What truly stands out about the 2011 Mercedes-benz E350 Cabriolet is the feeling it evokes while driving. Imagine escaping stress with a drive through scenic routes, like Idaho Springs, Colorado, and experiencing the journey in this convertible. This review dives into the performance and charm of the E350 Cabriolet.
Performance and Driving Dynamics
It’s crucial to understand that the 2011 Mercedes-Benz E350 Cabriolet isn’t engineered as a sports car. Instead, it excels as a grand touring convertible, arguably surpassing other German convertibles in its class in providing a luxurious open-top experience. While Audi and BMW offer comparable convertibles, they often lean towards a more performance-oriented nature. The E350 Cabriolet distinguishes itself by delivering a magic carpet ride feeling, especially with the top down.
Performance figures are respectable. Zero to 60 mph acceleration is achieved in approximately 6.5 seconds in our tests. The V6 engine provides ample power, and a V8 version would likely shave off about a second from that time. Cornering ability is surprisingly good, offering solid grip from both the front and rear tires, aided by wide tires and a low center of gravity.
Mercedes-Benz E-Class Convertible Driving on a Scenic Road
However, the steering feel is somewhat lacking in feedback. Despite the capable grip, the car doesn’t fully communicate its limits, reinforcing its grand touring rather than sports car identity. Rapid transitions between corners can feel a bit cumbersome due to the car’s weight, again pointing to the less-than-communicative steering.
Comfort and Refinement
Driving with the top down, some cowl shake is noticeable, particularly on uneven road surfaces – a common trait in 2+2 convertibles. Interestingly, while the shaking is visible, it’s largely isolated from the occupants. The seats effectively absorb vibrations and tremors, minimizing the sensation of the shake.
This isolation from road imperfections, while enhancing comfort, also contributes to the reduced seat-of-the-pants feel, similar to the muted steering feedback. It reinforces the E350 Cabriolet’s focus on grand touring comfort over raw, sporty engagement. Nevertheless, within its intended purpose, the 2011 Mercedes-Benz E350 Cabriolet still offers enjoyable driving dynamics, as long as extreme drifting maneuvers are avoided.
Fuel Efficiency Surprise
Fuel economy was a pleasant surprise. An average of 20 mpg was achieved, likely thanks in part to the smooth and efficient 7-speed automatic transmission and extended highway driving during the test. Even with spirited driving on challenging, high-altitude roads, the fuel consumption remained better than expected.
The Charm Factor
Ultimately, the 2011 Mercedes-Benz E350 Cabriolet transcends being just a convertible; it possesses a unique charm. It captivates the driver with its luxurious comfort and capable performance, attracts onlookers with its elegant modern E-Class design, and delights passengers with an open-air magic carpet ride.
While the soft top might raise minor security concerns or be less ideal for very cold climates compared to a hardtop, it contributes to weight and space savings. This design choice keeps the car sleek, light, and aesthetically pleasing, addressing a common drawback of some bulkier hardtop convertibles with larger trunks. Mercedes-Benz deserves credit for its thoughtful engineering in this vehicle.
Perhaps not for the youngest or those solely focused on aggressive sports car thrills, the 2011 Mercedes-Benz E350 Cabriolet undeniably exudes a sophisticated image. It stands out as an exceptional convertible and a top-tier grand touring drop-top, rivaling even Porsche in terms of comfort.
Recommendation
For those seeking a comfortable, stylish, and charming open-top grand tourer, the 2011 Mercedes-Benz E350 Cabriolet earns a “Buy It” recommendation. It’s a vehicle that transforms a simple drive into a special occasion.
