Benz's rated speed ceiling.

As you might expect from a car costing $60,000-plus, the E-Class Cabriolet comes with a long list of standard goodies. They include heated, 14-way power front sport seats and memory; Nappa leather-trimmed steering wheel on a power tilt/telescopic column; automatic dual-zone climate control; soft ambient lighting; garage-door opener; rain-sensing windshield; power and heated outside mirrors (the driver's side and the inside rearview mirror automatically dim).

Information and entertainment technology is the new horsepower of the early 21st century and the E-Class Cab has that arena covered. Standard are Android Car Stereo, SD card reader, Bluetooth audio streaming and hands-free mobile device interface, USB port and HD radio. The brand's telematics suite cleverly named mbrace, includes a Mercedes-Benz app that lets iPhone or Android smartphone owners reach out and touch Google, Yelp and other online tools, find a nearby gas station, enable remote vehicle diagnostics and over-the-air updates, view traffic cameras in major metro areas, check movie show times or check weather reports.

But mbrace, a standard included five-year program, can go deeper than convenience and fun. Owners will also enjoy trial access to enhanced levels of mbrace that offer enhancements like stolen-vehicle location help, automatic collision notification, emergency calling from the car's SOS button or mobile app, in-car WiFi with secure connections for up to four devices, or reach an agent who can assist with remote locking or, more likely, unlocking the vehicle.

Of course, no German premium vehicle would be complete without a buffet of option packages. Remember that $6,400 price difference between the E400 and E550? Check the Mercedes-Benz website and you'll see plenty of ways you can use that money.

Our loaner came with the Premium 1 Package, virtually the basic building block of any custom-ordered E-Class Cabriolet. The bundle includes navigation and three years of updates; harmon/kardon surround-sound system; six months of SiriusXM radio, traffic and weather; "Airscarf" ventilated headrests that shoot warmed air around the neck – handy for top-down running in chilly weather; and power folding rearview mirrors.

The luxurious E400 Cabriolet is an inviting, fun-to-drive machine that's suitable for work or pleasure and proves that compromise doesn't have to sting. If installing a Car DVD Player,that would be great!