The Mercedes-Benz E-Class Cabriolet (A207) E 300 BlueEFFICIENCY, produced from April 2011 to March 2013, represented a compelling blend of luxury, performance, and efficiency within the A207 generation. Positioned as a mid-range offering in the E-Class Cabriolet lineup, it slotted between the more economical E 250 models and the higher-performance E 350 and E 550 variants. This model aimed to provide a refined open-air driving experience with a capable V6 engine and the smooth operation of Mercedes-Benz’s 7G-TRONIC PLUS automatic transmission. The A207 E-Class Cabriolet was a key component of Mercedes-Benz’s strategy to offer a diverse range of body styles within its core E-Class range, appealing to customers seeking a premium convertible experience.
Technical Specifications
| Brand | Mercedes-Benz |
| Model | E-class |
| Generation | E-class Cabrio (A207) |
| Type (Engine) | E 300 BlueEFFICIENCY V6 (252 Hp) 7G-TRONIC PLUS |
| Start of production | April, 2011 |
| End of production | March, 2013 |
| Powertrain Architecture | Internal Combustion engine |
| Body type | Cabriolet |
| Seats | 4 |
| Doors | 2 |
| Fuel consumption (economy) – urban (NEDC) | 10-10.2 l/100 km (23.5 – 23.1 US mpg, 28.2 – 27.7 UK mpg, 10 – 9.8 km/l) |
| Fuel consumption (economy) – extra urban (NEDC) | 5.6-5.9 l/100 km (42 – 39.9 US mpg, 50.4 – 47.9 UK mpg, 17.9 – 16.9 km/l) |
| Fuel consumption (economy) – combined (NEDC) | 7.2-7.5 l/100 km (32.7 – 31.4 US mpg, 39.2 – 37.7 UK mpg, 13.9 – 13.3 km/l) |
| CO2 emissions (NEDC) | 168-175 g/km |
| Fuel Type | Petrol (Gasoline) |
| Acceleration 0 – 100 km/h | 7.2 sec |
| Acceleration 0 – 62 mph | 7.2 sec |
| Acceleration 0 – 60 mph | 6.8 sec |
| Maximum speed | 250 km/h (155.34 mph), Electronically limited |
| Emission standard | Euro 5 |
| Weight-to-power ratio | 6.8 kg/Hp, 147.4 Hp/tonne |
| Weight-to-torque ratio | 5 kg/Nm, 198.8 Nm/tonne |
| Power | 252 Hp @ 6500 rpm |
| Torque | 340 Nm @ 3500-4500 rpm (250.77 lb.-ft. @ 3500-4500 rpm) |
| Engine layout | Front, Longitudinal |
| Engine Model/Code | M 276.957 |
| Engine displacement | 3498 cm3 (213.46 cu. in.) |
| Number of cylinders | 6 |
| Engine configuration | V-engine |
| Cylinder Bore | 92.9 mm (3.66 in.) |
| Piston Stroke | 86 mm (3.39 in.) |
| Compression ratio | 12:1 |
| Number of valves per cylinder | 4 |
| Fuel injection system | Direct injection |
| Engine aspiration | Naturally aspirated engine |
| Valvetrain | DOHC |
| Engine oil capacity | 6.5 l (6.87 US qt | 5.72 UK qt) |
| Coolant | 9.6 l (10.14 US qt | 8.45 UK qt) |
| Kerb Weight | 1710 kg (3769.9 lbs.) |
| Max. weight | 2225 kg (4905.29 lbs.) |
| Max load | 515 kg (1135.38 lbs.) |
| Trunk (boot) space – minimum | 300 l (10.59 cu. ft.) |
| Trunk (boot) space – maximum | 390 l (13.77 cu. ft.) |
| Fuel tank capacity | 66 l (17.44 US gal | 14.52 UK gal) |
| Permitted trailer load with brakes (12%) | 1800 kg (3968.32 lbs.) |
| Permitted trailer load without brakes | 750 kg (1653.47 lbs.) |
| Permitted towbar download | 75 kg (165.35 lbs.) |
| Length | 4698 mm (184.96 in.) |
| Width | 1786 mm (70.31 in.) |
| Width including mirrors | 2015 mm (79.33 in.) |
| Height | 1398 mm (55.04 in.) |
| Wheelbase | 2760 mm (108.66 in.) |
| Front track | 1538 mm (60.55 in.) |
| Rear (Back) track | 1544 mm (60.79 in.) |
| Front overhang | 855 mm (33.66 in.) |
| Rear overhang | 1083 mm (42.64 in.) |
| Drag coefficient (Cd) | 0.28 |
| Minimum turning circle (turning diameter) | 11 m (36.09 ft.) |
| Drivetrain Architecture | The Internal combustion engine (ICE) drives the rear wheels of the vehicle. |
| Drive wheel | Rear wheel drive |
| Number of gears and type of gearbox | 7 gears, automatic transmission G-TRONIC PLUS |
| Front suspension | Coil spring, Independent multi-link suspension, Transverse stabilizer |
| Rear suspension | Independent multi-link spring suspension with stabilizer |
| Front brakes | Ventilated discs, 322 mm |
| Rear brakes | Disc, 300 mm |
| Assisting systems | ABS (Anti-lock braking system) |
| Steering type | Steering rack and pinion |
| Power steering | Hydraulic Steering |
| Tires size | Front wheel tires: 235/45 R17; 235/40 R18; 235/35 R19Rear wheel tires: 235/45 R17; 255/40 R17; 255/35 R18; 255/30 R19 |
| Wheel rims size | Front wheel rims: 7.5J x 17; 8J x 18; 8J x 19; 8.5J x 19Rear wheel rims: 7.5J x 17; 8.5J x 17; 8.5J x 18; 8.5J x 19 |
Powertrain & Engine Architecture
The E 300 BlueEFFICIENCY Cabriolet was powered by the M276.957 3.5-liter naturally aspirated V6 engine. This engine was a cornerstone of Mercedes-Benz’s modular engine family, known for its smooth operation and relatively high efficiency. It featured a 60-degree V-angle, a cast aluminum block, and cylinder heads with four valves per cylinder operated by dual overhead camshafts (DOHC). Direct fuel injection was employed to optimize combustion and improve fuel economy. The engine produced 252 horsepower at 6500 rpm and 340 Nm (250.77 lb-ft) of torque between 3500 and 4500 rpm. The engine’s “BlueEFFICIENCY” designation indicated the inclusion of features designed to reduce fuel consumption, such as optimized aerodynamics and a start-stop system. The engine was mated exclusively to Mercedes-Benz’s 7G-TRONIC PLUS seven-speed automatic transmission. This transmission was renowned for its smooth and quick shifts, contributing to both performance and comfort. The transmission featured a torque converter lock-up clutch to improve efficiency at cruising speeds.
Driving Characteristics
The E 300 BlueEFFICIENCY Cabriolet offered a balanced driving experience. While not as overtly sporty as the E 350 or E 550 models, the 3.5-liter V6 provided ample power for comfortable cruising and spirited driving. Acceleration from 0 to 60 mph took approximately 6.8 seconds, and the car was electronically limited to a top speed of 155 mph. The 7G-TRONIC PLUS transmission played a crucial role in delivering smooth and responsive acceleration. The gear ratios were tuned to provide a good balance between performance and fuel economy. In real-world driving, the E 300 felt more relaxed and refined than its more powerful siblings. The automatic transmission generally selected the appropriate gear for the driving conditions, and manual shifts were available via steering wheel-mounted paddles. Compared to the manual transmission options available on other E-Class models, the automatic prioritized comfort and ease of use over outright performance.
Equipment & Trim Levels
The E 300 BlueEFFICIENCY Cabriolet came standard with a generous array of features, befitting its luxury positioning. Standard equipment typically included leather upholstery, automatic climate control, a premium sound system, and a power-operated soft top. Interior trim options included various wood veneers and aluminum accents. Optional extras included features such as a navigation system, heated and ventilated seats, a Harman Kardon sound system, and advanced driver-assistance systems like lane keeping assist and blind spot monitoring. The A207 E-Class Cabriolet also offered a range of customization options, allowing buyers to personalize their vehicles to their preferences.
Chassis & Braking
The A207 E-Class Cabriolet featured a robust chassis designed to provide a comfortable and secure driving experience. The front suspension utilized coil springs and an independent multi-link setup with a transverse stabilizer bar. The rear suspension also employed an independent multi-link design with a stabilizer bar. The braking system consisted of ventilated discs at the front and solid discs at the rear. Anti-lock brakes (ABS) were standard. The steering system was a rack-and-pinion type with hydraulic power assistance. The E 300’s suspension tuning was geared towards comfort, providing a smooth ride over a variety of road surfaces. The chassis was designed to minimize body roll during cornering, enhancing handling stability.
Market Reception & Comparison
The E 300 BlueEFFICIENCY Cabriolet was generally well-received by automotive critics. It was praised for its comfortable ride, refined engine, and smooth-shifting transmission. Critics noted that it offered a good balance between performance and fuel economy. Compared to the E 250 Cabriolet, the E 300 provided a noticeable increase in power and performance. However, it was less expensive and more fuel-efficient than the E 350 and E 550 models. Fuel economy figures were competitive for its class, with combined fuel consumption ranging from 7.2 to 7.5 liters per 100 kilometers (32.7 to 31.4 US mpg). Reliability was generally good, although some owners reported minor issues with the electronic systems.
Legacy
The M276 engine family, including the 3.5-liter V6 used in the E 300 BlueEFFICIENCY, has proven to be relatively reliable over the long term. With proper maintenance, these engines can provide many years of service. The 7G-TRONIC PLUS transmission is also known for its durability. In the used car market, the A207 E 300 Cabriolet represents a good value proposition for buyers seeking a luxurious and well-equipped convertible. Its combination of performance, comfort, and fuel efficiency makes it a compelling alternative to more expensive or less practical options. The A207 generation E-Class Cabriolet, and the E 300 variant specifically, remains a desirable vehicle for enthusiasts and those seeking a refined open-air driving experience.
