Mercedes-Benz makes an E550 cabrio because AMG doesn't have one - Ventura County Star

The 2013 Mercedes-Benz E550 cabrio is a relative bargain, less-expensive than either of Mercedes' two-seat V-8 convertibles and is as close as Mercedes makes to a four-seat AMG convertible. Not a sports car, the E cab nevertheless rewards taking the winding road and always seems unflappably stable. The new Mercedes-Benz E550 uses a 3-pod instrument panel with the clock moved to the central vents; with paddles the column-mount lever isn't an issue because the other side has three control stalks. Everything is well-finished and the view out very good. 2013 MERCEDES-BENZ E550 CABRIO Engine: 4.6-liter DOHC V-8 turbo, 402 bhp Length/width/height (in.): 185.0/75.9/55.0 Weight: 4,084 pounds MPG city/hwy/observed: 16/25/20 Base warranty: 4 years/50,000 miles Price as tested: $73,045 Alternatives: Aston-Martin Vantage, Audi RS5, BMW 650, Jaguar XK, Maserati Gran Turismo In a couple of months Mercedes-Benz will start bringing the revised E-class this way promising a new look, slightly revised interior and more sophisticated safety systems. What's underneath won't change for now but if you're a fan of V-8 engine soundtracks and lazy torque, the 2014 will probably be your last chance to get one. The E-Class coupe and convertible would, were it not for the unfortunate implications, be better called C+ or E- class cars. They are essentially the same length and cabin dimensions (most advantages to the C-Class) but the C offers four and six-cylinder power while the E offers V-6 and V-8 engines, and more features for its $9,000 premium. That V-8 choice may be significant. An E V-8 coupe delivers 402 horsepower and 443 lb-ft of torque from 1,600 rpm to 4,750 rpm, where the heavier C63 AMG V-8 coupe is 451 hp and the same 443 lb-ft of torque but not until 5,000 rpm are showing. For doing 0-60 mph half a second quicker, plus the other AMG handling and braking benefits, that C coupe uses 30 percent more fuel and costs $4,000 more than an E550. The E550 cabrio is a relative bargain, less-expensive than either of Mercedes' two-seat V-8 convertibles, similar to the limited torque BMW M3 or Audi RS 5 convertibles, and five digits less than a BMW 650i, Aston or Maserati four-seat convertible. The 4.6-liter twin-turbo wooffles to life with a purr that becomes a deeper throb as the buckets of torque go to work. Thrust is effortless whether meandering around town or merging at speed a 100 yards from an on-ramp light. Convertibles being heavier and less aerodynamic, mileage drops to about 20, still not bad for an all-in-one car quick as this. Rack-and-pinion steering is just to the heavy side of average, precise and maneuverable if not offering feedback of an AMG. For a boulevard cruiser or grand touring machine it's fine. Perforated disc brakes are what you'd expect from Autobahn commuters, while standard AMG 18-inch wheels wrapped in sticky tires enhance grip in all directions. There is the ubiquitous sport button but now it changes engine/transmission response and suspension firming simultaneously. Not a sports car, the E cab nevertheless rewards taking the winding road and always seems unflappably stable. Part of that comes from the stiff structure; the door closes with a solid thud better than many hardtops. Creaks or groans and mirror or windshield vibration are absent, and raising the spoiler atop the windshield and rear windblocker allows normal conversation top-down at West Texas speeds; with seat heat and Airscarf you'll drive al fresco longer, too. The only difference between this and hardtop is no reading lights over the back seat … it even has rain gutters. Per Mercedes convention of at least 40 years, the open front door edges are covered in chrome, and the interior is swathed in gloss wood and chrome trim. Fine in a hardtop it can get quite bright and reflective in here, and the shifter on the column next year makes room for more plank on the console, so test-drive it top-down on a sunny day. An "appearance" package apparently includes yours, with further adjustments tailoring it to your shape. All the seats are comfortable, even those in back with their own window controls, ventilation, roll-top cupholders, headrests that rise automatically and a pass-through behind the armrest. Even a piece as simple as the seatbelt mount is superbly finished. The new E uses a 3-pod instrument panel with the clock moved to the central vents; with paddles the column-mount lever isn't an issue because the other side has three control stalks. I do hope the steering wheel goes exactly perpendicular to the centerline. Everything is well-finished and the view out very good. The COMAND infotainment system gets better with each generation, and the "real-time" traffic was surprisingly accurate but clutters delayed roadways with yellow and red car icons rather than simpler lines. Even more safety equipment will be offered next year, the 2014 E close to 80 percent capable of driving itself. It will aim to avoid potential collisions using smart cruise control and blind-spot monitors, steer to keep the car in its lane (sure to annoy the no-turn-signal crowd) and recognize pedestrians in the dark. If all that fails, there are nine airbags — including three for each front occupant — and pop-up rollover protection in an E-cabrio; you're probably safer in this car than anywhere else. The E550 cabrio is a one-car-garage car, with power, luxury, occasional four-seat usefulness, a convertible that loses only 20 percent of its trunk space with the top down, and urban maneuverability. It's as close as Mercedes makes to a four-seat AMG convertible. Whale, a longtime Ventura County resident, has been breaking parts for 35 years and writing about it for 27. via Technology - Google News http://news.google.com/news/url?sa=t&fd=R&usg=AFQjCNHY5B6lcgzvXriO5bnQbp-mXzdgZA&url=http://www.vcstar.com/news/2013/mar/23/mercedes-benz-makes-e550-cabrio-because-amg-doesnt/

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