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The 40 mpg Cars of 2013

2011 Mercedes-Benz E-Class

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Curious about the newer model? Check out the 2014 Mercedes-Benz E-Class

Overview

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2011 Mercedes-Benz E-Class Review

By KBB.com Editors

The Mercedes E-Class took its place as the 'everything to everybody' line after being revamped for 2010 and gaining a Coupe model. With the addition of a returning Wagon and convertible, it's now possible for the consumer to get an E-Class in a wide range of configurations and powertrains. No matter which E-Class is chosen, drivers can expect nothing less than the definitive mid-size luxury vehicle, with exemplary ride quality and comfort in a segment that is among the most competitive in the auto industry today

You'll Like This Car If...

The 2011 Mercedes-Benz E-Class is like a well-tailored suit; it will always look good, feel right and be in style. The wealth of standard features plus the sheer number of base-model options means there's something for everyone in the E-Class lineup

You May Not Like This Car If...

If owning a Mercedes-Benz holds no appeal, you may find competitors such as Cadillac, Infiniti and Lexus offering vehicles suiting your needs at lower prices.

What's New for 2011

Returning for 2011 is the E-Class Wagon; new are the V6- and V8-equipped Cabriolets, and the option of Mercedes' V6 BlueTec diesel engine in the E-Class Sedan. There have been minor exterior and interior design tweaks as well. The arrival of the Cabriolet and Wagon models expands the E-Class lineup. The BlueTec Diesel engine offers an option to an American market looking more and more for economy with luxury.

Driving the E-Class

Driving Impressions There may be faster cars on the road than the 2011 Mercedes-Benz E-Class line, but there are few that can boast the blend of comfort, luxury, performance and image. Individual...

shocks constantly adjust to road surface changes and driver demands, making the car firm and responsive through tight bends yet smooth on the highway. With its confidence-inspiring suspension and responsive steering, the E-Class makes for a remarkable vehicle. If you'd like to step out onto the edge a bit, the E63 AMG brings an upgraded engine, suspension and transmission to bear with remarkably impressive performance and handling precision in a sedan that seats five.

Favorite Features

DISTRONIC PLUS
It's tough to get excited about safety features, but the DISTRONIC PLUS offers features are truly special. The PRE-SAFE Brake system uses radar to warn the driver of an imminent collision and can even modulate the brakes to minimize impact.

Sport Package
Ok, so the Sport Package only shows itself outwardly with bigger wheels and comes with a swanky contrasting interior. You should buy it for the lowered, stiffer and sportier suspension, which properly livens up the car's handling.

2011 Mercedes-Benz E-Class Details

Interior

Every 2011 Mercedes-Benz E-Class comes richly fitted with standard equipment, providing comfort and convenience expected from the marque. From Burl Walnut trim to 14-way power seats with memory settings to the stereo/speaker/CD changer setup and mbrace navigation/support, the E-Class models are very well-equipped. There are a few differences of note: The E-Class Sedan and Wagon don't come with leather seats as standard, and the 60/40 rear bench of the Wagon is optional with the Sedan. A couple of controls have been repositioned for the 2011 models, but aside from that there haven't been any major changes. Front headroom and legroom is very good on all models; rear seats can be a bit cramped in the Coupe and Cabriolet but are very nice in the Sedan and Wagon. Luggage space is impressive across the line, even in the Cabriolet, and the soft top folds on itself to leave more usable trunk space than most competitors in its class.

Exterior

The 2010 revamping of the E-Class exteriors combined muscular rear fenders with a signature front end into a look that is unmistakably that of a Mercedes-Benz. The Coupe's lack of a B-pillar gives it a smooth aesthetic and an air of class all its own. The Cabriolet shares its grille with the Coupe, and has an elegant soft top that blends nicely into its lines. The look with the soft-top is classic and, as you might expect, it weighs a lot less than a folding hardtop. The Wagon is a surprising treat; its roofline at some angles appears to carry a descending angle from front to back, while at others it seems to be a straight line to an expansive rear cargo area.

Notable Equipment

Standard Equipment

All 2011 E-Class models come with some pretty impressive standard features. Electronic Brake Assist and Mercedes-Benz's Electronic Stability Program are standard across the line, as is the 7-speed transmission with paddle shifters fitted behind the multifunction steering wheel. Also standard are the 8-speaker, 6-disc CD/DVD system and a 7-inch LCD to display navigation information, radio information and the like. Safety features include a litany of airbags plus the LATCH (lower anchors and tethers for children) system.

Optional Equipment

Options are available in a variety of packages or separately, and include Sport and Premium Packages. The Lane Tracking Package includes Blind Spot Assist and Lane Keeping Assist, and the Driver Assistance Package adds DISTRONIC PLUS with PRE-SAFE Braking. Other options include Bluetooth connectivity, iPod/mp3 capability, HD Radio, upgraded sound systems and more. For the Sedan and Wagon, leather upholstery is optional, and across the line you can get heated and ventilated front seats - or even a driver's seat with built-in massage.

Under the Hood

With the addition of the BlueTec Diesel, the 2011 Mercedes-Benz E-Class line features four engines: The 210-horsepower, turbocharged 3.0-liter V6 BlueTec diesel; the 268-horsepower, 3.5-liter V6 of the E350 Series; a 382-horsepower, 5.5-liter V8 for the E550 cars and the monster 518-horsepower, 6.3-liter V8 of the E63 AMG. All E-Class engines run through Mercedes' seven-speed automatic transmission with optional manual paddle shifting. The E63 AMG is equipped with the tuner's Speedshift transmission with Race Start and rev matching.

3.0-liter turbo diesel V6
210 horsepower @ 3,400 rpm
400 lb-ft of torque @ 1,600-2,400 rpm
EPA city/highway fuel economy: 22/33

3.5-liter V6
268 horsepower @ 6,000 rpm
258 lb-ft of torque @ 2,400-5,000 rpm
EPA city/highway fuel economy: 17/24 (Sedan), 17/26 (Coupe), 17/25 (Cabriolet), 17/24 (AWD), 16/23 (AWD Wagon)

5.5-liter V8
382 horsepower @ 6,000 rpm
391 lb-ft of torque @ 2,800-4,800 rpm
EPA city/highway fuel economy: 15/23 (Sedan), 15/23 (Coupe), 15/22 (Cabriolet), 15/23 (AWD)

6.3-liter V8
518 horsepower @ 6,800 rpm
465 lb-ft of torque @ 5,200 rpm
EPA city/highway fuel economy: 13/20

To compare current market prices, check out KBB.com's car classifieds to view the new and used Mercedes-Benz E-Class vehicles for sale near you.

Trading in or Selling? Know where you stand with the most up-to-date Kelley Blue Book Value at your fingertips. See your car's value

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2011 Mercedes-Benz E-Class Consumer Reviews

Overall Rating

9.4

Out of 10

Based on 70 Ratings for the 2010 - 2014 models.

Review this car

Value

9.3/10

Quality

9.5/10
Reliability

9.4/10

Performance

9.4/10
Comfort

9.6/10

Styling

9.6/10

A fun car to drive

By MB#9 (KY) on Tuesday, July 23, 2013

I own this car - My approximate mileage is 20,000

10 9.0

overall rating 9 of 10rating details

Reviewer Ratings

Overall Rating: 9/10
Value: 8/10
Reliability: 10/10
Quality: 10/10
Performance: 10/10
Styling: 10/10
Comfort: 9/10

Pros: "Powerful, great handling, good looking lines."

Cons: "Expensive new, got it Certified..."

Likely to recommend this car? (1-10): 9

"I've had 9 MB's over the years. This E550 4matic I bought Certified from MB and have had it for 8 months. It is a fine automobile. More than enough get up and go with 382HP, and the air suspension makes it a very comfortable ride. Panoramic roof is nice and I get a surprising amount of complements on the look of the car. I went from an '05 S430 with 100k miles to this E550. I just can't warm up to the new body S Class and that's why I went back to the E body. I've been happy with the move eventhough you give up the room in the back seat. The 2011 technology is a little dated, not enough memory, as it relates to the phone sync. The 2012 version is better in that department."

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Truely luxury car with amasing great milage

By Peter (FL) on Tuesday, July 16, 2013

I own this car - My approximate mileage is 19,800

10 10.0

overall rating 10 of 10rating details

Reviewer Ratings

Overall Rating: 10/10
Value: 10/10
Reliability: 10/10
Quality: 10/10
Performance: 10/10
Styling: 10/10
Comfort: 10/10

Pros: "Luxury car that is fun to drive as well."

Cons: "A new E350 Bluctec is expensive. Buy it used"

Likely to recommend this car? (1-10): 10

"Great driving experience. I got 39 MPH going from TPA to Houston. (760-800 miles with a fill up). Quiet, luxurious interior, adjustable comfortable seats front and rear. At the end of a long drive one does not arrive sore or tired. While it runs on diesel fuel, it does not smell like the old models did 30 years ago. One cannot tell that it is not a gas model. It has better excelleration than the gas model. It can take off like a race car if needed. Exterior look is sophisticated and sporty. Diesel engines are virtually maintenance free in general. The Mercedes diesel engines are legendary for working forever."

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2011 E350 Bluetec - Couldn't be Happier!

By SlugDaddy (GA) on Sunday, May 19, 2013

I own this car - My approximate mileage is 33,000

10 10.0

overall rating 10 of 10rating details

Reviewer Ratings

Overall Rating: 10/10
Value: 10/10
Reliability: 10/10
Quality: 10/10
Performance: 10/10
Styling: 10/10
Comfort: 10/10

Pros: "engine, interior, reliability, solid feel, value"

Cons: "diesel a little loud in slower city driving"

Likely to recommend this car? (1-10): 10

"The fit and finish of the E350 is superb: Every part of this car feels solid, and after 33,000 miles there are no rattles or imperfections to speak of. The mileage of the diesel is excellent - low 20s in city/traffic, and high 30s cruising at highway speeds, plus diesel is usually less than premium at the pump. While the exterior is attractive, the look is more timeless than trendy. The COMMAND interface takes a day or two to learn, but after that is quite intuitive and easy to use. You won't regret purchasing an E350, and you'll never look like you've got something to prove."

1 person out of 2 found this review helpful

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Great car, perfect ownership experience, fantastic

By Boxterrs (TN) on Thursday, April 25, 2013

I own this car - My approximate mileage is 30,000

10 10.0

overall rating 10 of 10rating details

Reviewer Ratings

Overall Rating: 10/10
Value: 9/10
Reliability: 10/10
Quality: 10/10
Performance: 9/10
Styling: 9/10
Comfort: 9/10

Likely to recommend this car? (1-10): 10

"This is my 5th Merc after owning BMW's for over 20 years and I'll never switch back to BMW, I cannot stand their iDrive. My last 4 Merc's have been flawless, and the dealer has also been fantastic. I continually get high 20's MPG around town and mid 30's on the highway with speeds between 75 and 80. How and you beat that. The torque is so strong it completely makes up for the lower HP. I've had ZERO problems."

3 people out of 3 found this review helpful

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