Mercedes-Benz is promising supercar-like performance, an opulent driving experience and unmatched levels of interior luxury with its S63 4Matic Cabriolet - the 577bhp twin-turbocharged 5.5-litre V8-powered, four-wheel-drive model that spearheads its new S-Class Cabriolet line-up.
Pictured here ahead of a planned Frankfurt show debut, the 2110kg four-seat rival to the Bentley Continental GT Speed Convertible is claimed to hit 62mph in 3.9sec, placing it ahead of many performance-orientated open-tops for off-the-line accelerative ability.
The car, which also produces 663lb ft, returns 27.2mpg and CO2 emissions of 244g/km.
As sister model to the new S-Class Coupé, the S-Class Cabriolet is the sixth and final member of the S-Class line-up. It is the first four-seat luxury drop-top model from Mercedes since the 112 series, which ceased production in 1971.
The S-Class Cabriolet adheres closely to the look established by the S-Class Coupé. The two share the same front-end design, including optional LED headlights encrusted with Swarovski crystals for the indicators and daytime running lights.
To accommodate what is described as the largest fabric roof applied to a current production car, the cabriolet adopts a new windscreen with greater rake and a more substantial frame for added rollover protection.
The multi-layer roof can be opened and closed in a claimed 20 seconds at speeds of up to 37mph.
Developed in Mercedes’ new wind tunnel, the car promises a drag coefficient of just 0.29. Double-glazed side windows and a butyl outer roof layer are claimed to provide class-leading noise suppression.
At 5027mm long, 1899mm wide and 1417mm high, the cabriolet’s dimensions mirror those of the coupé.
Inside, the two individual rear seats are electrically adjustable. Options include Mercedes’ turbulence-reducing Aircap system, which extends out of the windscreen header rail. Airscarf neck-level heating is also available.
The cabriolet rides on a modified version of the coupé’s platform. A revised aluminium bulkhead behind the rear seats supports the automatically extending roll bars, while reinforcement within the floorpan adds rigidity.
The cabriolet will come with the choice of two petrol engines from the start of UK sales early next year.
Included is a 449bhp twin-turbocharged 4.7-litre V8 in the S500 Cabriolet. It drives the rear wheels through a standard nine-speed automatic gearbox. No performance figures have been revealed, but combined fuel consumption of 33.2mpg is claimed, with average CO2 emissions of 199g/km.
Although not yet confirmed, Mercedes-Benz also plans to add a 621bhp twin-turbocharged 6.0-litre V12 to the new S-Class Cabriolet line-up in a plush S65 Cabriolet.
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