2011 Mercedes E-Class Cabriolet First Impressions

In Canada, no convertible can be considered a year-round, practical car unless it is quiet, warm in the winter and cool in the summer. Mercedes has introduced a few novel items on the 2011 E-Class cabriolets that contribute significantly to this type of motoring.

Pricing starts at $67,900 for the 268-hp E350 and rises to $77,500 for the 382-hp E550. (Photo: Charles Renny/Auto123.com)

Convertible Conversion
Starting with the rounded of tail, Mercedes provides a trick trunk. With the top down, there is a special separation panel to make sure the trunk still is useable. Put the top up and move the panel out of the way, and there is a significant increase in trunk volume. When the top is down, two roll aboard-sized cases will fit along with a couple of other smaller carry-on-type soft siders. Top up driving provides enough extra space for another backpack and computer case with room to spare.

The top, which is a conventional soft top, is both insulated and sound proofed. Normal conversations can be held inside, and the car would cool right off without having to run the A/C at full blast. Another feature that has always been on a convertible owner’s wish list is that the top be able to go up and down while moving. Mercedes engineers have done this and it can be performed at speeds up to 40 km/h in less than 20 seconds.

Interior Innovation
Interior innovations have been blended in with existing technology so that their use is seamless. AIRSCARF is what it says, a scarf of air that comes out of two vents in the headrest to keep your head and shoulder area warm in cooler top-down driving (think November). On the E550, AIRSCARF can be combined with heated and cooled front seats (part of the Premium Package) for the ultimate in top-down temperature control.

Another interior feature isn’t quite in the interior, but it has a huge effect on driving comfort. The AIRCAP is actually a laminella which is a device that looks like a spoiler when raised. Mounted on the top of the windshield frame, its job is to adjust the laminar air flow over the car so that the air goes over the rear seat and off the back of the car rather than swirling around to make rear-seat passengers uncomfortable. To complete this “management” job, Mercedes has added a small wind blocker between the headrests of the rear seat.