2011 Mercedes-Benz E-Class: What's New, Specs & Features
Last updated August 4, 2026
The biggest change for the 2011 Mercedes-Benz E-Class is a broader lineup, led by the new Cabriolet and the return of the Wagon. The BlueTEC diesel also joins the U.S. range nationwide, while upgraded driver-assistance systems and a few trim-level equipment changes round out the year.
About the 2011 Mercedes-Benz E-Class
W212/C207/A207 pre-facelift generation; second U.S. model year for the sedan and coupe, first U.S. year for the wagon and cabriolet.
Mercedes-Benz positions the 2011 E-Class as its do-everything midsize luxury car: comfortable on long trips, advanced in safety, and broad enough to cover sedan, wagon, coupe, cabriolet, diesel, V8 and AMG roles without losing its core character. The model’s main appeal is depth rather than one headline trick—strong engineering, a polished cabin, confident road manners and a sense that it can handle commuting, family duty or highway travel with equal ease.
The 2011 E-Class spans comfort-focused V6 models, a torque-rich diesel sedan, stronger V8 versions and the 518-hp E 63 AMG performance sedan. The E 350 serves as the core luxury model, while all-wheel-drive versions emphasize year-round traction and the Wagon adds seating for up to seven. A 7-inch infotainment screen, a driver drowsiness monitor and a crash-preparation system are notable features across much of the range.
What changed, by category
2011 Mercedes-Benz E-Class specs and features by trim
| Feature | ||||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Engine | V6, 3.5 Liter | V8, 5.5 Liter | V8, 6.3 Liter | V6, 3.5 Liter | V8, 5.5 Liter | V6, Turbo Diesel, 3.0L |
| Transmission | Auto, 7-Spd Touch Shift | Auto, 7-Spd Touch Shift | Auto, 7-Spd SPEEDSHIFT | Auto, 7-Spd Touch Shift | Auto, 7-Spd Touch Shift | Auto, 7-Spd Touch Shift |
| Drivetrain | RWD | RWD | RWD | 4MATIC AWD | 4MATIC AWD | RWD |
| Fuel Type | Gas | Gas | Gas | Gas | Gas | Diesel |
| MPG City | 17 mpg | 15 mpg | 13 mpg | 16–17 mpg | 15 mpg | 22 mpg |
| MPG Highway | 24–26 mpg | 22–23 mpg | 20 mpg | 23–24 mpg | 23 mpg | 33 mpg |
| Horsepower | 268 hp | 382 hp | 518 hp | 268 hp | 382 hp | 210 hp |
| Torque | 258 lb-ft | 391 lb-ft | 465 lb-ft | 258 lb-ft | 391 lb-ft | 400 lb-ft |
| Max Towing | 1654 lb | 1654 lb | 1654 lb | 1654 lb | ||
| Trunk/Cargo | 11.5–15.9 cu-ft | 11.5–15.9 cu-ft | 15.9 cu-ft | 15.9–29 cu-ft | 15.9 cu-ft | 15.9 cu-ft |
| Rear Legroom | 30.1–35.8 in | 30.1–35.8 in | 35.8 in | 35.8–36 in | 35.8 in | 35.8 in |
| Seats | 4–5 | 4–5 | 5 | 5–7 | 5 | 5 |
| Doors | 2–4 | 2–4 | 4 | 4 | 4 | 4 |
| Adaptive Cruise Control | ||||||
| Alarm System | ||||||
| Automatic Emergency Braking | ||||||
| Automatic High Beams | ||||||
| Blindspot Sensors | ||||||
| Blindspot Sensors with Auto Brake | ||||||
| Lane Departure Warning | ||||||
| Active Lane Keep Assistance | ||||||
| Night Vision System | ||||||
| Park Assist | ||||||
| Rear View Camera | ||||||
| Alloy Wheels | ||||||
| Fog Lights | ||||||
| LED Daytime Running Lights | ||||||
| Power Moonroof | ||||||
| Panorama Moon Roof | ||||||
| Power Close Liftgate/Trunk | ||||||
| Power Retractable Soft Top | ||||||
| Rear Spoiler | ||||||
| Bluetooth | ||||||
| Front DVD Entertainment System | ||||||
| Navigation System | ||||||
| Premium Audio | ||||||
| 115V Power Outlet | ||||||
| Dual-Zone Climate Control | ||||||
| Folding Rear Seat | ||||||
| Heated Front Seats | ||||||
| Leather Seats | ||||||
| Massage Front Seat | ||||||
| Proximity Keyless Entry | ||||||
| Rear Window Shades | ||||||
| Remote Start | ||||||
| Third Row Seat | ||||||
| Ventilated Front Seats | ||||||
Frequently asked questions
What is the biggest change to the 2011 Mercedes-Benz E-Class?
The biggest change is the expanded body-style lineup. Mercedes adds E 350 and E 550 Cabriolets and brings back the all-wheel-drive E 350 Wagon, making 2011 an expansion year rather than a redesign.
Is the 2011 Mercedes-Benz E-Class a new generation?
No. The 2011 E-Class continues the same pre-refresh generation introduced for the prior model year. Its main updates are new body styles, broader diesel availability and upgraded driver-assistance technology.
Did the Mercedes-Benz E-Class Wagon return for 2011?
Yes. The E 350 4MATIC Wagon returns to the U.S. E-Class lineup for 2011 with a 268-hp V6, all-wheel drive and seating for up to seven.
What changed with the 2011 E 350 BlueTEC diesel?
The E 350 BlueTEC joins the 2011 U.S. lineup with full 50-state availability. It is a sedan powered by a 210-hp 3.0-liter turbo-diesel V6 paired with a 7-speed automatic transmission.
Did the 2011 E-Class get new safety technology?
Yes. Its optional blind-spot and lane-keeping systems become capable of intervening instead of only alerting the driver. The existing driver drowsiness monitor and crash-preparation system also remain part of the E-Class safety package.