Review
Mercedes S-Class Convertible
The new S-Class Cabrio is the sixth member of the current S-Class family and the first luxury convertible with 4 seats at S-Class level since 1971. Just like the Coupé, the S-Class Cabrio looks very refined and elegant and also has all the high-tech features of the S-Class. In addition, the engineers for the convertible also paid extra attention to warmth and wind experience. We went out with the S500 Cabrio.
Motorizations
The S-Class Cabrio is available in 3 engines. We were introduced to the convertible through a test drive with the S500 Cabrio. This entry-level model is equipped with a V8 petrol engine with a capacity of 4,663 cc and 8 cylinders. In this variant you have a power of 455 hp and a max. torque of 700 Nm. The sprint from 0-100 km/h takes just 4.6 seconds and the top speed is 250 km/h. The S500 has a 9G-TRONIC nine-speed automatic gearbox and is driven by the rear wheels. The base price of this model is 144,232 euros.
There is also an AMG version available, namely the Mercedes-AMG S 63 4MATIC Cabrio. This sports car has a V8 with a cylinder capacity of 5,461 cc. This block delivers an impressive power of 585 hp and has a max. torque of 900 Nm. The sprint to 100 km/h takes just 3.9 seconds and the top speed is 250 km/h, just like its brother. The base price for this model is 193,358 euros. The S 63 has an AMG SPEEDSHIFT MCT 7-speed sports transmission and has permanent all-wheel drive (4MATIC). Personally, we are fans of four-wheel drive on the S-Class and this seems to us to be the greatest added value compared to the S500. Of course there is also the extra power, but the S500 certainly cannot complain in that regard.
In addition, a second AMG variant of the S-Class Cabrio is available, namely the Mercedes-AMG S 65. This model was equipped with a V12 with a capacity of 5,980 cc. In this AMG you get 630 hp and a max. torque of no less than 1,000 Nm. In terms of transmission, this powerhouse has an AMG SPEEDSHIFT PLUS 7G-TRONIC automatic transmission and the drive is on the rear wheels, just like the S500.
Driving experience
The driving experience of the S500 Cabrio is sublime. With its V8 and 455 hp, the car has more than enough power in the most common driving situations. Personally, we had the impression that the S500 Coupé sounds slightly rougher than the S500 Cabrio. In terms of handling, it is primarily a car that focuses on comfort. Even on a winding road, the body of the S-Class Cabrio remains very smooth and balanced. There is virtually no risk of leaning in the bends. What we also think is a plus is the option to manually raise the suspension via a button on the center console. It may happen that you have to drive on a less flat road, or have to take a huge speed bump, and then that button certainly comes in handy. In terms of design, we think the design of the S-Class Cabrio is very successful. In our opinion, the Coupé is even more beautiful. The interior is very stylish and elegantly designed and the possibilities for personalization are endless.
Comfort
Mercedes wanted to make the S-Class Cabrio the most comfortable convertible in the world. To achieve this, extra attention was paid to the AIRCAP windshield, the AIRSCARF system, the heated armrests, seat heating and the intelligent climate control system.
Optionally you can choose AIRCAP. This is an automatic windshield that you can operate via a switch. The windshield reduces air turbulence and disturbing wind noise in the interior, taking into account both front and rear passengers. If the system detects rear passengers, it automatically adjusts the position of the winch screen.
With the AIRSCARF system in the headrest, warm air flows in an invisible scarf around the neck of the driver and front passenger. Three temperature settings can be set and the system also takes the driving speed into account.
In the S-Class Cabrio you can also optionally choose front seat heating, heating in the armrest and steering wheel as part of the heat comfort package. The advantage of this is that all surfaces with which the driver and passengers come into contact can quickly warm up, ideal for when you want to drive the convertible on cold days.
The S-Class convertible is also equipped with air conditioning specifically for convertibles. The climate control is fully automatic and takes into account whether the hood is open or not, without the driver having to worry about anything.
Open roof
The roof of the S-Class convertible is a soft top that is available in black, dark blue, beige and dark red. You can open and close the roof in about 20 seconds at speeds of up to 60 km/h. The roof operation is fully automatic via a button in the center console or via the key.
Just like with the S-Class Coupé, extra attention was paid to sound comfort for the convertible. The soft top therefore consists of 3 layers that ensure that disturbing sounds are filtered as much as possible. In addition, double glazing, special measures for the bodywork and door seals were also chosen to reduce wind noise.
Conclusion
The S-Class Cabrio, just like its brother the Coupé, is a very handsome and elegant appearance that exudes luxury and comfort. Although the S500 is the entry-level model, in our opinion it is certainly our favorite within the range. The only thing that would possibly make it even better is 4MATIC.
Johan De Haes
Test driver
