E-Class Convertible

Segment
Compact

While the sedan may be a dying breed, the luxury mid-size segment is still hotly contested. With rivals as strong as the Audi A6 and the BMW 5 Series, it comes as no surprise that Mercedes-Benz is already cooking up a successor to the elegant W213. But for now, the Stuttgart-based brand has kept the current E-Class fresh by offering the range with a sporty-looking Night Edition package.

Available on all body styles (the sedan and wagon will follow at a later date), the special model builds on the successful AMG Line and Night Package. To give the conservative E-Class lineup a more aggressive look, Mercedes-Benz fits the Night Edition with the classy black-pin diamond grille, black tailpipes, and a set of handsome AMG wheels finished in gloss black. The rim flanges and subtle boot spoiler are finished in the same dark hue.

Step inside the sumptuous cabin and you'll find additional sporty touches; gone is the stuffy ambiance of old Benzes. Those opting for the Night Edition gain the AMG Line interior with standard Artico man-made hide and Dinamica microfiber. Optionally, leather and Nappa leather are available at extra cost. The elegant dashboard is enlivened by a unique interior trim; Mercedes has opted to blend old-world charm with some modernity, pairing a dark aluminum finish with open-pore black ash wood.

Like the exterior of the more sinister E-Class, the interior also receives exclusive Night Edition badging. Adding to the theatrical experience afforded by modern Mercedes interiors are the standard illuminated door sill panels. Standard seat heating up front is a welcome addition, but floor mats bearing "Night Edition" embroidery are a touch kitsch.

While the Night Edition package is available on all body styles - and colors - it isn't, sadly, available in conjunction with the E63 AMG models. There's no word as to whether the classy package will make its way stateside but European buyers will have to fork out a pretty penny for all this style. Depending on which body style and drive system you opt for, the Night Edition could set consumers back between €5,295.50 (approx. $5,581) and €9,222.50 (approx. $9,720).

If this package does make it to the US, it would place the E450 4Matic perilously close to the E53 AMG in terms of pricing. Recently, Mercedes-AMG introduced two limited edition models to celebrate the 55th anniversary of the performance subsidiary. The first, based on the G63 AMG, adds several unique flourishes to the already imposing SUV. AMG's littlest offerings have also received the same treatment, available on the A35 and CLA35 in Europe.