At the launch of the 2011 Mercedes-Benz E-class convertible, the German carmaker brought along some classics from its past. We were thus reminded that golden oldies such as the 1971 280SE 3.5 were great four-place convertibles that could be hustled at reasonable speeds but couldn’t be considered sports cars.
It was a smart move, because the new E-class convertible isn’t sporty like the droptop versions of the BMW 3-series or Infiniti G37. Instead, it’s a beautifully made, solid cruiser that has space for four, drives well, is quick, and has some style.
A Classic Formula
The E-class cabriolet doesn’t feature a folding hardtop, using instead a traditional cloth roof that’s nearly an inch thick. The top is sealed well and seemed to be nearly as quiet at highway speeds as a metal roof. It takes about 20 seconds to furl and unfurl, with another five seconds added for all four windows to chug up or down. One benefit of the cloth top is that it allows for decent trunk space: 11 cubic feet with the top down and 14 with it up. That’s a great deal more commodious than the trunks of folding-hardtop convertibles when their tops are lowered.
Although the car looks like an E-class sedan with the roof removed, down to the gawky crease over the rear fender, it’s dimensionally closer to the C-class. (Remember, the E-class coupe and convertible effectively replace the old CLK-class lineup.) The wheelbase is 106.9 inches, which is about two inches shorter than the C-class sedan’s and 6.2 inches shorter than that of the four-door E-class. Although the wheelbase is slightly shorter than the cozy BMW 3-series convertible’s, the rear compartment is spacious enough for two full-size adults to hang out and enjoy an alfresco automotive experience.
Gadgets Galore
To make the experience a bit less breezy back there, Mercedes has introduced a gizmo on the E-class called Aircap. This is a retractable spoiler that’s mounted on top of the windshield, intended to divert air over the passenger compartment. It doesn’t have any effect on tonsorial elegance with the side windows down, but with them raised, there was notably less wind whip at speeds up to 50 mph. Aircap, which is standard on all E cabrios, looks a bit dorky when deployed, but you don’t have to look at it while you’re driving, only enjoy its benefits. Mercedes also makes its Airscarf heating system available on the E-class cabrio; it wafts warm (or cold) air around front occupants’ heads and necks via vents embedded in the headrests.
As one would expect with a Mercedes, the car has airbags up the wazoo—no fewer than seven standard, with rear side bags on the options list. The body structure has been reinforced under the floor and behind the rear seats to recover some of the rigidity that’s lost without a fixed roof. The windshield surrounds have been beefed up. Mercedes also fits two hefty, 1.4-inch-diameter tubular roll bars under the rear headrests that pop up in the event of a rollover.
Similar to the Coupe but Pricier
As for the regular E-class sedan, there are two engines for the U.S: the familiar 268-hp, 3.5-liter V-6 and a 382-hp, 5.5-liter V-8, both mated to a seven-speed automatic transmission. Mercedes claims the V-8 E550 droptop will reach 60 mph from rest in 5.1 seconds and that the V-6 E350 needs 6.3 seconds for the same sprint. We’ve hit 60 in 4.8 seconds with the slightly lighter E550 coupe, so Mercedes’ figures should be pretty accurate. Top speed is limited to 130 mph on both models.
The cars will go on sale in May in the U.S., likely priced at about $57,000 for the E350 and $67,000 for the E550. The E350 comes with standard features such as leather seats, a 14-way power driver’s seat, Aircap, burled walnut trim, two-zone climate control, and seven airbags. To that the E550 adds AMG sport styling elements such as a different, more aggressive front fascia; unique wheels; cross-drilled brake discs; and a sport-tuned suspension. When the E550’s transmission is switched into sport mode, the shocks are firmed up and the shift points and throttle map are altered. A navigation system, rear side airbags, laser cruise control, and Airscarf are optional on both models as part of a number of equipment packages.
Old-World Cruiser
Neither car will set an enthusiast’s pulse racing, but the E350 and the E550 are highly competent vehicles. We couldn’t detect any cowl shake over bumpy roads, and these convertibles provide a satisfying ride on the highway, particularly in more-relaxed E350 form. The V-8’s growl under hard acceleration is seductive—as is its pace—but we felt the V-6 was better suited to the car’s overall demeanor. Through the twisties on the island of Mallorca, the car was capable, but the steering is slow on-center and isn’t particularly talkative; the car is tuned for comfort rather than hauling the mail.
In so many ways, that’s like those classic cabriolets of the 1970s. The E-class cabriolet isn’t as enjoyable to drive as a BMW 3-series or even an Audi A5, but it’s more comfortable for four people than either of those cars. It’s built like a bank vault and is a serene cruiser that will make a statement at a valet stand or the shopping mall. After all, not all cars have to be barnstorming racers—wait, did we really just say that?
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