Summer. The mere mention conjures images of sun-drenched drives with the wind in your hair. And while convertibles might not be everyone’s daily driver, there’s an undeniable allure to cruising with the top down, especially on a winding mountain road. This brings us to the 2013 Mercedes-Benz E550 Convertible, a car that embodies open-air luxury and performance. Tracing its lineage back to the 1953 “Ponton” sedan, the E-Class didn’t embrace the convertible form until its fifth generation. Interestingly, a generation later, the coupe and convertible were temporarily replaced by the CLK, a model styled like the E-Class but actually based on the smaller C-Class platform. While I had the chance to review a 2008 CLK350 Convertible previously and found it pleasant, it lacked a certain spark. However, with the eighth-generation E-Class redesign in 2009, the coupe and convertible body styles triumphantly returned, and the E550 Mercedes Benz convertible is a standout in this lineup.
Image of the 2013 Mercedes-Benz E550 Convertible front three quarter view showcasing its split headlights and elegant grille.
Exterior Elegance and Design
Modern Mercedes-Benz designs often spark debate, but the pre-facelift e550 mercedes benz convertible, specifically the 2013 model, is undeniably beautiful. My preference leans towards this pre-refresh version over the 2014 model, and it largely comes down to the distinctive split headlights. The 2014 refresh opted for more conventional, single-unit headlamps, losing some of the unique character that the split headlights provided. These split headlights give the E550 a unique visual signature, setting it apart on the road. The front bumper strikes a balance between elegance and subtle sportiness. Mesh inserts within the air intakes hint at performance, while the integrated LED daytime running lights add a touch of modern sophistication. Another design element that deserves appreciation is the classic Mercedes-Benz star emblem on the grille – a proper, see-through design, unlike some later iterations that opted for solid plastic versions.
Image highlighting the split headlight design of the 2013 E550 Convertible, emphasizing its unique and elegant styling.
Side profile image of the Mercedes-Benz E550 Convertible showing the flowing character line and elegant silhouette.
Rear view of the 2013 E550 Convertible showcasing the taillight design and integrated trunk lines.
Moving to the side profile, the e550 mercedes benz convertible continues to impress with its understated yet refined lines. A prominent character line gracefully sweeps from the front fender to the taillight, adding visual length and definition. The subtly flared rear fenders are a nod to the original 1953 “Ponton” E-Class sedan, a heritage touch that adds depth to the design. At the rear, the exquisitely designed taillights immediately capture attention, extending elegantly onto the trunk lid. Another thoughtful detail is the way lines flow from the edges of the taillights, seamlessly forming the upper contour of the rear bumper, creating a cohesive and sophisticated rear aesthetic. The stark color scheme of this particular model is beautifully contrasted by the vibrant orange leather seats, creating a striking visual, whether the top is up or down.
Image of the 2013 Mercedes-Benz E550 Convertible interior, emphasizing the orange leather seats and luxurious cabin ambiance.
Driving Dynamics and Performance
Despite being the “Sport” trim, the e550 mercedes benz convertible isn’t a sports car in the traditional sense. The steering, while light and easy at lower speeds, exhibits an inconsistent weighting as speed increases. The lack of natural build-up in steering effort and a noticeable dead spot at the center detract from a truly engaging driving experience. The suspension is well-tuned for everyday road conditions, but as is typical with convertibles, the reduced structural rigidity becomes apparent when encountering imperfections on winding roads. Body flex and a noticeable shake can be felt, reminding you of the convertible’s inherent compromise in stiffness. The car’s weight is also noticeable during more spirited driving, with the steering feeling somewhat slow and deliberate when pushed hard. While it tends towards understeer when driven aggressively, the e550 mercedes benz remains stable and predictable. The steering, quirks aside, is commendably quick and accurate, although enhanced feedback would be appreciated by driving enthusiasts. Ride quality is generally compliant, but the “Sport” trim, equipped with a firmer suspension compared to the “Luxury” models, can feel unsettled by rough surfaces. However, on the highway, the ride is composed and well-controlled, making it an excellent long-distance cruiser.
Image of the Mercedes-Benz E550 Convertible on a winding road, suggesting its comfortable cruising and handling capabilities.
Action shot of the E550 Convertible in motion, highlighting its sporty stance and open-top driving experience.
Close-up image of the E550 Convertible’s wheels and tires, subtly emphasizing the “Sport” trim and handling aspects.
Potent V8 Engine and Performance
Prior to 2012, the e550 mercedes benz was powered by a naturally aspirated 5.5-liter V8 engine producing 382 horsepower and 390 lb-ft of torque. However, in a move towards downsizing and efficiency, this engine was replaced with a twin-turbocharged 4.7-liter V8. Despite the reduction in displacement, the new engine delivered increased power and torque figures, boasting 402 horsepower and a substantial 443 lb-ft of torque. Having experienced the previous 5.5-liter V8 in a friend’s 2008 E550 sedan, the improvement with this twin-turbocharged unit is undeniable. While personal preference often leans towards naturally aspirated engines for their linear power delivery and absence of turbo lag, this new V8 is exceptional. Turbo lag is virtually nonexistent, and the power delivery is remarkably immediate, even at low engine speeds. The engine is incredibly responsive, and acceleration feels effortless, never burdened by the convertible’s weight. The engine’s performance is so impressive it’s difficult to adequately describe its capabilities. The seven-speed automatic transmission, however, slightly dampens the outright performance. When demanding full acceleration, there’s a noticeable delay before the transmission responds, followed by somewhat abrupt shifts.
Image showcasing the powerful stance of the Mercedes-Benz E550 Convertible, hinting at its V8 engine performance.
Detail image of the E550 Convertible’s engine bay, subtly highlighting the twin-turbocharged V8 engine.
Refinement and Top-Down Experience
With the top down, the e550 mercedes benz convertible maintains a commendable level of refinement. Wind buffeting is minimal, allowing for comfortable open-top cruising, and the glorious V8 engine note is clearly audible and enjoyable. However, surprisingly for a Mercedes-Benz, there was some noticeable wind noise with the top raised. While this might be acceptable in a less premium vehicle, it felt somewhat out of place in a Mercedes-Benz in this price range. Nevertheless, the V8 engine itself is remarkably refined, and its exhaust note is a harmonious symphony, adding to the overall driving pleasure.
Image of the E550 Convertible with the top down, emphasizing the open-air driving experience and refined cruising.
Side view of the Mercedes-Benz E550 Convertible with the top down, showcasing its elegant lines and open-top configuration.
Image capturing the essence of open-top driving in the E550 Convertible on a scenic road.
Interior Comfort and Practicality
True to Mercedes-Benz tradition, the cabin of the e550 mercedes benz is a pleasant environment, characterized by excellent build quality, meticulous attention to detail, and premium materials. One minor ergonomic concern was the proximity of the windshield to the driver’s head. Lowering the seat to address this resulted in difficulty seeing over the hood, potentially posing a challenge for some drivers to find an ideal driving position. The leather seats are exceptionally comfortable, striking a perfect balance between softness and support, avoiding the overly plush feeling of some luxury cars. Front cabin space is adequate, although at times it felt like it could be slightly more airy, particularly with the top up. The navigation system, while responsive, Mercedes-Benz’s COMMAND system requires multiple steps to access desired functions, and the placement of the climate controls is somewhat low. The steering wheel buttons could benefit from clearer labeling, as their function for volume or station selection isn’t immediately obvious. However, familiarity improves usability over time. Ingress and egress are generally good, requiring a slight duck to avoid the windshield frame, but the doors open wide for easy access. Rear seat access is reasonable for a convertible, and there’s sufficient space for two smaller adults in the back. Visibility with the roof up is adequate but not exceptional. The instrument gauges are straightforward, though the gear selector within the speedometer can be slightly difficult to read at a glance. The white rings surrounding the gauges and chrome accents add a touch of classic elegance. Trunk space is commendable for a convertible, even with the top stowed, and cabin storage is decent. The convertible top operation is quick and effortless, controlled by a discreetly placed switch pod beside the center console.
Image of the E550 Convertible’s dashboard and center console, showcasing the interior layout and controls.
Close-up image of the E550 Convertible’s leather seats, emphasizing the comfort and luxury of the interior.
Image showing the rear seats of the E550 Convertible, indicating the space available for passengers.
Image of the E550 Convertible’s trunk space, highlighting its practicality even in convertible form.
Image of the instrument cluster of the 2013 E550 Convertible, detailing the gauge design and layout.
Image focusing on the center console controls of the E550 Convertible, highlighting the COMMAND system and climate controls.
Image showcasing the convertible top operation switch in the E550 Convertible’s center console.
Image of the E550 Convertible’s door panel, showing the interior trim and detailing.
Another image of the E550 Convertible’s interior, providing a different perspective on the cabin ambiance.
Final Verdict: A Modern Classic Convertible?
The adage “never judge a book by its cover” holds true for cars, but the initial allure of the e550 mercedes benz convertible lies in its striking design. While Mercedes-Benz vehicles are often described as elegant, handsome, or appealing, the e550 mercedes benz convertible transcends these descriptions, venturing into “gorgeous” territory. Alongside exceptions like the SLS AMG and second-generation CL-Class, this E-Class convertible stands out. Surprisingly, it’s even more visually appealing than its coupe and sedan counterparts. Convertibles often face criticism for added weight and compromised driving dynamics compared to their coupe versions. However, in the case of the e550 mercedes benz convertible, its strengths outweigh these typical convertible drawbacks. Firstly, its captivating beauty is undeniable. Secondly, while it may not possess the razor-sharp handling of a Porsche 911, it offers a unique kind of fun. Imagine cruising on a twisty road, top down, with the glorious V8 soundtrack filling the air. Despite minor shortcomings like occasionally confusing controls, the windshield placement, and some rattles on rough roads, these are easily forgiven. This e550 mercedes benz convertible is a car that evokes genuine affection and might be the only modern Mercedes-Benz that truly captivates – specifically in E550 convertible form and pre-2014 facelift guise, retaining those distinctive split headlights. This positive assessment, perhaps surprisingly even to a non-Mercedes-Benz devotee, highlights the exceptional nature of this particular model. The 2013 Mercedes-Benz E550 Convertible truly is that good, offering a blend of style, luxury, and performance that leaves a lasting impression.
Front angle image of the 2013 Mercedes-Benz E550 Convertible emphasizing its overall stunning design and road presence.
