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2011 Mercedes-Benz E-Class E550

All Mercedes-Benz E-Class W212 trims (2010–2016) → All Mercedes-Benz E-Class generations →
2011 Mercedes-Benz E-Class – front Unverified
Photo: Mercedes-Benz W212 FL E 300 4matic Avantgrade Obsidian Black Diplomatic (1) by Damian B Oh, CC BY-SA 4.0, via Wikimedia Commons
Photos show the W212 (W212, 2010–2016); trim, color, and model year may differ.
All photo credits
  1. Photo: Mercedes-Benz W212 FL E 300 4matic Avantgrade Obsidian Black Diplomatic (1) by Damian B Oh, CC BY-SA 4.0, via Wikimedia Commons
  2. Photo: Mercedes-Benz W212 E 350 grey (1) by Damian B Oh, CC BY-SA 4.0, via Wikimedia Commons
  3. Photo: Mercedes-Benz W212 E350 BlueTEC Obsidian Black 01 by Ethan Llamas, CC BY-SA 4.0, via Wikimedia Commons
  4. Photo: Mercedes-Benz E 200 Avantgarde (W 212, Facelift) – Heckansicht, 24. Oktober 2015, Münster by M 93, CC BY-SA 3.0 de, via Wikimedia Commons
  5. Photo: Mercedes-Benz W212 E 220 CDI Avantgarde 7-G-Tronic Obsidianschwarz Interieur by Thomas doerfer, CC BY-SA 3.0, via Wikimedia Commons

The 2011 Mercedes-Benz E-Class E550 is a 382-hp 5.5-liter V8 with a 7-speed automatic and rear-wheel drive. It starts at $57,100 MSRP and is rated at 18 mpg combined.

It makes 382 horsepower at 6,000 rpm and 391 lb-ft of torque at 2800-4800 rpm, spinning to a 6,500 rpm redline. EPA fuel-economy estimates are 15 mpg city and 23 mpg highway (18 mpg combined).

The E-Class measures 191.7 inches long on a 113.1-inch wheelbase and has a curb weight of 4,145 lb.

Spec Value
Vehicle
PowertrainGas
Price
MSRP$57,100 ($82,514 *)
MSRP with Destination$57,975 ($83,779 *)
Destination Charge$875
Engine
Engine TypeNaturally aspirated V8
Displacement5.5 L
Horsepower382 hp @ 6,000 rpm
Torque391 lb-ft @ 2800-4800 rpm
Redline6,500 rpm
ValvetrainDOHC, 4 valves per cylinder
Bore and Stroke98.0 x 90.5
Compression Ratio10.7:1
Injection TypeNaturally aspirated, magnesium two-stage resonance intake manifold
Drivetrain
Drive TypeRWD
Transmission
Transmission7-speed automatic
1st Gear4.38 (46 mph **)
2nd Gear2.86 (70 mph **)
3rd Gear1.92 (105 mph **)
4th Gear1.37 (147 mph **)
5th Gear1 (201 mph **)
6th Gear0.82 (245 mph **)
7th Gear0.73 (275 mph **)
Reverse3.42
Final Drive2.47
Fuel Economy
City15 MPG
Highway23 MPG
Combined18 MPG
Suspension
Front SuspensionIndependent 3-link, AIRMATIC air spring, damper with damping valve, torsion bar
Rear SuspensionIndependent multi-link, AIRMATIC air spring, damper with damping valve, torsion bar
Front Stabilizer BarYes
Brakes
Front Brake Disc13.5 in. diameter
Rear Brake Disc12.6 in. diameter
Tires & Wheels
Wheels Front8.0J × 17 in.
Wheels Rear8.0J × 17 in.
Tires Front245/45 R17
Tires Rear245/45 R17
Dimensions & Weight
Length191.7 in
Width75.9 in
Height57.7 in
Wheelbase113.1 in
Front Track62.2 in
Rear Track63 in
Ground Clearance4.1 in
Cargo Volume15.9 ft³
Curb Weight4,145 lbs
Interior
Headroom Front37.9 in
Headroom Rear38.2 in
Legroom Front41.3 in
Legroom Rear35.8 in
Shoulder Room Front57.8 in
Shoulder Room Rear56.9 in
* Amount adjusted for inflation to 2026 dollars
** Theoretical max speed per gear at redline

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Safety & Recalls

NCAP safety ratings

Overall Not rated
Frontal crash Not rated
Side crash Not rated
Rollover ★★★★★ (9.9 % risk)
Tested variant: 2011 Mercedes-Benz E-Class 4 DR RWD
Other tested variants (3)
  • 2011 Mercedes-Benz E-Class 2 DR RWD: overall not rated
  • 2011 Mercedes-Benz E-Class 4 DR AWD: overall not rated
  • 2011 Mercedes-Benz E-Class 2 DR AWD: overall not rated

Recalls

No recalls on file with NHTSA for the 2011 Mercedes-Benz E-CLASS.

296 owner complaints to NHTSA for the 2011 Mercedes-Benz E-CLASS

Owner Complaints

296 owner complaints filed with NHTSA for the 2011 Mercedes-Benz E-CLASS (14 mention a crash, 3 a fire, 11 an injury). See all on nhtsa.gov

Most-cited areas
Air Bags141
Suspension37
Fuel/Propulsion System32
Unknown Or Other21
Service Brakes16
Structure16
A complaint can cite more than one area.
Most recent complaints
Jul 28, 2026 · Air Bags, Seats
“Without an impact or collision, my car's passenger seat headrest shot out. I've been checking and others have done this as well. This morning, the driver's side headrest shot out without impact or…”
Dec 30, 2025 · Service Brakes
“Dealer notes: Replace rear brake lines, found to be rusty recommend replacement with rear subframe replacement. This is a very well known issue and is not covered under recall from manufacturer. It…”
Sep 26, 2025 · Steering, Service Brakes
“Subject: Safety Concern – Mercedes-Benz E350 4MATIC (2011) Subframe and Brake Line Rust Dear [Mercedes-Benz Customer Care / NHTSA], I am writing to report a serious safety concern regarding my 2011…”
Sep 22, 2025 · Suspension
“Rear crossmember or ( rear subframe frame ) rust and It broke due to corrosion”
Aug 29, 2025 · Service Brakes
“Brake lines have completely rusted through. Car had additional rust issues on the subframe which Mercedes admitted and replaced as part of an extended warranty . When that was repaired they never…”

Complaints are unverified reports submitted to NHTSA by owners. They cover the whole model year, not a specific trim, and a count alone doesn't show how common a problem is.

Source: US National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (nhtsa.gov), matched as 2011 MERCEDES-BENZ E-CLASS. US-market vehicles only; data cached for up to 7 days.

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