First Drives, Luxury Cars, Mercedes-Benz

First Drive: 2011 Mercedes-Benz E-Class convertible

March 1, 2010

To be honest, we didn’t find that AIRCAP made much of a difference. It works best with the windows up and the major beneficiaries are rear seat passengers. If it was optional, I’d say the difference wouldn’t be worth the extra cost, but it is standard. AIRSCARF, though, makes a big difference and is an optional item that should be selected to extend the top down driving season.

2011 Mercedes-Benz E-Class cabriolet. Click image to enlarge

While the E-Class Cabriolet has some interesting new technology, one is only technologically advanced until the others catch up. For example, the new Ford Taurus SHO has adaptive high beam assist (which lowers high beams to oncoming traffic) just 18 months after Mercedes-Benz introduced the technology as a “first in its segment.” The Ford also has a Mercedes-like radar-based cruise control and collision warning system that was first introduced on the S-Class and is now optionally available on the E-Class. And Ford has improved on Mercedes’ Parktronic – a parking guidance system – with its Active Park Assist available on the Lincoln MKS and MKT.

But Ford hasn’t yet introduced Attention Assist, a safety program available on the E-Class that monitors driver behaviour, particularly steering wheel movements, to determine if a driver is getting tired. An audible warning and a small coffee cup that lights up on the instrument cluster recommend that it is time to take a coffee break. Obviously, being the technology leader can be short lived.

While navigation is an optional feature, the seven-inch display, used to adjust heating, ventilation and audio settings, is among the many standard items included on the V6 E 350. Highlights of other standard features include 7-speed automatic transmission, dynamic handling package, 10-way power adjustable front seats, leather upholstery, Bi-Xenon headlights, power tilt and telescoping steering, rain sensing wipers and 18-inch five spoke alloy wheels.

Optionally, the E 350 can be outfitted with Harman/Karman Logic 7 surround sound, Parktronic, keyless ignition, AIRSCARF, rear view camera, climate comfort front seats (both heated and cooled), and an AMG sport package that adds multicontour front seats, AMG sports steering wheel, brushed aluminum sport pedals, upgraded brake calipers and 18-inch AMG 6-twin spoke alloy wheels.

The AMG sport package is standard on the V8-powered E 550 as is the Harman/Kardon sound system, while the climate control is upgraded to a three-zone system with rear seat controls. Other than AMG 5-twin spoke alloys, optional items match those for the E 350.

2011 Mercedes-Benz E-Class cabriolet. Click image to enlarge

A special “Prime Edition” will be produced with Tenorite Grey Metallic paintwork, black soft top, 18-inch AMG 6-twin-spoke alloy wheels and finished in Titanium Grey and seats and trim in Designo Platinum White Pearl leather. But you’d better get your order in early as only 20 of these have been designated for Canada.

Personally, I wouldn’t spring for the special edition. Follow the photo gallery link for some very eye-catching combinations. And the wide variety of paint and upholstery combinations that are available make it possible to order a car to suit any taste.
Most of our day driving around Mallorca was spent in a Calcite White E 350 with Almond beige and black interior and black top. Only two E 550s were available and we didn’t get a chance behind the wheel of either. We did however spend a good part of our day piloting an E350 CDI – designating the powerful six cylinder diesel engine that will soon arrive in Canada … but not in the Cabriolet. The big diesel will be optionally available later this year in the sedan. It is a sweet power plant, with plenty of low-end torque. Compared to the six-cylinder gas engine, the diesel has more useful power in places you notice, basically, whenever you accelerate. But it also will calm the seven-speed transmission which can get quite active in hilly country with the 3.5-litre V6 gasoline engine. The diesel has so much torque it can pull the car up a hill without downshifting as often to a lower gear.

We also sampled an E250 CGI, with a 2.5-litre 6-cylinder gas engine. While not as powerful as either of the 350s, it would be a viable alternative for buyers less concerned about power. That engine won’t make it to Canada in the E-Class, but C-Class buyers can look forward to it in July, about the same time the 2011 E-Class Cabriolet goes on sale in Canada. This far ahead of the on-sale date of course, prices have not yet been announced.

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