Convertibles and summertime are a match made in automotive heaven. While I’m not typically drawn to drop-tops, the allure of a wind-in-your-hair drive through scenic routes is undeniable. This brings us to the spotlight: the 2013 Mercedes-Benz E550 Convertible. The E-Class lineage stretches back to the iconic 1953 “Ponton” sedan, yet it wasn’t until its fifth generation that the convertible silhouette graced the lineup. Interestingly, the subsequent generation temporarily shelved the coupe and convertible, introducing the CLK as its stylish substitute, albeit built upon the C-Class platform despite its E-Class aesthetics. Having previously reviewed a 2008 CLK350 Convertible, I found it pleasant but not particularly memorable. However, with the eighth generation E-Class in 2009, the coupe and convertible body styles triumphantly returned, reclaiming their place in the Mercedes-Benz family.
Often critical of contemporary Mercedes-Benz designs, I must confess, the E-Class convertible of this era is undeniably stunning. My preference leans towards the pre-facelift E-Class convertible front, specifically over the 2014 refresh, primarily due to the distinctive split headlights. The 2014 update replaced these with more conventional single-unit headlamps. These split headlights bestow the E550 with a unique visual identity, setting it apart from the automotive crowd. The lower bumper strikes a harmonious balance between elegance and subtle sportiness. Mesh inserts within the vents hint at performance, while seamlessly integrated LED daytime running lights flank the sides. Another modern Mercedes-Benz design element I typically dislike is the solid, non-transparent front logo. Thankfully, this model retains the classic, see-through star emblem embedded in the grille, a welcome touch of traditional Mercedes-Benz sophistication. The refined theme continues along the side profile. A clean, elegant design is punctuated by a character line flowing gracefully from the front fender to the taillight. The subtly flared rear fenders are a nod to the original 1953 “Ponton” E-Class sedan, a tasteful historical reference. At the rear, the exquisitely designed taillights immediately capture attention, extending gracefully onto the trunk lid. Another detail that I appreciate is the sculpted lines that originate from the taillight edges, forming the upper contour of the rear bumper, adding a cohesive and polished finish.
The interior, while presented in a stark color palette in this particular model, is beautifully contrasted by the vibrant orange leather seats. Whether the top is up or down, the cabin exudes a sense of sophisticated style.
Despite being designated as the “Sport” trim, the E550 convertible doesn’t quite embody a truly sporty character. The steering is light and effortless at lower speeds, but its weighting becomes inconsistent as speed increases. There’s a lack of natural progression in resistance, and a noticeable dead zone at the center. The suspension is well-tuned for typical road conditions, but being a convertible, the inherent compromise in structural rigidity becomes apparent when encountering uneven surfaces in corners. The body exhibits flex, and a perceptible shake is evident. The car’s considerable bulk is noticeable during more spirited driving, with the steering becoming somewhat slow and languid in response to enthusiastic inputs. When pushed, it tends towards understeer, though it maintains overall stability. The steering, aside from the peculiar weighting, is commendably quick and accurate, although enhanced feedback would be welcome. The ride quality is generally compliant, but this being the Sport trim, equipped with a firmer suspension than the Luxury variant, it can be unsettled by harsher road imperfections. However, highway cruising is composed and well-controlled.
Prior to 2012, the E550 was propelled by a naturally aspirated 5.5-liter V8 engine producing 382 horsepower and 390 lb-ft of torque. However, in a move towards downsizing and efficiency, this was replaced with a twin-turbocharged 4.7-liter V8. Despite the reduced displacement, power and torque figures were elevated to an impressive 402 horsepower and 443 lb-ft. Having previously driven a friend’s 2008 E550 sedan with the 382 hp naturally aspirated engine, I can confidently assert that this twin-turbocharged V8 is superior in every aspect. While I generally favor naturally aspirated engines for their linear power delivery and absence of turbo lag, this new V8 defies expectations. It exhibits virtually no turbo lag, and its robust power delivery is readily available from low RPMs. It’s exceptionally responsive, and acceleration feels effortless, never burdened by the convertible’s weight. This engine is so remarkably refined and powerful that words almost fail to adequately describe its excellence. The seven-speed automatic transmission, however, slightly diminishes the powertrain’s full potential. When demanding maximum acceleration, a noticeable delay precedes shifts, which then occur with a somewhat abrupt nature.
With the top lowered, the refinement level remains surprisingly high. Wind buffeting is virtually nonexistent, allowing you to fully appreciate the glorious V8 engine note. However, somewhat unexpectedly for a Mercedes-Benz, there was noticeable wind noise intrusion with the top raised. While this might be acceptable in a mainstream brand like Honda or Toyota, it felt somewhat out of place in a Mercedes-Benz at this price point. Nevertheless, the V8 engine itself is exceptionally refined, and its soundtrack is nothing short of auditory bliss.
True to Mercedes-Benz tradition, the cabin is a delightful space characterized by impeccable fit and finish and meticulous attention to detail. One minor ergonomic quirk was the windshield’s proximity to the head. I was constantly aware of its closeness, and lowering the seat impaired visibility over the hood – a potential issue for some drivers seeking an ideal driving position. The leather seats are supremely comfortable, striking a perfect balance of softness without feeling overly plush or lacking in support. Front cabin space is ample, although at times, a greater sense of airiness, particularly with the top up, would have been appreciated. The navigation system, while Mercedes-Benz’s COMAND system is responsive, isn’t the most intuitive. Navigating to desired functions can require multiple steps, and the climate controls are positioned lower than ideal. The steering wheel buttons could benefit from clearer labeling, as their function for volume or station selection isn’t immediately obvious. However, familiarity quickly resolves these minor issues, and the controls become more user-friendly with time. Ingress and egress are reasonably good; you need to duck slightly to avoid the windshield frame, but the doors open wide for easy access. Rear seat access is decent for a convertible, and there’s sufficient room for two smaller adults in the back. Visibility with the roof up is adequate, though not exceptional. The gauges are straightforward, although the gear selector indication within the speedometer can be slightly difficult to discern at a glance. The white rings encircling the gauge cluster and the chrome accents add a touch of classic elegance. Trunk capacity is commendable, even with the top stowed, and cabin storage is also adequate. The convertible top operates swiftly and effortlessly, with the control switch discreetly located in a covered pod beside the center console.
The adage “never judge a book by its cover” holds true for cars, yet the E-Class convertible’s captivating styling was instantly alluring. In my perception, Mercedes-Benz vehicles typically fall into categories of elegant, appealing, handsome, or sometimes overly styled, but “gorgeous” was not a term I readily associated with the brand, with the notable exceptions of the SLS AMG and second-generation CL-Class. However, I find myself preferring this E-Class convertible even over its coupe and sedan counterparts. I’m usually quick to point out the inherent drawbacks of convertibles – increased weight and reduced driving engagement compared to coupes. Yet, in the E550 convertible, these compromises are overshadowed by its compelling attributes. Firstly, its undeniable beauty is captivating, and I remain consistently impressed by its aesthetic appeal. Secondly, while it may not possess the razor-sharp dynamics of a Porsche 911, it offers a unique and enjoyable driving experience in its own right. Imagine this: cruising along a winding road with the top down, exuberantly exclaiming “Whee!” only to have your voice harmoniously blended with the magnificent V8’s engine note. That encapsulates the sheer enjoyment I derived from this car. Yes, the controls can be initially perplexing, the windshield feels a bit too close, and rattles are present on imperfect road surfaces, but these minor imperfections fade into insignificance. I’ve genuinely fallen for this car, and it might be the only modern Mercedes-Benz I would personally consider purchasing – specifically as an E550 and exclusively in convertible form. This endorsement, however, specifically excludes the 2014 E-Class convertible, as the facelift eliminated the distinctive split headlights, a key element of its charm. I realize I might sound like an ardent Mercedes-Benz enthusiast (which I am not), lavishing praise, but the E550 truly surprised me. It prompted me to do something I never anticipated: develop a fondness for a modern Mercedes-Benz and favor a convertible over its coupe or sedan siblings. It’s genuinely that remarkable.
