2012 Mercedes Benz E-350 Cabriolet 2-Door Rear Wheel Drive , 302 bhp, 273 lb-ft, 7-sp Automatic, 18/28 mpg
4 passengers, 3950 lb, 3.5-liter, V-6 engine, 13.1 lb/bhp
From the moment I spotted this vehicle on our lot, I prayed for the gas gauge to border empty. The empty tank equates to a trip to the gas station, and a trip to the gas station means 15 minutes in a driver's paradise. Today was that day! With the tank brordering E, I approahced the Steel gray metallic beast with a huge smile and a beautiful sun shining down on me. I couldn't help but stop and admire the crisp, bold lines, the folks in Germany decided to bless us with this time around. I've written before of Mercedes's legendary SL 500 and SL550's roadsters. There is no doubt in my mind at this point, that Mercedes Benz builds the most luxurious and exhilerating roadster/convertibles in the World! I love the SL's and I fell hard for this E-350 drop top.
I slid into the beautifully appointed cabin, and as always Mercedes didn't dissappoint. The leather is sturdy, yet supple, gorgeous, yet sporty. Every button, every ammenity carefully layed out. I reach for the arm rest first. This is where, conveniently hidden the power top button rests. The hard top quickly, and silently nestles it's self down into it's hideaway. Next, I reach for the stereo and program my 6 favorite local channels, position my mirrors, and adjust my seat. I am now perfectly situated for my 2 mile excursion:)
As I pull out on to Hurstbourne Pkwy (One of Louisville, KY's most congested roadways), I can feel the stares already. The oncoming traffic, can't help but catch a glimpse of Europe's finest, trying to slip into their little rat race. As, I carefully nudge the accelerator the E-Class wants to take off a like a wild horse. It almost feels like you are trying to contain it, and control it vs begging it for power. I love the way this car feels, looks, smells, drives, corners, and brakes. I'm already impressed and this party has just started. As I float through several lights I realize I have the top down and I'm not being assaulted by the wind I'm simply greeted by it's presence. The day is perfect and I'm stoked about this how perfect this car feels. I decide to slam the brakes at the next light. The braking is near pefrect. The car doesn't nose dive or fight you, the vehicle simply squats where you tell her too. I decide to switch to the steering wheel mounted paddle shifters to run through the gears when the light turns green. The moment the light turns green, I'm rolling through the first 3 gears, and the connection between myself and the vehicle is absolutley awesome. The engine purrs, but doesn't roar, and it's matched perfectly with the transmission.
Eventually I'm at the gas station filling up a Premium Fuel tank. Thinking to myself, I'm glad I'm not catching the bill on this fill up. As soon as I'm done I make a turn on to Taylorsville Rd, realizing I'm headed in the wrong direction. I quickly slide into a parking lot and effortlessly turn the car around. The turning radius was phenomenal. Once I'm at the next light, both phones start ringing. One is my boss telling me to get the car back to the dealership A.S.A.P., the other is a potential client. I look down, I'm dressed in a blue button down Polo shirt, jeans, and sweet brown loafers, and realize I'm that guy! I'm the dude at the light in the 2012 Drop top Benz, Polo'ed up talking on two cell phones. This is my super busy, rich guy, moment. As I pull up to the lot, I realize some lucky person will have this car in their garage soon, and my days of being the two cell phone rich Mercedes guy are over. It was fun while it lasted, and I absolutley loved this car. Last but not least the back seat is easily the most comfortable back seat in a convertible I've ever sat in. Thanks for taking the time to read my little story, and if you get a chance, drive one of these things even if it's only to the gas station.
$58595 E350 E350 Cabriolet
2-Door Rear Wheel Drive , 302 bhp, 273 lb-ft, 7-sp Automatic, 18/28 mpg
4 passengers, 3950 lb, 3.5-liter, V-6 engine, 13.1 lb/bhp
| Brake Type | Pwr |
| Brake ABS System | 4-Wheel |
| Brake ABS System (Second Line) | N/A |
| Disc - Front (Yes or ) | Yes |
| Disc - Rear (Yes or ) | Yes |
| Front Brake Rotor Diam x Thickness | 12.7 x 1.3 in |
| Rear Brake Rotor Diam x Thickness | 11.8 x 0.9 in |
| Total Cooling System Capacity | N/A qts |
| Cold Cranking Amps @ 0° F (Primary) | N/A |
| Maximum Alternator Capacity (amps) | N/A |
| Tons/yr of CO2 Emissions @ 15K mi/year | 8.3 |
| EPA Greenhouse Gas Score | 5 |
| Engine Type | Gas V6 |
| Displacement | 3.5L/213 |
| Fuel System | Direct Injection |
| SAE Net Horsepower @ RPM | 302 @ 6500 |
| SAE Net Torque @ RPM | 273 @ 3500-5250 |
| Wheelbase | 108.7 in |
| Length, Overall | 185.0 in |
| Width, Max w/o mirrors | N/A in |
| Height, Overall | 55.2 in |
| Track Width, Front | 60.5 in |
| Track Width, Rear | 60.8 in |
| Min Ground Clearance | 3.0 in |
| Liftover Height | N/A in |
| Fuel Tank Capacity, Approx | 22.0 gal |
| Aux Fuel Tank Capacity, Approx | N/A gal |
| Passenger Capacity | 4 |
| Passenger Volume | N/A ft³ |
| Front Head Room | 40.2 in |
| Front Leg Room | 42.0 in |
| Front Shoulder Room | 40.4 in |
| Front Hip Room | N/A in |
| Second Head Room | 35.8 in |
| Second Leg Room | 32.9 in |
| Second Shoulder Room | 48.9 in |
| Second Hip Room | N/A in |
| EPA Fuel Economy Est - Hwy | 28 MPG |
| Cruising Range - City | 396.00 mi |
| EPA Fuel Economy Est - City | 18 MPG |
| Fuel Economy Est-Combined | 22 MPG |
| Cruising Range - Hwy | 616.00 mi |
| EPA MPG Equivalent - City | N/A |
| EPA MPG Equivalent - Hwy | N/A |
| EPA MPG Equivalent - Combined | N/A |
| Battery Range | N/A mi |
| Steering Type | Pwr Rack & Pinion |
| Steering Ratio (:1), Overall | 14.7 |
| Lock to Lock Turns (Steering) | 3.0 |
| Turning Diameter - Curb to Curb | 35.3 ft |
| Suspension Type - Front | Independent |
| Suspension Type - Rear | Multi-Link |
| Shock Absorber Diameter - Front | N/A mm |
| Shock Absorber Diameter - Rear | N/A mm |
| Stabilizer Bar Diameter - Front | N/A in |
| Stabilizer Bar Diameter - Rear | N/A in |
| Front Tire Size | P235/45R17 |
| Rear Tire Size | P255/40R17 |
| Spare Tire Size | Compact |
| Drivetrain | Rear Wheel Drive |
| Trans Type | 7 |
| Trans Description Cont. | Automatic |
| First Gear Ratio (:1) | 4.38 |
| Second Gear Ratio (:1) | 2.86 |
| Third Gear Ratio (:1) | 1.92 |
| Fourth Gear Ratio (:1) | 1.37 |
| Fifth Gear Ratio (:1) | 1.00 |
| Sixth Gear Ratio (:1) | 0.82 |
| Reverse Ratio (:1) | 3.42/2.23 |
| Final Drive Axle Ratio (:1) | 2.82 |
| Seventh Gear Ratio (:1) | 0.73 |
| EPA Classification | Subcompact Cars |
| Base Curb Weight | 3948 lbs |
No comments:
Post a Comment