After 44 years, Mercedes will once again offer a full-size cabriolet to its well-heeled clientele. How serious an effort is it? Let's find out.
Despite the 40+ year hiatus, Mercedes-Benz is no stranger to the luxury cabriolet segment. From back from the post-war days with the 1949 170 S to the end of the 280 SE's production run in 1971, it is clear Mercedes knows what it takes to make a car like this and wants to make that statement with its latest model.
Starting from the structure, engineers have developed this convertible to be as rigid as last year’s Coupe. A newly-developed rear wall structure consisting of a magnesium piece sandwiched by aluminium sections work with numerous underbody reinforcements to strengthen the chassis, while an aluminium rear floor section helps to trim some weight. These parts help raise the amount of lightweight metals in the car to over 50% and ensure the car retains a feeling of solidity one would expect from a flagship Mercedes.
Mercedes also lauds this as the “most comfortable convertible”. To bolster that claim, the S-Class Cabriolet benefits from technologies fitted to its stablemates, such as heated and cooled massage seats, heated steering wheel and armrests, adaptive air suspension and radar cruise control. To ensure comfort is kept irrespective of the roof being up or down, new developments such as a revised climate control system have been made. Dubbed “Thermotronic”, its 12 sensors, 18 actuators and software changes allow the system to account for variables like sunlight radiation or mist forming on the windows, then adjust accordingly for seamless temperature control.
To broaden top-down usage Mercedes offers a patented AIRSCARF system, an optional extra which can blow a stream of warm air around the necks of occupants in chilly conditions. Wind noise and interior air turbulence are also kept low courtesy of a class-leading 0.29 drag coefficient, while an available AIRCAP system further reduces turbulence, extending a draught-stop aft of the rear seats and a wind deflector at the push of a button. With the developments, one shouldn't need to suffer the indignity of compromising their comfort to enjoy top-down motoring, regardless of vehicle speed or outside temperature.
Mercedes have been renowned for fastidious attention to detail with their previous flagship convertibles, and the S-class is no exception. The three-layer convertible top now employs a butyl rubber layer which allows the roof to have a smooth silhouette free of ribbing. LED lighting that incorporates Swarovski crystals in the headlamp clusters for added visual kudos is available, while interior switchgear is wrought from metal and chrome. Attention to detail like this, along with customisability ranging from three grades of leather and six interior color combinations set the S-Class Convertible at a higher level.
The S-Class Convertible shares its 5.0 liter bi-turbo V8 with its S500 sedan and coupe counterparts, offering a healthy 700 Nm of torque and 455 hp. However should you feel the urge to hustle your massive luxury cabriolet down the road at greater speed, Mercedes will accommodate you with the S63 AMG Cabriolet. A larger, hand-built 5.5 liter bi-turbo V8 sits under the bonnet, walloping out 900 Nm of torque and 585 hp; enough to achieve the century sprint in under 4 seconds (though top speed is still limited to 250km/h).
To harness the power are wider 255 section front and 285 section rear tires mounted on lighter forged 19 inch wheels and AMG tuned air suspension. An AMG calibrated 4Matic all-wheel drive system is available as an option to further improve traction. The front axle benefits from a stiffer anti-roll bar and more camber to aid handling, while composite ceramic brakes are available to stop this leviathan should things go south. The S63 loses 2 cogs in the gearbox relative to the 9-speed standard model but gains MCT (Multi Clutch Technology) and should deliver quicker, crisper shifts because of it.
Other changes over the standard car let you know you're in a more potent machine. The active exhaust can be subdued when cruising, yet burble like a proper AMG when provoked. An AMG bodykit with an "A-wing" flanked by gaping intakes up front, diffuser with quad exhausts in the rear and a sprinkling of V8 BITURBO motifs on the interior and exterior let you know this is Affalterbach’s finest. With significant development put into the convertible, cutting-edge technology from its stablemates and an eye for the finer details, both the S-Class Cabriolet and S63 AMG Cabriolet should pique the interest of the uber-wealthy at this year's Frankfurt Motor Show.
