After 44 Years, Mercedes-Benz Revives Its S-Class Cabriolet Convertible Model

Apr 15, 2016 04:30 AM EDT | Vanessa Doctor

The Mercedes-Benz S-Class Cabrio has returned after 44 years. The company recently came up with the 2017 S-Class Cabriolet, a huge convertible that lives up to the reputation that the original has established almost half a century ago.

The Cabriolet is the latest convertible luxury flagship by the German automaker, which also marks the successful development of an S-Class by the company in every market segment. Since the production of the W111 Cabrio was ceased in 1971, Mercedes did not have a convertible variant of its luxury flagship. With the creation of the new S-Class Cabrio, the company has something to offer in every part of the industry.

According to Auto Week, the S-Class Cabriolet is available in three types – the Mercedes-AMG S63, the S550 (S500 in Europe), and the Mercedes-AMG S65. The S63 has a 5.5-liter turbocharged V8 engine, while the S550 is powered by a 4.7-liter turbocharged V8 engine. The S65 is at the top of the trio, with a 6.0-liter V12 engine.

The Globe and Mail states that only the S63 soft-top features 4Matic (AWD), while the S550 has RWD with a nine-speed automatic. The two Mercedes-AMG models feature the AMG SpeedShift seven-speed auto and a wet clutch. The performance was good based on test drives and rides were generally smooth. The car has tight body motion and can handle turns and corners well. The Cabriolet was generally intended to be a luxury cruiser, although it also has the speed and power that rivals most sports cars.

In terms of dimensions, the 2017 Cabriolet is similar to the S-Class Coupe. The car also has a three-layer acoustic soft top that can lower in about 20 seconds while running up to 37mph. There are other convertible-friendly features like the Airscarf that will keep the driver’s neck warm and Aircap, a type of foil positioned on the windshield that will move the air around the cabin at speed. The Cabrio also has a shorter wheelbase compared to other Mercedes sedans, but measures over five meters, thereby making it a full-size vehicle with two rear sets.

The price of the 2017 Mercedes S-Class Cabriolet is still undetermined but many expect these to be more expensive than their coupe counterparts, which currently sells anywhere between $151,300 and $262,500. The S550 and S63 AMG 4Matic models will be the first to launch in summer 2017, while the S65 AMG will follow in the fall.

More updates and details on the returning 2017 S-Class Cabriolet convertible are expected soon.

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