2011 Mercedes-Benz E550 Convertible

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With the top down, a new AIRCAP system works at the push of a button to reduce drafts and air turbulence for all four occupants, and an AIRSCARF system can blow heated air directly on the neck area from outlets in the seats. The soft top is stowed in a special compartment behind the rear seats. When the roof is up, the panel between the top stowage area and the trunk can slide to the rear, increasing the trunk capacity by 30 percent.

V8 Power for the E550 Convertible

The two-door Mercedes-Benz E550 Convertible is available with a 32-valve 5.5-liter V8 engine, delivering 382 hp and 391 lb-ft of torque.

The new E-Class design begins with a "cubist" treatment of the trademark Mercedes-Benz twin-headlight face. Two parallelogram lights are recessed into the front fenders, bracketing the three-dimensional frame of the front grille. With a large star emblem in the center of its sporty two-lamella grille, the overall body shape of the two-door E-Class line features a sophisticated interplay between lines and surfaces. Taut, clearly defined lines help define large concave and convex surfaces.

In particular, a graceful line follows each rear wheel well and shapes the muscular contours of the rear fenders. At the rear, sharply angled LED taillights and a center brake light integrated in the trunk lid complete its sporty look.

An optional Appearance package for the E350 Convertible includes a number of features for the sport-minded driver - perforated brake discs with painted calipers, 18-inch AMG alloy wheels, multicontour seats, stainless steel pedals with rubber studs, black gearshift paddles and the AGILITY CONTROL Sport suspension.

Carrying the Sport concept yet a step further, the Mercedes-Benz E550 Convertible is equipped with 18-inch AMG twin 5-spoke light-alloy wheels, shift paddles mounted to the three-spoke sport steering wheel and sport body styling that includes a deeper front air dam, side skirts and rear apron. The E550 models also have standard perforated brake discs, painted calipers and Dynamic Handling suspension.

Mercedes-Benz E550 Convertible: Review (2/2)