Mercedes-Benz is presenting a superlative dream car in the guise of the S 63 4MATIC Cabriolet. For the first time in its 48-year history, Mercedes‑Benz’s sports car and high-performance brand is offering a four-seater Cabriolet in the S-Class segment, adding to its product portfolio an attractive alternative for automobile enthusiasts with a penchant for performance and luxury. The new model also offers its driver and up to three passengers space to travel in style. Its high-calibre statistics: 5.5-litre V8 biturbo engine with an output of 430 kW (585 hp) and peak torque of 900 Nm, AMG Performance 4MATIC all-wheel drive with rear-biased torque split as standard, acceleration from 0 to 100 km/h in 3.9 seconds and a high-performance composite brake system for optimum deceleration.

Mercedes-AMG S63 Convertible

High-performance technology coupled with expressive exterior and interior design: It is immediately apparent that the new S 63 4MATIC Cabriolet is built by car enthusiasts for car enthusiasts. “The new S 63 Cabriolet is another fascinating AMG dream car from Affalterbach”, says Tobias Moers, Chairman of the Board of Management of Mercedes-AMG GmbH. “The new model demonstrates in impressive style that we are keeping our foot firmly on the gas in 2015. We are continuing our model initiative with a vengeance – in all market segments.”

AMG Lightweight Performance

The basis for the vehicle’s superior and dynamic character is provided by the particularly rigid bodyshell structure featuring innovative solutions such as the luggage compartment bulkhead made of magnesium.

The increase in weight which is inherent to the design of a convertible has been limited by the use of a lightweight lithium-ion battery, AMG light-alloy wheels produced by means of a sophisticated forging process and the weight-optimised AMG high-performance composite brake system. In addition, large parts of the shell and the front section are made of aluminium, as is the vehicle’s rear end.

Mercedes-AMG S63 Convertible

AMG 5.5-litre V8 biturbo engine: superior and efficient

In terms of maximum output, torque and fuel consumption, the AMG 5.5-litre V8 biturbo engine remains one of the most efficient series-produced V8 engines in the world. With an output of 430 kW (585 hp) and 900 Newton metres of torque, the AMG eight-cylinder engine meets the very highest standards. And the same goes for its performance: the S 63 Cabriolet accelerates from 0 to 100 km/h in 3.9 seconds and has a top speed of 250 km/h (electronically limited).

NEDC fuel consumption of 10.4 litres per 100 kilometres makes the two-door model the most fuel-efficient model in its competitive segment. This just goes to show that performance, efficiency and environmental compatibility need not be mutually exclusive aims.

The data at a glance:

Mercedes-AMG S 63 4MATIC Cabriolet*

Displacement- 5461 cc

Output- 30 kW (585 hp) at 5500 rpm

Peak torque- 900 Nm at 2250-3750 rpm

Fuel consumption- NEDC combined 10.4 l/100 km

CO2 emissions- 244 g/km

Efficiency class- F

Kerb weight (according to DIN/EC)- 2110 kg**, 2185 kg***

Power-to-weight ratio- 3.61 kg/hp

Acceleration- 0-100 km/h in 3.9 s

Top speed- 250 km/h****

* Only available with left-hand drive; ** Ready-to-drive condition (fuel tank 90% full, without driver and luggage); *** Ready-to-drive condition (fuel tank 90% full, with driver (68 kg) and luggage (7 kg); **** Electronically limited.

Mercedes A63 AMG Cabriolet

Exhaust system with automatic exhaust flaps

The S 63 Cabriolet also adapts to the driver’s individual wishes in terms of its engine sound – from emotional and sporty to a more restrained alternative suitable for long journeys. The exhaust system has automatic logic-controlled exhaust flaps in both rear silencers. When the transmission is in “C” (Controlled Efficiency) mode, the flaps remain closed in most situations, in which case the eight-cylinder biturbo engine’s sound is more understated. In “S” (Sport) and “M” (Manual) modes, the exhaust flaps open earlier and more spontaneously, especially if the driver prefers a dynamic driving style. This results in an emotional, signature AMG engine sound.

“One man, one engine”: a tradition of hand-built excellence

The biturbo eight-cylinder engine of the S 63 Cabriolet is fitted by hand in the hand-finishing section of AMG’s production plant in Affalterbach. Highly qualified engine fitters assemble the engines according to the strictest quality standards based on the “one man, one engine” philosophy. Apart from serving as an AMG hallmark confirming superlative precision and production quality, the AMG engine plate bearing the engine technician’s signature also alludes to the peerless DNA of Mercedes-Benz’s sports car and high-performance brand.

Individuality: AMG SPEEDSHIFT MCT 7-speed sports transmission

The AMG SPEEDSHIFT MCT 7-speed sports transmission combines perfectly with the V8 biturbo engine. Maximum agility and exciting dynamics are the two key strengths of this transmission, which is used exclusively at AMG. Drivers can configure their own personal set-up, depending on their driving style. There are three modes to choose from: “C” (Controlled Efficiency), “S” (Sport) and “M” (Manual). The ECO start/stop function features as standard and is activated in transmission mode “C”.

Mercedes-AMG S63 Convertible

Performance-oriented AMG 4MATIC all-wheel drive

There are two variants of the S 63 Cabriolet available: with rear-wheel drive (as RHD version only) or with the performance-oriented AMG 4MATIC all-wheel drive (as LHD version). The combination of S-Class Cabriolet and 4MATIC is exclusive to the AMG variant. The drive distributes 33 percent of the engine torque to the front axle and 67 percent to the rear axle. This rear-biased power distribution provides for the signature AMG high driving dynamics and superlative driving enjoyment, and improves acceleration in all driving situations, including from a standing start. The all-wheel drive also enhances driving safety on wet or wintry road surfaces.

AIRMATIC air suspension

The AMG specialists have also pulled out all the stops when it comes to the suspension: The S 63 Cabriolet comes with the AIRMATIC full-support air suspension featuring the adaptive damping system ADS PLUS, which can be preset to “Sport” or “Comfort”. At the touch of a button, the special configurations of these two programmes enable outstanding agility and dynamics or unlimited comfort on long journeys and smooth cruising at low speeds.

Specific front axle kinematics – including a higher camber, a larger anti-roll bar and a stiffer subframe carrier on the rear axle – have also been developed for the Cabriolet. The AMG-specific elastokinematics and parameterisation of the continuously variable damper control, the lower air volume of the air suspension system and the progressive piston geometry nip unpleasant rolling and pitching in the bud.

It is also possible to raise the vehicle’s level by 30 millimetres on poor surfaces. The chassis is lowered again automatically in “Sport” mode and from a speed of 120 km/h in “Controlled Efficiency” mode.

Mercedes-AMG S63 Convertible

Systematic lightweight construction: AMG forged wheels as standard

The S 63 Cabriolet is equipped with forged AMG light-alloy wheels as standard. This forged design provides for extremely strong and particularly light wheels. The resultant lower unsprung masses give rise to advantages in terms of handling and spring/damper element response. In the standard specification, the S 63 Cabriolet is fitted with multi-spoke forged wheels painted in titanium grey with a high-sheen finish – 8.5 x 19 at the front and 9.5 x 19 at the rear, with 255/45 R 19 and 285/40 R 19 tyres respectively. Forged wheels are available as optional extras from the AMG Performance Studio, in size 8.5 x 20 at the front and 9.5 x 20 at the rear, fitted with tyres in size 255/40 R 20 and 285/35 R 20 respectively.

Optional AMG high-performance ceramic composite brake system

Short stopping distances and rapid deceleration are a given for the S 63 Cabriolet, which is equipped with a weight-optimised, fade-resistant high-performance composite brake system. A ceramic high-performance composite brake system is available as an option. The design, which is more than 20 percent lighter, ensures lower unsprung masses as well as enhanced driving dynamics, agility and ride comfort.

Design as an expression of sportiness and performance

The S 63 Cabriolet also boasts exciting looks to emphasise its sporty performance: The design is a stage for the exciting technology at the heart of the new dream car. Numerous exquisitely designed aerodynamic elements underscore the outstanding driving dynamics: the front end is dominated by the three-dimensional “twin-blade” radiator grille in silver chrome. Under the radiator grille is the “A-wing”: this three-dimensional aerodynamic feature is painted in the body colour and sports the stylised “A” that is a hallmark of AMG vehicles. Large, black flics surround the outer cooling air intakes. Down below, the front splitter in silver chrome optimises the flow of air to the cooling modules. It also makes the vehicle appear closer to the road.

A similar effect is created by the side sill panels with their high-quality, three-dimensional inserts in silver chrome. Together with the lower feature line, these inserts make the S 63 Cabriolet exude dynamism even when it is at a standstill.

At the rear, the diffuser insert in high-gloss black also catches the eye straight away. The lower trim element in silver chrome is reminiscent of the A-wing at the front and provides an effective contrast. The two chromed twin tailpipes of the exhaust system with sports flaps are perfectly integrated into the diffuser insert.

Mercedes-AMG S63 Convertible

Interior: beguiling luxury and sporty exclusivity

Opening the door reveals the beguilingly luxurious interior of the S 63 Cabriolet: the instrument panel almost seamlessly transitions into the doors in a wrap-around design. High-quality materials and fine workmanship are combined with a sporty, exclusive design idiom. The newly developed AMG sports seats with electrical adjustment, Memory function and seat heating offer the driver and front passenger optimum lateral support.

The three-spoke sports steering wheel with its distinctively contoured rim and perforated leather in the grip area allows perfect vehicle control. Aluminium shift paddles shorten the reaction time when changing gear and enhance dynamism. Another feature displaying the hallmark AMG look is the high-resolution TFT colour display as an instrument cluster with two animated round dials. In addition to the AMG-specific lettering and the needles in red/silver, further distinctive design features include the start-up display, the AMG logo in the speedometer with 330 km/h scale and the “V8 BITURBO” lettering in the rev counter.

World premiere in 2015 and market launch in 2016

The S 63 Cabriolet will have its world premiere at the Frankfurt International Motor Show. It will go on sale in December, and the market launch will begin in the spring of 2016.

Coveted dream car of the 1960s meets star of the 2015 International Motor Show in Frankfurt: the new Mercedes-Benz S-Class Cabriolet is following in the tradition of the open-top S-Class (model series 111 and 112) from the period 1961 to 1971. Unmistakeable, exclusive design, fine materials with maximum high-class appeal in the interior and state-of-the-art technology in the S-Class characterise the concept behind both cabriolets.

“After 44 years we can again offer friends of our company an open variant of the S‑Class. The new S-Class Cabriolet symbolises our passion for individual and timelessly exclusive mobility, which we share with our customers”, remarks Ola Källenius, Board Member of Daimler AG, Mercedes-Benz Cars Sales.

S-Class Cabriolet

With the new S-Class Cabriolet Mercedes-Benz is setting itself the standard of building the most comfortable cabriolet in the world. When it comes to climate comfort the enhanced automatic wind protection system AIRCAP, the AIRSCARF neck-level heating system, the heated armrests, the seat heating also in the rear plus the intelligent fully automatic climate control ensure that this is indeed the case.

The new S-Class Cabriolet is carrying the long and successful tradition of Mercedes-Benz luxury-segment cabriolets into the future. Even back in the 1920s the luxury cabriolets from Stuttgart combined the freedom of open-top motoring with the comfort and safety of a Mercedes-Benz Saloon. From the start of post-war production the top models from Mercedes-Benz were also available in the particularly exclusive variant as a cabriolet. These included the 170 S (W 136) from 1949, the 220 (W 187) from 1951 and the 300 S (W 188) from 1952.

After the “Ponton” cabriolets 220 S (W 180) and 220 SE (W 128) built from 1956 to 1960, in 1961 the 220 SE Cabriolet of the model series W 111 was launched, a particularly elegant, open-top four-seater, whose design is still considered timeless to this day. In this ten-year production period Mercedes-Benz offered five different models in these model series: the 220 SE, 250 SE, 300 SE (W 112), 280 SE and, as a late top model, the eight-cylinder 280 SE 3.5 – in total 7013 units of these five cabriolets were manufactured in Sindelfingen. For the time being there was no open-top luxury-segment car in the Mercedes-Benz model range to follow this generation: rather, it is the new SL from model series 107 which cultivated the tradition of open-top motoring in the Stuttgart brand’s cars – as a two-seater.

The cabriolets from Mercedes-Benz are today amongst the most sought-after classic cars – and the prices have developed accordingly. Examples of this are the cabriolets from model series 111 whose values are cited by the renowned American Hagerty Insurance’s price guide. In its estimation a 280 SE 3.5 from the final year of construction, 1971, in condition 2 today has a value of around 290,000 US$ – ten years ago the figure was some 115,000 US$. But that is by no means the pinnacle: for instance, a specimen of this model in excellent condition was auctioned last August by RM Auctions for 429,000 US$.

The last six-cylinder 280 SE model (1969) in the same condition is valued today by Hagerty at approx. 75,000 US$ – about 45,000 US$ ten years ago. Early 220 SE models are around the same level, with a current value of some 84,000 US$.

This is not a trick and it’s not a third party rendering, Mercedes-Benz has released an official image showing off its upcoming the highly anticipated S-Class Cabriolet. The luxuriously sexy S-Class convertible will show off its curves at next month’s Frankfurt Motor Show.

Mercedes-Benz cabriolet

The last time we saw a Mercedes-Benz topless flagship with four-seats was in 1971, but that is where comparisons will end as the the S-Class convertible (A217) of today will be one of the most technologically advanced cars on the road. It will use an electrically retractable folding fabric roof that features a multi-layer configuration and a large glass rear window. The roof design mimics allows the convertible to replicate the look of the S-Class Coupe, despite the fact that to store the folded roof, the rear end will be slightly longer and with a different shape.

Under the hood, you can expect the engine lineup to closely mimic the S-Class coupe with there also being a S63 and S65 version, not expected until early next year. Rear-wheel drive will be standard, but Mercedes-Benz will offer several engines with an optional 4MATIC all-wheel drive setup.

Stay tuned as we’ll likely have a full photo gallery of the S-Class Cabriolet shortly.

The 2016 Mercedes S63 AMG Cabrio has been spied wearing very little disguise.

Caught undergoing testing in Germany, the high-performance model follows in the footsteps of the S63 AMG Coupe but adopts a retractable soft top and a modified rear end. The car also features an aggressive front fascia, lightweight alloy wheels and a four-tailpipe exhaust system.

Like the coupe, power will be provided by a twin-turbo 5.5-liter V8 engine that produces 577 bhp (430 kW) and 664 lb-ft (900 Nm) of torque. It enables the coupe to accelerate from 0-100 km/h in 4.2 seconds before hitting an electronically limited top speed of 250 km/h (155 mph) so expect similar figures from the convertible.

The 2016 Mercedes S63 AMG Cabrio has been spied wearing very little disguise

2016 Mercedes S63 AMG Cabrio

2016 Mercedes S63 AMG Cabrio

2016 Mercedes S63 AMG Cabrio

2016 Mercedes S63 AMG Cabrio

Via: WCF

Mercedes-Benz last offered a cabriolet version of their flagship S-Class in 1972.  The W111 Convertible was last seen from 1961 as the 220SE and 280SE 3.5 to 1971 when it was shelved by Mercedes.

But now, over 30 years later, Mercedes-Benz is working to bring back the luxury convertible.  Based on the S-Class Coupe Concept we saw at the Frankfurt Motor Show earlier this month (pictured above), the S-Class cabriolet will debut nearly a year after the coupe in 2015.

The convertible S-Class will have a fabric top and will have the option of twin-turbocharged V8 or V12 engines.

According to sources, the upcoming new S-Class (W222) lineup will include five models in three different body styles.

The sedan version will be offered in three different lengths, due to the German car maker’s recent decision to axe its Maybach brand after a decade of disappointing sales following its resurrection in 2002.  Also in the family will be a coupe and cabriolet model. The S-Class Coupe is likely to be officially revealed at the Geneva Motor Show in 2014, while the convertible will be revealed six month later in Frankfurt.

All three sedans are expected to adopt the same styling, except for the length of the rear doors and windows. Standard and long wheelbase models will be unveiled this September in Frankfurt, while the Pullman version could be revealed next year at the Beijing Motor Show. Set to replace the Maybach 57, the Mercedes-Benz S-Class Pullman will probably have a 5700mm length.

Thanks to James for the photos via MBPassion and Autocar

The 2014 Mercedes-Benz S-Class Cabrio was spied again wearing a heavy disguise and a false hardtop.

It looks like the top is sitting on top of something, as the edge between front window and roof doesn’t look to be fitting together. Most likely the S-Class Cabrio will feature a retractable soft top.

The new generation Mercedes S-Class saloon has been spied many times by now with very little disguise and is expected to debut in early 2013. The new S-Class Cabrio has still lot of testing ahead and should follow sometimes in 2014.

Via: Gmotors.co.uk

Back in June, we told you about the distinct possibility that Mercedes was in the process of developing a two-door S-Class Cabriolet.  Thanks to the latest spy photos, we can confirm that yes, Mercedes is in the testing stages with their 2014 S-Class Cabriolet that is likely based on their Ocean Drive concept that was shown publically in 2007.

The fabric roof will be taken from the Ocean Drive Concept, however the production model will have only two doors instead of the concept’s four.

As for the engine choices in the S-Class convertible, we expect to see only a few of the engine options that are otherwise available in the standard S-Class model.  The one engine we are pretty positive we will see however, is the V12 AMG.

The 2014 Mercedes-Benz S-Class Cabriolet will compete with models like the BMW 6-Series and the Bentley Continental Supersports Convertible.

2014 mercedes-benz s-class convertible spy photos

Check out the gallery below and make sure to click to enlarge photos to full screen to see details of the spy photos as well as the Ocean Drive Concept.

The next-generation Mercedes-Benz S-Class will include a convertible variant. Could it be true this time, will Mercedes actually produce a model similar to the one they teased us with way back in 2007. Reports are in that Mercedes wants to compete and fill the gap in the range where Maybach was.

Those in the know at Mercedes revealed to CarAdvice that the S-Class convertible will be based on the company’s Ocean Drive concept, the concept revealed to us back in 2007. Taking its folding fabirc roof from the Ocean Drive, but the production S-Class Cabrio will instead be a two-door.

We can also expect the new S-Class convertible to feature the company’s Airscarf neck-warming technology. Debuted in the 2004 on the Mercedes SLK roadster, the system pumps warm air through vents incorporated into the seats, in the S-Class, it will likely be pumped to all four seats.

Engine options in the S-Class convertible will likely be limited compared to the standard model however, expect to see a diesel and powerful V12 in the mix.