THE latest E-Class Cabriolet from Mercedes is certainly very unusual - it's one of a very few full four seater drop-tops on the market.

Lots of others make the claim, but with a tallish driver up front they become a three seater at best.

I drove the E350CDi with power from a smooth and silky V6 turbo diesel driving through a seven speed automatic gearbox.

And the combination is superb. There is more than enough power for any eventuality and the gearbox kicks down and changes up just when it should every time.

Others tell me that the sports suspension should be avoided like the plague because it spoils the impeccable ride.

The hood goes up or down in about 12 seconds and it is gorgeous to look at either way.

The seatbelt is cleverly handed to you by an electric arm as you get in - very chic - and my test car was fitted with the most beautiful light tan leather.

: BMW 3-Series