Run to the Sun — Mercedes-Benz E550 Cabriolet

NWAPA

Imagine driving a very cool new car for a distance between 9 to 25 miles, getting out and then into another very cool car for another 9 to 25 mile leg and then repeating the same routine through 23 cars in a two day period.

NWAPA

Welcome to the 2010 NWAPA (Northwest Automotive Press Association) Run to the Sun held recently in western Washington.? After 23 cars and more than 450 miles of smiles, here are our quick impressions of the Mercedes-Benz E550 Cabriolet.

All new for 2010, the E-Class convertible is one of the nicest four-place convertible treatments we?ve driven.? When the triple-layer top is protecting the interior, you would think you were in a coupe; it?s so quiet and comfortable.? When the top is dropped, Mercedes engineers have provided an innovative Aircap that rises from the top of the windshield frame to channel wind from the cabin leaving it surprisingly quiet and wind free.? But, the Airscarf is the icing on the cake for cool weather topless driving, blowing warm air on necks and shoulders of the front seat passengers.? It spoils you for all other convertibles.?? Available as the 382-hp V-8 powered E550 Cabriolet or the 268-hp V-6 E350, these two cloth top Mercedes have hit a sweet spot in the luxury topless market. The pair makes the 0 to 60 runs in 5.1 seconds and 6.7 seconds respectively.? The E550 we drove was equipped with the wonderful harman/kardon audio system, but with the top down, the sound from the exhaust system was even sweeter.? Prices starts at $57,725 for the E350 and $65,675 for the E550 including the destination charge.

See the other 22 ?Run to the Sun? Cars here.

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