The Mercedes-Benz E 500 Cabriolet, part of the A207 facelift generation produced from June 2013 to July 2014, represented the pinnacle of performance and luxury within the E-Class convertible range. Positioned as the flagship model, it offered a substantial upgrade over the E 350 and E 400 variants, appealing to buyers seeking a powerful and refined open-top driving experience. This variant was exclusively offered with a naturally aspirated V8 engine and the 7G-TRONIC PLUS automatic transmission, distinguishing it from the four-cylinder and V6 options available in the lineup. The A207 facelift brought styling updates, improved efficiency, and enhanced technology compared to the pre-facelift models.
Technical Specifications
| Brand | Mercedes-Benz |
| Model | E-class |
| Generation | E-class Cabrio (A207, facelift 2013) |
| Type (Engine) | E 500 V8 (408 Hp) 7G-TRONIC PLUS |
| Start of production | June, 2013 |
| End of production | July, 2014 |
| Powertrain Architecture | Internal Combustion engine |
| Body type | Cabriolet |
| Seats | 4 |
| Doors | 2 |
| Fuel consumption (economy) – urban (NEDC) | 12.9 l/100 km (18.2 US mpg, 21.9 UK mpg, 7.8 km/l) |
| Fuel consumption (economy) – extra urban (NEDC) | 6.9 l/100 km (34.1 US mpg, 40.9 UK mpg, 14.5 km/l) |
| Fuel consumption (economy) – combined (NEDC) | 9.1 l/100 km (25.8 US mpg, 31 UK mpg, 11 km/l) |
| CO2 emissions (NEDC) | 213 g/km |
| Fuel Type | Petrol (Gasoline) |
| Acceleration 0 – 100 km/h | 4.9 sec |
| Acceleration 0 – 62 mph | 4.9 sec |
| Acceleration 0 – 60 mph | 4.7 sec |
| Maximum speed | 250 km/h (155.34 mph), Electronically limited |
| Emission standard | Euro 5 |
| Weight-to-power ratio | 4.6 kg/Hp, 218.2 Hp/tonne |
| Weight-to-torque ratio | 3.1 kg/Nm, 320.9 Nm/tonne |
| Power | 408 Hp @ 5000-5750 rpm |
| Power per litre | 87.5 Hp/l |
| Torque | 600 Nm @ 1600-4750 rpm (442.54 lb.-ft. @ 1600-4750 rpm) |
| Engine layout | Front, Longitudinal |
| Engine Model/Code | M 278.922 |
| Engine displacement | 4663 cm3 (284.55 cu. in.) |
| Number of cylinders | 8 |
| Engine configuration | V-engine |
| Cylinder Bore | 92.9 mm (3.66 in.) |
| Piston Stroke | 86 mm (3.39 in.) |
| Compression ratio | 10.5:1 |
| Number of valves per cylinder | 4 |
| Fuel injection system | Direct injection |
| Engine aspiration | BiTurbo, Intercooler |
| Valvetrain | DOHC |
| Engine oil capacity | 8 l (8.45 US qt | 7.04 UK qt) |
| Coolant | 10.9 l (11.52 US qt | 9.59 UK qt) |
| Kerb Weight | 1870 kg (4122.64 lbs.) |
| Max. weight | 2350 kg (5180.86 lbs.) |
| Max load | 480 kg (1058.22 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) |
| Length | 4703 mm (185.16 in.) |
| Width | 1786 mm (70.31 in.) |
| Width including mirrors | 2016 mm (79.37 in.) |
| Height | 1398 mm (55.04 in.) |
| Wheelbase | 2760 mm (108.66 in.) |
| Front track | 1538 mm (60.55 in.) |
| Rear (Back) track | 1541 mm (60.67 in.) |
| Front overhang | 862 mm (33.94 in.) |
| Rear overhang | 1081 mm (42.56 in.) |
| Drag coefficient (Cd) | 0.31 |
| Minimum turning circle (turning diameter) | 11.19 m (36.71 ft.) |
| 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 |
| Rear brakes | Ventilated discs |
| Assisting systems | ABS (Anti-lock braking system) |
| Steering type | Steering rack and pinion |
| Power steering | Electric Steering |
| Front wheel tires | 235/40 R18; 235/35 R19 |
| Rear wheel tires | 255/35 R18; 255/30 R19 |
| Front wheel rims | 8J x 18; 8J x 19; 8.5J x 19 |
| Rear wheel rims | 8.5J x 18; 8.5J x 19 |
Powertrain & Engine Architecture
The heart of the E 500 Cabriolet is the M278.922 4.7-liter V8 engine. This engine is a naturally aspirated powerplant featuring direct fuel injection and twin turbochargers. It produces 408 horsepower at 5000-5750 rpm and a substantial 600 Nm (442 lb-ft) of torque available from a low 1600 rpm, providing effortless acceleration. The engine utilizes a double overhead camshaft (DOHC) valvetrain with four valves per cylinder. The 7G-TRONIC PLUS automatic transmission, a seven-speed unit, was specifically paired with this engine. This transmission is known for its smooth and quick shifts, contributing to both performance and fuel efficiency. The transmission features a torque converter lock-up clutch that engages in most gears, improving efficiency.
Driving Characteristics
The E 500 Cabriolet delivers a distinctly different driving experience compared to the lower-powered E-Class variants. The abundant torque from the V8 engine provides strong acceleration in any gear, making overtaking effortless. The 7G-TRONIC PLUS transmission is well-tuned to the engine’s characteristics, offering seamless gear changes. While not as overtly sporty as some competitors, the E 500 offers a refined and comfortable ride, typical of a Mercedes-Benz. The rear-wheel drive configuration contributes to balanced handling, although it doesn’t offer the all-weather capability of all-wheel drive models. The electronically limited top speed of 250 km/h (155 mph) is easily achievable, and the car feels stable and composed at high speeds.
Equipment & Trim Levels
The E 500 Cabriolet came standard with a high level of equipment, befitting its flagship status. Standard features included leather upholstery, heated and ventilated front seats, a premium sound system, a navigation system, and automatic climate control. Optional extras included features like the AIRMATIC suspension system, which provided adjustable ride height and damping, and various driver-assistance systems such as lane keeping assist and blind spot monitoring. Interior trim options included a variety of wood veneers and aluminum accents. The convertible top was a multi-layer fabric design, offering good insulation from noise and weather.
Chassis & Braking
The E 500 Cabriolet utilized a sophisticated chassis design. The front suspension featured a multi-link setup with a transverse stabilizer bar, while the rear suspension employed an independent multi-link spring suspension, also with a stabilizer bar. This configuration provided a comfortable ride and good handling characteristics. 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. The steering system was a rack-and-pinion type with electric power assistance.
Market Reception & Comparison
The E 500 Cabriolet was generally well-received by automotive critics. It was praised for its powerful engine, smooth transmission, and luxurious interior. However, some reviewers noted that the car’s weight and size could make it feel less agile than some competitors. Compared to the E 350 and E 400 Cabriolet models, the E 500 offered a significant performance advantage, but at a higher price point. Fuel economy was understandably lower than the smaller-engined variants, but still reasonable for a V8-powered convertible. Reliability was generally good, consistent with Mercedes-Benz’s reputation.
Legacy
The M278 engine, found in the E 500 Cabriolet, is known for its durability and relatively straightforward maintenance, although servicing can be expensive due to the complexity of the engine and its components. The 7G-TRONIC PLUS transmission is also considered reliable, provided it is properly maintained with regular fluid changes. On the used car market, the E 500 Cabriolet holds its value well, appealing to buyers who appreciate its combination of performance, luxury, and open-air driving enjoyment. Finding well-maintained examples is key, as neglected vehicles may require significant repairs. The A207 E-Class Cabriolet, and particularly the E 500 variant, represents a high point in Mercedes-Benz’s convertible history, offering a compelling blend of German engineering and sophisticated style.
