Spring is in the air; as are the hopes for warm dry days to help inspire a long country drive with family or friends. Living in Northern California; I can think of many locations that meet the bill, so the big question is not “where to go”, but rather “in which vehicle”, that would deliver the comfort, performance and yes – the image that we have style and class.
For this trip, the solution comes in the form of the new 2011 Mercedes-Benz E550 Cabriolet. The E-Class Cabriolet essentially replaces the CLK convertible, but does so in a manner improving on every element of the vehicle from performance to style to a sheltered interior.
The 2011 E-Class Cabriolet comes in two trim levels: E350 ($56,850) and E550 ($64,800). Mercedes-Benz defines their trims by engine type and size. The E350 sports a 3.5-liter V6 that generates 268 horsepower and the better fuel ratings of the two. The E550 carries a 5.5-liter V8 creating 382 horses under the hood and delivering a blast of power and fun. Both models are rear-wheel drive and come standard with 7-Speed w/Overdrive & Touch Shift automatic transmission. Just a quick note, for 2011 the E-Class is also available in Coupe, Sedan, and Wagon variations.
The new demographic of luxury car owners have demanded a new set of rules. Square and boxy doesn’t play anymore. Exterior styling must reflect the image of wealth, good taste, and a youthful life in the form of sculptured lines, a powerful stance, and a sporty profile.
The new styling of the E-Class Cabriolet is more aggressive and deliberate than the CLK model it replaced. The bodylines flow in an upward motion creating the impression of movement even when standing still. The E-Class abandons the soft curves for a more masculine edge and cut image. From the pointed nose grille to the flexing rear shoulders, Mercedes integrated aggression into the DNA of this sport-luxury cabriolet.
The front of the E-Class begins with what they call a “cubist treatment of the trademark Mercedes-Benz twin-headlight face”. The dual headlamps are recessed into the front fenders bracketing the bold three-dimensional front grille. The convertible roof is sturdy and well insulated with a one-inch, three-layer fabric designed to keep exterior sounds out of the cabin. The profile with the top up is smooth and coupe-like. Mercedes opted for the soft-top verses a folding-metal hardtop; in which there are pros and cons. A positive feature is a lighter and more traditional vehicle with additional trunk/cargo space. On the flip side, a soft top is a bit less secure than a hard shell and when done right – a folding hardtop roof can be mistaken for a coupe giving you the best of both worlds.
The rear tail lamps wrap heavily into the rear quarter panels incorporating themselves into the shoulder lines. They follow through into the trunk lid, which carries a slight air spoiler. Big chrome-tipped exhaust completes the look.
The interior is dressed in leather and walnut. Just as the exterior is complex with angles; as is the interior. The dash is molded to come together creating a pointed center cluster. The hand polished burl walnut inlays were beautiful and extended across the front dash and into the doors. Another requirement of the new generation of luxury buyers is the need for technology and the E-Class is packed with the gadgets we want.
With a goal to keep the cabin area as uninterrupted as possible, Mercedes has incorporated a new featured called an AIRCAP system; an electronically activated spoiler that pops up from the windshield header to divert airflow over the cabin. The effectiveness was OK, but when you drive in a convertible you know you’re a slave to the wind.
A few of the gadgets available include Keyless Go Engine Start, heated and active ventilated front seats, Bluetooth®, telescoping steering wheel, audio system with Sirius Satellite Radio, input jacks for iPod/MP3 players, Command system with 40GB hard-drive, real-time traffic data, GPS voice activated Navigation system with Harman/Kardon LOGIC7 surround sound, HD Radio, power rear window sunshade and rear view camera. Note: many of these are available via the Premium Package; 2 for a cost of $6,450.
Standard on the E550 is what Mercedes calls “Agility Control Suspension” that includes a small piston that is connected to a bypass port in the hydraulic flow of each shock absorber. The result is it provides a softer, quieter ride on your everyday roads but retains full shock damping over dips and windy roads.
Room for improvement:
- Lack of a folding hardtop option
Cool Features:
- Voice Activated Navigation System
- Large Navigation Screen
- Integrated NECK-PRO active front head restraints
Mercedes-Benz says the new E-Class Cabriolet is loaded in the way of safety technology. Besides the added reinforcement supports throughout the vehicle which are needed with a convertible, it also includes pop-up rollbars, up to eleven airbags, (including those in the cabriolet), Distronic Plus cruise control, seatbelt pretensioners, anti-lock brakes, a tire pressure monitoring system, roll-over sensor, night security illumination and a 24-hour roadside assistance program.
In Summary – The 2011 Mercedes-Benz E-Class Cabriolet is a performance-driven luxury sports convertible that expresses the new aggressive, yet sleek look of Mercedes-Benz. It makes a statement in its styling and backs it up with tight handling and powerful engine options. The E-Class Cabriolet has taken the old CLK to a new level of refinement and performance. If you are looking for a luxury vehicle with sport DNA that will help you work on your tan, then you need to check out the all-new 2011 E550 Cabriolet.
Specifications
2011 Mercedes-Benz E550 Cabriolet
Base price: $64,800 as driven: $77,425 (including destination)
Engine: 5.5-Liter 8-cylinder
Horsepower: 382 @ 6000
Torque: 391 pound-feet @ 2800 rpm
Transmission: 7-speed automatic with Overdrive & Touch Shift
Drive: Rear Wheel-Drive
Seating: 5-passenger
Turning circle: 35.3 feet
Cargo space: 15.9 cubic feet
Curb weight: 3783 pounds
Fuel capacity: 17.4 gallons
EPA mileage: 23 highway, 15 city
Wheel Base: 108.7 inches
Warranty: 4 years/50,000 miles bumper to bumper
Also consider: BMW 650i, BMW M3 Cabriolet, and Jaguar XK
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