2011 Mercedes-Benz E-Class

The name Mercedes Benz and innovation are synonymous. There are different models, which come up every 2-3 years and always create a niche in the market. Thanks to the glamour that Mercedes adds every year to its new fleet of cars, every new model is accepted with open arms by the consumers.

The 2011 E-class is new to Mercedes Benz in that it has completely reworked the E class for 2011 and has integrated several thematic designs and has also updated the horse-power for this model. The two models of E350 and E550 have caught the eyes of many a car lovers. The E550 comes with V-8 powered engine with luxurious interior and a throttle response has a quick steering and proper suspension.

Performance

Though the E350 may seem a bit dull in terms of its 3.5 liter engine, surprisingly, it has come out as a best seller with most of the people opting for a fun and frisky vehicle rather than a muscular one. There is a difference between the US and their European counterparts in terms of the engine efficiency in the E-Class model. The E350 has a 268 HP V6 and the more masculine E550 has a 382 HP V8. The Europeans consumers have a 2.2 liter version of the engine and can manage a proper 44 mpg of speed.

The E350 has the 3.5 liter V6 engine that produces 268 HP and also provides a 258-lb of torque. The E350 model weighs around 33785 pounds, and this makes it a little heavier than its other contemporary vehicles. The E550 model comes with 5.5 liter V8 engine and delivers 382 horsepower and a 391 lb torque.

The larger engine adds another couple of hundred of pounds to the total weight, but it makes it a very purposeful machine. Both the models E350 & E550 make use of a 7-speed automatic gearbox that provides ample power to its rear wheels. The efficiency for city and highway respectively are 17/26 for E350 and 15/23 in E550.

Exterior & Interior

A very beautiful feature in both the models of E350 and E550 is that there is an insulated roof top which could be retracted and, which keeps the noise out and at bay more so even on the highways. Mercedes-Benz E-class is designed in such a fashion, which can be termed as a convertible that could be used all the year round.

The icing on the cake is the roof-top which can be closed and opened in 20 seconds by the push of a single button. Another feature is that the top can be lowered down or pushed up while the speed of the car is at 25 mph. Similar sort of functionality is in other vehicles too but in E-class, the system folds itself very neatly and folds behind the rear seats.

Apart from the fuel-efficiency patterns, the E350 and E550 have other features intact too. They come with standard leather work done on the seats. There is a 14 points power driver seat with a fine walnut trim. There are two zone climatic controllable devices with seven airbags. These are the features of E350 model and E550 model comes with added features.

The Competition

There are many other vehicles that can be compared to the E class such as the Cadillac STS (MSRP $47,280; 18 city / 27 hwy), Jaguar XF (MSRP $53,000; 16 city / 23 hwy), and the Infiniti M (MSRP $47,700; 18 city / 26 hwy).

There is a more aggressive front end put in case E550 and the wheels are unique and different than other models. The brake-disc is cross drilled with a proper suspension. The E550 model has also the facility to switch it to the sports model. Here, the throttle map is fully changed and the navigation system is changed too. The laser control phenomena are common in both the models.

Overall Rating
78 out of 100

What others say:

“ The 2011 Mercedes-Benz E-Class’s interior is excellent, nearly equaling the S-Class in quality and feel.”Car Connection

“E-Class is pleasant and capable, but all fall well short of being outright sporty. We notice some body lean in fast turns. Steering feel seems sloppy to some testers, even on versions equipped with the Sport Package. Braking is highly responsive, easy to modulate, and impeccably secure. The exception is the E63, which has firm, direct steering, outstanding body control, and strong brakes.”Consumer Guide

“The E-Class is still nice but less impressive than its predecessor. While it is very quiet and fit and finish is impressive, the ride isn’t as comfortable.”MSN Auto-ConsumerReports

“ Enjoyable to drive, offering superior quality and available in a host of different body styles, the 2011 Mercedes-Benz E-Class is a luxury-car triumph that deserves serious consideration.”Edmunds

Specifications

General Info
Vehicle Type: Sedan Base Price: $49,400.00
Fuel Tank Capacity: 21.1 gallons (80 liters) MPG: 20 city / 30 hwy
Dimensions
Length: 191.7 in. (486 cm) Wheel Base: 113.2 in. (287.5 cm)
Height: 57.9 in. (147 cm) Width: 73 in. (185 cm)
Curb Weight: 3825 lbs (1735 kg) Ground Clearance: 4.1 in. (10 cm)
Luggage Capacity: 15.9 cu ft Maximum Seating: 5 people
Performance
Engine: 3.5L 24-valve DOHC V6 Compression Ratio: 12.0: 1
Horsepower: 302 HP Max RPM: 6500 RPM
Torque: 273 lb-ft @ 3500-5250 rpm Transmission: 7-Speed Automatic
0-60 mph: 6.5 seconds Maximum Speed: NA
Available Trims & Engine
Option:E Class Coupe MSRP: $48,850; MPG: 17 city / 26 hwy
Option:E Class Cabriolet MSRP: $56,850; MPG: 17 city / 25 hwy
Option:E Class 4Matic Wagon MSRP: $56,200; MPG: 16 city / 23 hwy
Option:E Class Sedan 5.5L V8 MSRP: $57,100; MPG: 15 city / 23 hwy
Option:E Class Sedan E63 AMG 6.3L V8 MSRP: $87,600; MPG: 13 city / 20 hwy

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