That’s been the refrain of every mom and dad since the invention of video games, before that, television and probably the radio way back when.

“Go out and play with that hoop and stick we bought you!”

But there’s another way to enjoy nature. Smell the smells, feel the wind in your hair, and make it to some amazing places in the process, all without donning a pair of hiking boots: the convertible.

The 2018 Mercedes-Benz E-Class Cabriolet, like most convertibles, isn’t made for a track day, or autocross day, or a drag race. It’s made for communing with nature while taking the long way to work, to another state or another country. And with an acceptably-sized trunk (for a convertible) folding seats and pass-through for longer luggage, you can make it pretty far without having to stop and do laundry. Even better, if you really skimp on the suits and shoes—they take up the most room—you can take three friends/lovers/teammates with you.

The new E-Class Cab is bigger than its predecessor with 5 extra inches of length, 3 inches of width and more than 4 inches of wheelbase, most of which is budgeted for back seat occupants. That means the Sherpa, priest and rabbi you travel with—we get it, you have an eclectic crew—will be as comfortable as you are in the driver’s seat.

The 2018 E-Class convertible is the last of the E-Class family to get renewed. The sedan, wagon and coupe were all revamped in the past 12 months. That means new tech, new style and a new suede-covered acoustic top that keeps out road and wind noise, as least going in a straight line. Get a little too ambitious in the swtichbacks and the tires will sing, early and often. With the top down—the only way to drive a convertible, even in 90-degree heat—that sound will roll right into your ears. On the bright side, there’s a ton of warning before the rubber actually gives way.

For 2018, the E-Class Cabriolet follows the rest of the family with a 3.0-liter, twin-turbocharged V6 making 329 hp and 354 lb-ft of torque. For 2018 all E-Class Cabs will get Mercedes’ nine-speed automatic transmission and power will head to the rear or all four wheels courtesy of the company’s available 4Matic system. We’d certainly be surprised if an E43/E63 AMG didn’t follow the basic E400 Cabriolet sometime later this year or next.

An independent four-link suspension keeps things in control up front, and a five-link arrangement sits in back with an aluminum axle carrier and aluminum spring control arms. As standard, the E-Class Cab sits about three-quarters of an inch lower than the sedan. The optional Dynamic Body Control suspension has adjustable dampers with comfort, sport and sport plus modes. A self-leveling air suspension can also be specified with integrated roll, pitch and lift control.

Every E-Class convertible gets Dynamic Select, with modes for comfort, eco, sport, sport plus and individual, which changes up engine response, stop/start function and shift strategy.

At a time when its rivals are trimming back on their two-door lineups, Mercedes-Benz is doubling down on coupes. The automaker has more two-door models than any other luxury brand.“We pride ...

Execution

You don’t have to travel from European mountain country to European mountain country to enjoy the E convertible, but it certainly helps. There’s a certain smell to nature at 5,000 feet above sea level, and there’s a different one at 10,000 feet. As a Michigander, I don’t really have that elevation change, but I do have a capital U, Up North, and the smell changes there too. Different plants, different animals, different minerals…nature. And you’ll be safe in your convertible.

Let's start there. Safety features on the E-Class include Active Emergency Stop, which gives the driver a visual, then audible, warning before slowing to avoid a hazard; Active Brake Assist, which brakes autonomously if necessary; Evasive Steering Assist, which helps the driver safely avoid a spin during an emergency lane change maneuver; Pre-Safe Plus, which warns the driver behind of an impending rear-end crash; Active Blind Spot Assist, self-explanatory and Remote Parking Pilot, which allows the vehicle to be maneuvered in and out of the garage remotely.

The E-Class Cabrio has a sophisticated autopilot/cruise control function called Distance Pilot Distronic with Steering Pilot. That means it will follow the lines in the road and keep a safe distance from the car in front, braking to a stop in traffic if necessary. It’s a little cooler than most of these systems thanks to a lane change function (just tap the turn signal and it will automatically move over a lane) and Speed Limit Pilot, which reads the speed limit signs and adjusts the cruise control accordingly. It does take the stress out of long hauls, though you do have to keep your hands on the wheel.