Mercedes-Benz S-Class Cabriolet

Mercedes-Benz S-Class Cabriolet – Overview

Thus, the current Mercedes-Benz S-Class Cabriolet has been given a final update for this model year in the form of a new colour option called Cirrus Silver. There is a choice of two engines: a 4.0-litre biturbo V8 in the Mercedes-Benz S 560 Cabriolet, and the same engine is fettled by AMG for more oomph in the Mercedes-AMG S 63 Cabriolet.

Trim levels are easy to understand as well. The Mercedes-Benz S 560 Cabriolet only comes in a single trim, and can be specified with an optional AMG Line Exterior. As for the Mercedes-AMG S 63 Cabriolet, there are two trim levels available, which are the standard, and the Premium.

Mercedes-Benz S-Class Cabriolet – Exterior

Lopping off the roof of the Mercedes-Benz S-Class really accentuates its length, and gives the large soft-top a yacht-like presence on the road. Front lamps feature LED lighting, while the rear ones have OLED tech. What’s more, the front headlights can also be optioned with Swarovski crystals for added pizzazz.

The Mercedes-Benz S 560 Cabriolet has 10 colours from which to choose for the car’s body, while the roof can come in 4 colours. It rides on standard 19-inch multispoke alloys, with options for 20-inch wheels. There’s also an additional AMG Line Exterior that adds more aggressive body styling to the car like its AMG brother.

As for the Mercedes-AMG S 63 Cabriolet, the luxurious roadster rides on standard 20-inch 5-spoke alloys, with other similarly sized options as well. Colour options are similar to the non-AMG variant. The full cream model is obviously more aggressive, with wider intakes in front. Silver trim runs across the lower portion of the side profile, and across the rear diffusers as well. 

Though both variants have quad tailpipes, the AMG model is much wider, visually, at the rear. The AMG also has a other optional packages as well, like the AMG Night pack that adds black highlights all around, and the AMG Exterior Carbon Fibre pack that trims the same parts in exquisite carbon fibre.

Mercedes-Benz S-Class Cabriolet – Interior

Due to the large doors, egress and ingress can be clumsy in tight areas, and we’ll never not be amused (and impressed) by the graceful soft-close function for the doors. The Mercedes-Benz S 560 Cabriolet gets 2 standard upholstery options, and 7 added-cost options, while there are 3 standard trim options, and 3 other options that will cost extra. 

As for the Mercedes-AMG S 63 Cabriolet, upholstery options are the same, but there is an added trim option, which is the carbon fibre/black piano combo. Both variants can opt for a Warmth and Comfort pack that adds heated rear seats, heated arm rests, and heated steering wheel. The AMG model also has 3 optional finishings for the AMG Performance steering wheel.

Mercedes-Benz S-Class Cabriolet – Features

There are quite a few assistance systems that come as standard, like BLIS with rear cross-traffic assist, park assist, automatic emergency braking, and lane-keep assist, while options in this department are adaptive cruise control, a heads up display, and night vision.

We’ve said it before and we’ll say it again – Mercedes-Benz has one of the best fully integrated infotainment/display systems at the moment. Just like all their premium models today, the Mercedes-Benz S-Class Cabriolet has twin 12.3-inch displays for, well, everything. 

The one in front of the driver is a customisable instrument display, while the one in the centre serves everyone else. Apple CarPlay and Android Auto are both compatible, and wireless charging is standard on the car. Aural stimulation comes in the form of a Burmester system with 590 watts and 13 speakers, but if this is not sufficient, there is an option for a Burmester 3D system with 1,190 watts and 24 speakers.

Mercedes-Benz S-Class Cabriolet – Powertrain

In the Mercedes-AMG S 63 Cabriolet, the plant is ‘handcrafted’ and thus no two are alike, in the now familiar fashion of AMG engines. It makes an explosive 611 PS between 5,500-6,000 rpm, and a maximum twist of 900 Nm between 2,750-4,500 rpm. 

All this means that 0-100 km/h is over in just 3.4 seconds – in a car of over 2 tonnes, that’s just astounding. The mill is paired to the AMG Speedshift MCT 9-speed transmission, and 4MATIC+ all wheel drive system is used to put all that power down.

Mercedes-Benz S-Class Cabriolet – Driving Performance

However, the AMG soft-top is hard. Uncomfortably hard, even, just like the rest of its AMG brethren. Mid-corner bumps will cause the car to hop and skip unnervingly, even with the suspension in its softest setting, and only the smoothest of roads can bring all that power to bear.

In contrast, the Mercedes-Benz S 560 Cabriolet is supple and poised around the bends, even though it doesn’t weigh all that much less than the full AMG model. Usually, cars with air suspension are a little vague around the corners, but there’s no wallowing here; the car is planted and composed around corners. Don’t expect sportscar-like precision or agility, but it is a highly competent cruiser.

Mercedes-Benz S-Class Cabriolet – Ride Comfort

Simply put, road imperfections simply melt under the car and athe occupants are shielded from all but the worse of roads. As for the Mercedes-AMG S 63 Cabriolet, it sits on AMG Adaptive Sport Suspension, which is based on the AIRMATIC system. The setup is good, but it is a full AMG model and so comfort, while a priority, is not very high on the list.

Mercedes-Benz S-Class Cabriolet – Fuel Economy

Mercedes-Benz S-Class Cabriolet – Conclusion

When similarly specced, the Mercedes-Benz S 560 Cabriolet is almost 30% more expensive than the equivalent BMW 8 Series Convertible, which may seem improper and ridiculous. However, the Beemer lacks the opulence and the sense of occasion, not to mention the the waftability, of the Merc. For those who can afford a cars like these, these reasons and not price are the bigger concerns, which makes the Mercedes-Benz S-Class Cabriolet one of the best cars in this lavish segment.