An Elegant Open-Top Model Derived from the Coupe

As previously previewed, the "S Class Cabriolet," the first open-top S Class in 44 years from Mercedes-Benz, will make its world premiere at the Frankfurt Motor Show (IAA), which opens to the press on September 15th and to the public on the 17th.S Classwill celebrate its world premiere.

The body dimensions of the S Class Cabriolet are 5,027mm in length, 1,899mm in width, and 1,417mm in height, nearly identical to the "S Class Coupe" launched last year. With the roof closed, the slim glass area above and the roofline gently sloping towards the rear create a silhouette reminiscent of a coupe, clearly defining the connection. Four colors are available for the soft top: black, dark blue, beige, and dark red.

The exterior design also features sporty touches consistent with the coupe, including a diffuser-look rear underbody, dual exhaust pipes, and slim, horizontal LED taillights connected by a chrome strip. The interior offers leather options such as Nappa leather and designo Exclusive Nappa leather, with six color concepts available, including a combination of deep sea blue and porcelain inspired by the seaside.

The "S 500 Cabriolet" is powered by a 4,663cc V8 twin-turbo engine, delivering a maximum output of 430kW (585hp) and peak torque of 700Nm from 1,800rpm. It is paired with a 9-speed automatic transmission, the 9G-TRONIC. Fuel consumption is rated at 8.5 L/100km (approximately 11.8 km/L) and CO2 emissions at 199g/km, according to European measurements.

Ensuring Rigidity While Minimizing Weight Increase

The body shell, approximately 60% shared with the S Class Coupe, adopts a structure with longitudinal, hollow aluminum frame members, a design developed for the current "SL Class" to address the inherent challenge of achieving rigidity in open-top models where upper body reinforcement is not possible. This approach not only reduces body weight but also offers the functional advantage of allowing various modules to be integrated within the frame.

Furthermore, rigidity is enhanced by a magnesium rear wall behind the rear seats. This area also incorporates a pyrotechnically actuated anti-roll bar, a first for Mercedes-Benz. Behind this, an aluminum rear section, nicknamed the "hockey goal" by the development team due to its shape, is attached.

Thanks to these advanced lightweight yet robust materials, the S Class Cabriolet achieves torsional rigidity comparable to the coupe and a virtually identical vehicle weight, despite the addition of underbody reinforcements and the roof operating mechanism.

The driving assistance and safety systems feature the "Intelligent Drive" technology inherited from the S Class Sedan and Coupe. Standard equipment includes PRE-SAFE Brake with pedestrian detection, DISTRONIC PLUS with Stop & Go, BAS PLUS with Cross-Traffic Assist, Active Lane Keeping Assist, Adaptive Highbeam Assist Plus, and NIGHT VIEW ASSIST PLUS. A variety of other advanced features are also included.

High-Tech Features for Enjoyable Open-Air Driving

The power-operated soft top can be opened or closed in approximately 20 seconds. It can operate while driving at speeds up to 60 km/h and can also be controlled remotely via the key fob. The roof storage compartment at the rear is separate from the trunk, but when the roof is closed, this compartment automatically lifts to expand luggage space. Conversely, when opening, it lowers automatically, but the operation will be canceled if luggage obstructs the space.

The S Class Cabriolet also focuses on aerodynamic optimization, achieving a Cd value of 0.29 through measures such as paneling the underbody and refining the fins of the front splitter. This not only improves fuel efficiency and sporty performance but also aims to reduce wind intrusion when the top is down.

Additionally, the optional Automatic Wind Protection System features a rear diffuser that rises from behind the rear seats and a net-like diffuser extending about 7cm from the top of the windshield to prevent wind buffeting. The AIRSCARF system, also found in the SL Class, which blows warm air from the headrests to warm the neck area, is also equipped.

To ensure enjoyment of open-air driving regardless of the season, the first Intelligent Climate Control system, "THERMOTRONIC," has been adopted. This fully automatic air conditioning system utilizes 12 sensors and 18 actuators to maintain optimal temperature, acquiring vehicle status information from the onboard network and sensing solar heat.

The optional Warm Comfort Package adds three-stage heating to the center console, door armrests, and multifunction steering wheel. While not directly related to temperature, the AIR-BALANCE package, which adjusts cabin air with fragrances and is also available for the S Class, can be specified as an option.

The AMG 63 Cabriolet Also Arrives

Alongside the S 500 Cabriolet, the high-performance Mercedes-AMG S 63 Cabriolet will also debut at the Frankfurt Motor Show. Two models will be available: the all-wheel-drive "S 63 4MATIC Cabriolet" (left-hand drive only) and the rear-wheel-drive "S 63 Cabriolet" (right-hand drive only).

The powertrain features a 5.5-liter V8 twin-turbo engine delivering a maximum output of 430kW (585hp) and peak torque of 900Nm, paired with the AMG SPEEDSHIFT MCT-7 transmission. The 4MATIC model boasts a 0-100km/h acceleration time of 3.9 seconds, a top speed electronically limited to 250km/h, and fuel consumption of 10.4 L/100km (approximately 9.6 km/L).

AMG lightweight alloy wheels, produced through a complex forging process, and the AMG high-performance composite brake system are employed not only to reduce unsprung weight but also to minimize the weight increase from reinforcements and the roof mechanism during the conversion from coupe to convertible. As a result, the 4MATIC model achieves a curb weight of 2,110kg with a 90% full fuel tank.

The suspension utilizes AIRMATIC Plus with an adaptive damping system "ADS," an evolution of AIRMATIC. Standard tire sizes are 255/45R19 for the front and 285/40R19 for the rear, with optional 20-inch wheels (255/40R20 front, 285/35R20 rear) also available. The AMG high-performance ceramic brake system is also offered as an option, providing a 20% weight reduction when fitted.

Following their unveiling at the Frankfurt Motor Show, reservations for these two Mercedes-AMG S 63 Cabriolet models will open in December, with deliveries scheduled to begin in 2016.