The Mercedes-Benz E-Class has long been recognized as the cornerstone of the Mercedes-Benz brand, particularly in the American market. Consistently lauded as a benchmark in the midsize luxury car segment, Mercedes-Benz continues to expand the E-Class lineup, with the 2011 E-Class Cabriolet standing out as a testament to open-top refinement. Let’s delve into what makes this convertible variant of the 2011 Mercedes E550 a compelling choice for enthusiasts seeking both luxury and exhilarating performance.
From a design perspective, the transition from the E-Class Coupe to the 2011 Mercedes E550 Cabriolet is seamless and elegant. The expressive lines and muscular rear haunches that define the coupe are beautifully retained in the convertible form. By removing the fixed roof from this gracefully sculpted two-door, Mercedes-Benz has amplified the allure of open-air driving, creating what they aptly describe as a four-seat, four-season convertible.
In a departure from the retractable hardtop trend seen in some competitors, Mercedes-Benz opted for a traditional fabric soft top for the E-Class Cabriolet, much like the Audi A5 Cabrio. However, this is no ordinary ragtop. Its sophisticated three-layer construction provides exceptional sound insulation, rivaling that of a hardtop. The fully automatic soft top operates swiftly, opening or closing in approximately 20 seconds, and can even be operated at speeds up to 25 mph, offering convenience and flexibility.
Mercedes-Benz is renowned for its innovation, and the 2011 Mercedes E550 Cabriolet is no exception, featuring the ingenious AIRCAP automatic wind deflector system. Activated by the driver, AIRCAP comprises two main elements: a deflector that extends from the windshield header and a mesh screen that rises behind the rear headrests. This system effectively redirects airflow over the rear passenger area, virtually eliminating wind buffeting. This allows for comfortable conversations between front and rear occupants, even at highway speeds, significantly enhancing the open-top driving experience.
Further enhancing the 2011 Mercedes E550 Cabriolet’s four-season capability is the enhanced AIRSCARF system. This innovative neck-level heating system, with air outlets integrated into the front headrests, delivers warm air to the neck and shoulder area. During our evaluation, we found AIRSCARF remarkably effective, making top-down driving enjoyable even in late winter conditions.
Mechanically, the E-Class Cabriolet closely mirrors the coupe. The base E350 shares the same 3.5-liter V6 engine, producing 268 horsepower and 258 pound-feet of torque. However, the 2011 Mercedes E550 elevates the performance with its robust 5.5-liter V8 engine, generating a substantial 382 horsepower and 391 pound-feet of torque. Both engine variants are paired with a smooth and responsive seven-speed automatic transmission with manual shift mode. Despite its all-season designation, the E-Class Cabriolet is not offered with an all-wheel-drive system.
On the test track, our 2011 Mercedes E550 Cabriolet test car demonstrated impressive acceleration, sprinting from 0 to 60 mph in just 5.1 seconds and completing the quarter-mile in 13.6 seconds at 105 mph. Despite a slight weight increase of 120 pounds compared to the coupe, the Cabriolet’s performance figures are remarkably comparable. The V8 engine delivers abundant power throughout the rev range, and the gear shifts are both rapid and seamless.
Remarkably, the 2011 Mercedes E550 Cabriolet maintains a level of structural rigidity that is nearly on par with the E-Class hardtop. Utilizing the familiar front strut suspension and rear multi-link setup, this convertible sacrifices nothing in terms of agility and responsiveness. The Cabriolet also exhibited impressive braking performance, achieving average stopping distances from 60 to 0 mph in a mere 123 feet with exceptional stability.
On public roads, the 2011 Mercedes E550 Cabriolet feels as composed and agile as its E-Class counterparts. It masterfully blends an engaging driving experience with a remarkably comfortable ride, free from unwanted rattles or cowl shake, common in some convertibles. The only minor observation was a slight vibration in the steering wheel at higher speeds, a negligible trade-off for the overall driving experience.
The four-seat cabin of the 2011 Mercedes E550 Cabriolet echoes the coupe, harmonizing traditional Mercedes-Benz luxury with a touch of sporty flair. Burl walnut trim and a dark surround for the five-gauge instrument cluster immediately draw attention. The standard front seats are well-bolstered and upholstered in weather-resistant leather, featuring 10-way power adjustability and 4-way lumbar support for optimal comfort.
In terms of advanced safety technology, the 2011 Mercedes E550 Cabriolet includes Attention Assist, a system that alerts the driver if drowsiness is detected. The airbag system is comprehensive, featuring front pelvic airbags and a driver’s knee airbag, in addition to the standard complement of airbags.
Standard features also include Mercedes-Benz’s intuitive COMAND interface, which manages the audio system, Bluetooth connectivity, and the optional navigation system.
Similar to the coupe, the rear seats in the 2011 Mercedes E550 Cabriolet offer limited legroom, best suited for smaller adults. While the rear seats do not fold down like in the Audi A5 Cabrio, the E-Class Cabriolet does offer a small pass-through to the trunk, enhancing practicality.
Thanks to the decision to employ a soft top, the trunk space is surprisingly generous for a convertible. Offering 13.8 cubic feet of cargo capacity with the top up, it is only slightly less than the coupe and remains adequate even with the top stowed.
Fuel economy for the 2011 Mercedes E550 Cabriolet is estimated by the EPA at 15 mpg city and 23 mpg highway on premium fuel. In real-world driving conditions, our test 2011 Mercedes E550 returned a respectable 20.1 mpg in mixed driving.
The manufacturer’s suggested retail price for the 2011 Mercedes E550 Cabriolet started at $65,675. So, what is the result of transforming a world-class coupe into a convertible? Unsurprisingly, a world-class convertible. The 2011 Mercedes-Benz E-Class Cabriolet delivers the same level of sophistication, technology, refinement, and driving capability as its coupe sibling. Coupled with innovative features like AIRCAP, it unequivocally raises the benchmark for luxury convertibles.
Specifications
- Engine: 5.5-Liter V8
- Horsepower: 382
- Torque: 391 Lb Feet
- 0-60 MPH: 5.1 Seconds
- 1/4 Mile: 13.6 Seconds @ 105 MPH
- 60-0 MPH: 123 Feet
- EPA: 15 MPG City/ 23 MPG Highway
- Mixed Loop: 20.1 MPG
