THE MERCEDES BENZ E350 CONVERTIBLE

The Mercedes-Benz E-Class is a range of executive cars manufactured by Mercedes-Benz in various engine and body configurations. The E initially stood for Einspritzmotor (German for fuel injection engine); a new feature in volume production vehicles at the time that the E-Class first appeared, with the E as a suffix to the engine nomenclature (e.g. 230E) in the 1950s. It was not until the launch of the facelifted W124 that the E was used as a prefix (i.e., E220) and the model referred to officially as the E-Class (or E-Klasse). 

At this time all Mercedes cars used fuel injection and the company felt it was not necessary to add this as a distinguishing feature. Due to the E-Class's size and durability, the cars also frequently serve as taxis in European countries. Older models like the W123 and W124 are used in Malaysia as inter-state taxis, and the W211 is used in Singapore as a taxi. Mercedes-Benz also offers special-purpose vehicles (e.g., police or ambulance modifications) from the factory.

The Mercedes Benz E350 Convertible has a 302-hp 3.5-liter V-6 combines numerous advances to deliver more torque from less fuel, with cleaner emissions. Rapid-multispark ignition can fire up to four times per millisecond, while high-pressure Direct Injection can fine-tune fuel spray in 0.1 millisecond, reducing emissions, fuel consumption and noise. 

A lightweight diecast-alloy block, widely variable valve timing, reduced friction, and clever "on-demand" ancillary components further boost efficiency.

The industry's first 7-speed automatic is smooth, responsive and efficient. A wide range of closely spaced ratios delivers the ideal response in virtually every driving situation, for relaxed cruising, quick acceleration, and thanks to two overdrive ratios, better highway fuel efficiency. Adaptive logic adjusts the shift points to match your driving style, while shift paddles on the steering wheel let you enjoy manual-style control anytime.

Changes to the sheetmetal have been kept to a minimum; the two-doors keep the pronounced creases on their rear fenders, which were abandoned on the sedan and the wagon. And while we welcomed that change to the four-doors, we’re rather glad they’ve remained on the coupe and convertible. These aggressive-looking fenders, which Mercedes says visually emphasize the rear-wheel-drive layout, look better on the wide and low two-doors than they did on other body styles. On top of that, the fenders also set the two-door E-class apart from the less-expensive C-class coupe, its closest architectural relative in the Mercedes lineup.

Inside, the dash has been tweaked. The instrument cluster loses the two outer gauges, there is additional brightwork, and the designers added a centrally mounted analog clock, just like the one in the S-class and the face-lifted E-class sedan and wagon. The most prominent change, however, involved relocating the gear selector from the center console to the column, a decision that brings these cars in line with the sedan and the wagon but which also doesn't fit Benz’s desired sporty theme.

While its four individually tailored seats are a Mercedes-Benz cabriolet tradition, a sweeping new dash brings enhanced features and a new 3-pod gauge cluster. Fine craftsmanship is apparent even in the most modern materials like the sleek metallic trim. Hand-polished wood complements the hand-fitted and precisely double-stitched leather upholstery in a refreshing palette of colors. And while a new central analog timepiece celebrates the iconic Mercedes-Benz cabriolets of the past.