At the launch of the 2011 Mercedes-Benz E-class convertible, the German carmaker brought along some classics from its past. We were thus reminded that golden oldies such as the 1971 280SE 3.5 were great four-place convertibles that could be hustled at reasonable speeds but couldn’t be considered sports cars.
It was a smart move, because the new E-class convertible isn’t sporty like the droptop versions of the BMW 3-series or Infiniti G37. Instead, it’s a beautifully made, solid cruiser that has space for four, drives well, is quick, and has some style.
It was a smart move, because the new E-class convertible isn’t sporty like the droptop versions of the BMW 3-series or Infiniti G37. Instead, it’s a beautifully made, solid cruiser that has space for four, drives well, is quick, and has some style.
New from headlights to taillights, the 2010 E-class has even higher levels of safety, refinement, and luxury. From the fuel-efficient diesel to the race-ready E63 AMG, Mercedes-Benz makes an E-class for just about everyone—everyone who can pay for it, that is.
Highs
Safety and luxury galore, comfortable and handsome interior, AMG version offers supercar performance.
Lows
Pricey, weak 3.5-liter V-6, non-AMG versions err on the side of luxury more than we’d like.
Behind The Wheel
Solid, refined, quiet, isolated, and coddling, in non-AMG guise, the E-class is more luxury than sport. AMG version is firmer, louder, and is a four-door performance superstar.
SPECIFICATION
BRAKES
Brake Type Pwr
Brake ABS System 4-Wheel
Brake ABS System (Second Line) N/A
Disc - Front (Yes or ) Yes
Disc - Rear (Yes or ) Yes
Front Brake Rotor Diam x Thickness 12.7 x 1.3 in
Rear Brake Rotor Diam x Thickness 11.8 x 0.9 in
CARGO AREA DIMENSIONS
Trunk Volume 15.9 ft³
COOLING SYSTEM
Total Cooling System Capacity N/A qts
ELECTRICAL
Cold Cranking Amps @ 0° F (Primary) N/A
Maximum Alternator Capacity (amps) N/A
ENGINE
Engine Type Gas V6
Displacement 3.5L/213
Fuel System SFI
SAE Net Horsepower @ RPM 268 @ 6000
SAE Net Torque @ RPM 258 @ 2400 - 5000
EXTERIOR DIMENSIONS
Wheelbase 113.1 in
Length, Overall 191.7 in
Width, Max w/o mirrors N/A in
Height, Overall 57.7 in
Track Width, Front 62.2 in
Track Width, Rear 63.0 in
Min Ground Clearance 4.1 in
Liftover Height N/A in
FUEL TANK
Fuel Tank Capacity, Approx 21.1 gal
Aux Fuel Tank Capacity, Approx N/A gal
INTERIOR DIMENSIONS
Passenger Capacity 5
Passenger Volume N/A ft³
Front Head Room 37.9 in
Front Leg Room 41.3 in
Front Shoulder Room 57.8 in
Front Hip Room N/A in
Second Head Room 38.2 in
Second Leg Room 35.8 in
Second Shoulder Room 56.9 in
Second Hip Room N/A in
MILEAGE
EPA Fuel Economy Est - Hwy 26 MPG
Cruising Range - City 379.80 mi
EPA Fuel Economy Est - City 18 MPG
Fuel Economy Est-Combined 21 MPG
Cruising Range - Hwy 548.60 mi
STEERING
Steering Type Rack & Pinion
Steering Ratio (:1), Overall 17.1
Lock to Lock Turns (Steering) N/A
Turning Diameter - Curb to Curb 36.2 ft
SUSPENSION
Suspension Type - Front 4-Link
Suspension Type - Rear 5-arm Multi-Link
Shock Absorber Diameter - Front N/A mm
Shock Absorber Diameter - Rear N/A mm
Stabilizer Bar Diameter - Front N/A in
Stabilizer Bar Diameter - Rear N/A in
TIRES
Front Tire Size P245/45R17
Rear Tire Size P245/45R17
Spare Tire Size Compact
TRAILERING
Dead Weight Hitch - Max Trailer Wt. N/A lbs
Dead Weight Hitch - Max Tongue Wt. N/A lbs
TRANSMISSION
Drivetrain Rear Wheel Drive
Trans Type 7
Trans Description Cont. Automatic w/OD
First Gear Ratio (:1) 4.38
Second Gear Ratio (:1) 2.86
Third Gear Ratio (:1) 1.92
Fourth Gear Ratio (:1) 1.37
Fifth Gear Ratio (:1) 1.00
Sixth Gear Ratio (:1) 0.82
Reverse Ratio (:1) 3.42/3.07
Final Drive Axle Ratio (:1) 3.07
VEHICLE
EPA Classification Mid-Size
EPA Greenhouse Gas Score N/A
WEIGHT INFORMATION
Base Curb Weight 3825 lbs
WHEELS
Front Wheel Size 17 x 8.0 in
Rear Wheel Size 17 x 8.0 in
Spare Wheel Size Compact in
Front Wheel Material Aluminum
Rear Wheel Material Aluminum
Spare Wheel Material Steel
