The Mercedes-Benz E-Class Cabriolet (A207) E 350 BlueEFFICIENCY, produced from April 2011 to March 2013, represented a compelling blend of luxury, performance, and open-air driving enjoyment within the broader E-Class range. Positioned as a mid-range offering in the A207 Cabriolet lineup, it slotted between the more economical E 250 models and the higher-performance E 550 variants. This particular configuration – a 3.5-liter V6 engine paired with the 7G-TRONIC PLUS seven-speed automatic transmission – aimed to deliver a refined driving experience with respectable power and efficiency. The A207 generation itself was the first dedicated Cabriolet version of the E-Class, moving away from simply being a coupe with a retractable roof.
Technical Specifications
| Brand | Mercedes-Benz |
| Model | E-Class |
| Generation | E-Class Cabrio (A207) |
| Type | E 350 BlueEFFICIENCY V6 (306 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 (urban) | 10-10.2 l/100 km (23.5 – 23.1 US mpg) |
| Fuel consumption (extra urban) | 5.6-5.9 l/100 km (42 – 39.9 US mpg) |
| Fuel consumption (combined) | 7.2-7.5 l/100 km (32.7 – 31.4 US mpg) |
| CO2 emissions | 168-175 g/km |
| Fuel Type | Petrol (Gasoline) |
| Acceleration 0 – 100 km/h | 6.4 sec |
| Acceleration 0 – 62 mph | 6.4 sec |
| Acceleration 0 – 60 mph | 6.1 sec |
| Maximum speed | 250 km/h (155.34 mph) – Electronically limited |
| Emission standard | Euro 5 |
| Weight-to-power ratio | 5.6 kg/Hp |
| Weight-to-torque ratio | 4.6 kg/Nm |
| Power | 306 Hp @ 6500 rpm |
| Torque | 370 Nm @ 3500-5250 rpm (272.9 lb.-ft. @ 3500-5250 rpm) |
| Engine layout | Front, Longitudinal |
| Engine Model/Code | M 276.952 |
| 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 | 12.2:1 |
| Number of valves per cylinder | 4 |
| Fuel injection system | Direct injection |
| Engine aspiration | Naturally aspirated |
| Valvetrain | DOHC |
| Engine oil capacity | 6.5 l (6.87 US qt | 5.72 UK qt) |
| Coolant capacity | 9.6 l (10.14 US qt | 8.45 UK qt) |
| Kerb Weight | 1710 kg (3769.9 lbs.) |
| Max. weight | 2255 kg (4971.42 lbs.) |
| Max load | 545 kg (1201.52 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 track | 1544 mm (60.79 in.) |
| Front overhang | 855 mm (33.66 in.) |
| Rear overhang | 1083 mm (42.64 in.) |
| Drag coefficient (Cd) | 0.29 |
| Minimum turning circle | 11 m (36.09 ft.) |
| Drivetrain | Rear wheel drive |
| Number of gears | 7 |
| Gearbox type | 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 | Ventilated discs, 300 mm |
Powertrain & Engine Architecture
At the heart of the E 350 BlueEFFICIENCY Cabriolet lies the M 276.952 3.5-liter V6 engine. This engine is a naturally aspirated powerplant featuring direct fuel injection and a double overhead camshaft (DOHC) valvetrain with four valves per cylinder. The direct injection system, a hallmark of Mercedes-Benz technology at the time, allowed for precise fuel delivery, enhancing both power and efficiency. The engine’s 60-degree V-configuration contributed to a smooth and balanced operation. The 7G-TRONIC PLUS seven-speed automatic transmission was specifically tuned to complement the engine’s characteristics, offering smooth and responsive shifts. This transmission featured a torque converter lock-up clutch to improve fuel economy at cruising speeds. The ‘BlueEFFICIENCY’ designation indicated the inclusion of fuel-saving technologies such as start-stop functionality, which automatically shut off the engine when the vehicle was stationary, further reducing emissions and fuel consumption.
Driving Characteristics
The E 350 BlueEFFICIENCY Cabriolet provided a comfortable and refined driving experience. The 306 horsepower and 272.9 lb.-ft. of torque delivered adequate acceleration, with a 0-60 mph time of around 6.1 seconds. While not as overtly sporty as the E 550, the E 350 offered a good balance between performance and everyday usability. The 7G-TRONIC PLUS transmission contributed to smooth gear changes, and the relatively long gear ratios prioritized fuel efficiency over outright acceleration. Compared to the manual transmission options available on other E-Class models, the automatic provided a more relaxed driving experience, particularly in city traffic. The power delivery was linear and predictable, making it easy to modulate the throttle.
Equipment & Trim Levels
The E 350 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. Optional extras included features such as the AIRMATIC suspension system, which provided adjustable ride height and damping, as well as various driver-assistance systems like lane keeping assist and blind spot monitoring. Interior trim options allowed for customization, with a range of wood veneers and aluminum accents available. The standard dashboard configuration featured analog gauges combined with a central display screen for infotainment and vehicle settings.
Chassis & Braking
The A207 E-Class Cabriolet utilized a robust chassis designed to provide both comfort and handling. The front suspension featured a multi-link setup with coil springs and a transverse stabilizer bar, while the rear suspension employed an independent multi-link spring suspension with a stabilizer bar. This configuration aimed to minimize body roll and provide a comfortable ride. The braking system consisted of ventilated discs on all four wheels, providing ample stopping power. Anti-lock braking system (ABS) was standard, enhancing safety and control during emergency braking situations. The steering system was a hydraulic power steering rack and pinion, offering precise and responsive steering feel.
Market Reception & Comparison
The E 350 BlueEFFICIENCY Cabriolet was generally well-received by automotive critics. It was praised for its comfortable ride, refined engine, and luxurious interior. However, some reviewers noted that it lacked the outright sporting character of some of its competitors. Compared to the E 250 Cabriolet, the E 350 offered a significant performance upgrade, justifying its higher price tag. In contrast to the E 550, the E 350 provided a more balanced combination of performance and fuel economy. Fuel economy figures were competitive for its class, and the inclusion of the start-stop system helped to reduce emissions.
Legacy
The M 276 engine family, including the 3.5-liter variant found in the E 350 Cabriolet, proved to be relatively reliable. While some owners have reported minor issues with oil leaks or sensor failures, these are generally not widespread or catastrophic. Today, the A207 E 350 Cabriolet represents a well-rounded and stylish option in the used luxury car market. Its combination of performance, comfort, and open-air enjoyment continues to appeal to buyers seeking a refined and capable convertible. Regular maintenance, including timely oil changes and fluid checks, is crucial to ensuring the long-term reliability of this powertrain.
