Driving can be more than just transportation; it can be an escape. Recently, while navigating through the stunning landscapes near Idaho Springs, Colorado, I had the opportunity to truly appreciate the 2011 Mercedes-benz E350 Cabriolet. This isn’t just a car; it’s an experience, particularly when you need a serene drive to unwind. My time behind the wheel revealed much about its character, positioning it distinctly within the realm of luxury convertibles.
Performance and Handling: Grand Tourer, Not a Sports Car
It’s crucial to understand where the 2011 Mercedes-Benz E350 Cabriolet fits in the automotive spectrum. It’s not engineered to be a high-strung sports car. Instead, it excels as a grand tourer, arguably outperforming other German convertibles in its class in this aspect. While competitors from Audi and BMW offer compelling open-top experiences, they often lean towards a sportier, more aggressive feel. The E350 Cabriolet, in contrast, delivers a magic carpet ride with the sky as your roof.
During my test, the 0 to 60 mph acceleration averaged around 6.5 seconds. While respectable, it’s clear that the available V8 engine would shave off even more time for those prioritizing quicker acceleration. Handling was surprisingly competent. The car exhibited commendable grip in corners, both front and rear, aided by its wide tires and a low center of gravity.
2011 Mercedes-Benz E350 Cabriolet in motion on a scenic road, showcasing its elegant design and open-top experience.
However, the steering feel was less communicative than desired. Despite the secure grip, discerning the car’s limits during more spirited driving proved challenging. This characteristic reinforces the E350 Cabriolet’s nature; it’s not built for aggressive track days or punishing black-top roads. The car carries a significant weight, and transitioning rapidly between corners can feel somewhat cumbersome, again pointing to the steering feedback as a contributing factor.
With the top down, cowl shake was noticeable, particularly on uneven road surfaces. This is a common trait in 2+2 convertibles. Interestingly, while visible, the shake was largely unfelt by the occupants. The seats effectively isolated passengers from vibrations, meaning the shaking was more of a visual observation than a physical discomfort. This isolation, however, further diminishes the seat-of-the-pants feel, echoing the lack of steering feedback. It reinforces the point: this Mercedes is a grand touring machine, not a sports car designed for sharp, dynamic responses. Nevertheless, for relaxed, enjoyable drives, the 2011 Mercedes-Benz E350 Cabriolet allows for a good measure of driving pleasure, as long as you’re not attempting aggressive drifting maneuvers.
Fuel economy was another pleasant surprise. Averaging around 20 mpg, which is better than initially expected, likely thanks to the smooth and efficient 7-speed automatic transmission and extended highway driving during the test. Even pushing the E350 Cabriolet on demanding, high-altitude roads didn’t drastically reduce fuel efficiency as anticipated.
The Charm of the E350 Cabriolet
Ultimately, the 2011 Mercedes-Benz E350 Cabriolet transcends the typical convertible experience. It possesses a distinct charm. It endears itself to the driver with its opulent comfort and capable performance. It captivates onlookers with the sophisticated aesthetics of the modern E-Class design. And it spoils passengers with a remarkably smooth and luxurious ride under the open sky.
While the soft top might raise minor concerns regarding security and isn’t as insulated as a hardtop in extreme cold, it offers advantages in weight and space savings. This design choice contributes to the car’s sleek profile and avoids the bulky trunk often associated with hardtop convertibles. Mercedes-Benz deserves credit for the thoughtful engineering evident in this vehicle.
Perhaps I’m not yet the target demographic to fully embody the image projected by the 2011 Mercedes-Benz E350 Cabriolet. However, I can confidently say it’s among the finest convertibles I’ve driven in recent times and stands out as the best open-top grand touring vehicle I’ve experienced outside of the Porsche range, notably offering a more comfortable ride than its Porsche counterparts.
On the TFLcar.com recommendation scale:
Buy It.
