The new Mercedes-Benz S-Class Cabriolet
The new S-Class Cabriolet is the fourth variant of the current S-Class family in the U.S. market and the first open-top flagship four-seater from Mercedes-Benz since 1971. It offers a distinctive, sensual and exclusive design, the cutting-edge technology of the S-Class and a comprehensive warmth and wind protection concept which includes intelligent climate control for convertibles. The elegantly sporty model made its world premiere at the Frankfurt International Motor Show in September of 2015. Also on display in Frankfurt was the superlative dream car from Mercedes-AMG in the guise of the S63 Cabriolet. Its handcrafted AMG 5.5L V8 biturbo engine offers an output of 577 hp and peak torque of 664 lb-ft, AMG Performance 4MATIC® all-wheel drive with rear-biased torque split as standard and acceleration from zero to 60 mph in 3.9 seconds.
"After 44 years we are once again able to offer Mercedes aficionados an open-top car in the S-Class. The new S-Class Cabriolet symbolizes 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.
The new S-Class Cabriolet is exceptionally rigid. Innovative solutions such as the luggage compartment bulkhead made of aluminum and magnesium as well as the aluminum rear floor lowers the bodyshell weight to equal the S-Class Coupe. The standard roll-over protection system behind the rear head restraints features pyrotechnic initiation of actuators for the first time, in addition to the roll bars themselves which are moved into position by a gas generator.
"Two years after its launch, the S-Class family is now complete. We have never offered six models worldwide in the luxury class before - and never before have we enjoyed such success," says Prof. Dr. Thomas Weber, Member of the Daimler Board of Management responsible for Group Research and Head of Mercedes-Benz Cars Development. "The S-Class sets the pace on the global market when it comes to safety, efficiency and comfort."
Mercedes-Benz lays claim to building the world's most comfortable convertible. When it comes to climate comfort, the enhanced automatic wind protection system AIRCAP®, AIRSCARF® neck-level heating system, heated armrests, seat heating for front and rear passengers and intelligent climate control ensure that this is indeed the case. In contrast to conventional systems, the climate is controlled automatically. This means that the driver does not need to select a mode for closed or open top, nor is it necessary to save a temperature setting for these driving conditions.
A keen attention to detail is also evident in the luggage compartment concept: when the soft top is opened, it folds away into the luggage compartment. The soft top is separated from the remaining luggage compartment space by means of an electrically-operated retractable cover which encloses the soft top. This luggage compartment partition extends automatically during opening of the soft top. The partition will not be activated if the luggage compartment is loaded such that there are objects in the area of the partition. When the soft top is closed, the luggage compartment partition can be retracted by pressing a button in the inner paneling of the trunk lid, increasing the available luggage space.
Additional standard features include electro-hydraulic remote locking for the luggage compartment and a through-loading facility into the interior.
Dynamic profile, superlative class: S-Class Cabriolet design
"With its sensual and pure design idiom, our new S-Class Cabriolet is one of the most beautiful and exclusive S-Class cars of all time," says Gorden Wagener, Head of Design at Daimler AG. "It embodies modern luxury in a very special way and is an expression of both effortless superiority and progressivity."
The centerpiece of the front end is the black diamond radiator grille featuring the Mercedes star and a single louver in silver with chrome inserts. The hood adds dynamic touches with two powerful character lines. The striking front bumper incorporates large air intakes in the middle and at the sides. Chrome trim adds a sporty finishing touch to the front end. The LED Intelligent Light System can be ordered with optional exquisite Swarovski® crystals for the turn signals and daytime running lamps further showcasing the car's elegance in glittering style.
The side design of the S-Class Cabriolet presents a dynamic coupe-style profile when the soft top is closed. Features of the side design include a low greenhouse, dropping line of the quarter panel descending towards the rear and fully retractable side windows. The multilayer, taut soft top underscores the vehicle's elegance when closed. The soft top is available in black, dark blue, beige and dark red.
A switch in the center console can be used to open and close the soft top while on the move at speeds of up to 31 mph; opening and closing the top takes under 20 seconds. Opening and closing the soft-top is possible from outside the vehicle by using the vehicle's key.
The rear end of the S-Class Cabriolet underscores the impression of width with flat LED tail lamps and muscular shoulders. The soft top compartment lid is framed by a wide chrome trim element, while the rear bumper with diffuser-look lower section, two visible tailpipe trims and a horizontal chrome trim element add a sporty finish. The Mercedes star on the trunk-lid is hinged and performs several functions: it serves as a handle for manual opening of the trunk lid and is also the cover for the rearview camera and the optional Surround View System.
Inside, the S-Class Cabriolet boasts a luxuriously sporty design idiom and fine materials, conjuring up an exceptionally refined interior setting. The soft top opens up to create an open-air lounge that exudes a yacht-like atmosphere. The carefully matched choice of colors and materials as well as the high-quality controls in real metal or in chrome look underscore the vehicle's highly exclusive character. To enable the broadest scope for individualization, there is a choice of nappa leather or designo Exclusive Nappa leather plus six different interior color concepts, including a maritime-inspired combination of deep-sea blue and porcelain. All materials feature the highest standard of workmanship and are hand-crafted in character.
Exemplary low wind noise
With a Cd value of 0.29, aerodynamics world champion Mercedes-Benz sets a new benchmark in this segment with the S-Class Cabriolet. The excellent air flow characteristics can be attributed to the underbody paneling concept with extensive engine compartment and main floor paneling, extensive rear axle cladding, aerodynamically optimized wheel spoilers and aerodynamic shape of the exterior mirrors.
The S-Class Coupe has the quietest interior of any series production car, and the open-top four-seater continues this tradition by offering excellent noise-related comfort as well. A three-layer acoustic soft top comes as standard. The outer fabric cover incorporates a butyl layer as a water barrier on the inside. This lowers noise levels, as does the enhanced upholstery matting and acoustically optimized roof lining. The insulating layer also ensures that the elegant profile silhouette is not spoiled by bows that are visible from the outside.
Bodyshell measures, the sealing concept for the doors and double glazing of the windows are also crucial to the low wind noise levels throughout the interior. In addition to noise-related comfort, aerodynamics engineers have also devoted special attention to maintaining a draft-free interior. The new S-Class Cabriolet is fitted with the AIRCAP® automatic wind protection system as standard and can be extended at the touch of a button to reduce turbulence in the interior. AIRCAP® consists of two components: a wind deflector with a net set into the roof frame that can be extended by 2.8 inches, plus a similarly extendable draft-stop behind the rear seats with a convex contour and stainless steel trim. The innovative diffuser ribs on the bottom edge of the front louver are a further development, producing specific turbulence effects to reduce the noise level. The wind deflector is finished in the body color on the S-Class Cabriolet.
Another standard comfort feature is the AIRSCARF® neck-level heating system. This extends the convertible season by enabling comfortable open-top driving even with low outside temperatures. With this patented neck-level heating system, warm air circulates around the head and neck areas of occupants from the head restraints.
THERMOTRONIC: particularly intelligent climate control
The new S-Class premieres an intelligent climate control system which in the future will provide for ideal climate comfort coupled and maximum user-friendliness in all open-top vehicles from Mercedes-Benz. Air conditioning experts at Mercedes-Benz developed a new software architecture specifically for this system, which underwent rigorous testing prior to fine-tuning in a climate tunnel and on-road test drives.
In contrast to conventional systems, the climate control system is controlled fully automatically. This means that the driver does not need to select a mode for closed or open top, nor is it necessary to save a temperature setting for these driving conditions. An overlapping function automatically transitions between closed and open top settings (and vice-versa) for maximum climate comfort. The Cabriolet additionally benefits from the sophisticated climate control concept for the S-Class, which enables automatic and individual control of each vent.
The air conditioning control unit is fully networked and communicates with numerous vehicle components. In all, 12 sensors and 18 actuators help provide the ideal climate in all conditions. In addition to interior and exterior temperature, the sensors also detect levels of solar radiation and a sensor for air quality and harmful gases constantly monitors the quality of the outside air being drawn in. To effectively prevent the windows from fogging up, a dewpoint sensor measures the absolute humidity on the front windscreen. Two solar sensors on the dashboard and on the rear shelf ensure that the blower level and temperature are adjusted to the selected settings in a short amount of time in response to any changes in solar irradiation.
With two climate zones and three climate styles (diffuse, medium or focused), the standard-fit THERMOTRONIC automatic climate control system enables fully-customizable climate settings on board. The driver and front passenger are able to control the temperature, airflow and air distribution and to vary the temperature
of their footwells in five levels, independently of each other. The status of the soft top influences air distribution, blower operation and temperature control. The new THERMOTRONIC system with intelligent climate control follows the Mercedes- Benz philosophy of supplying cold air quickly after starting up the vehicle and subsequently controlling the climate as inconspicuously as possible.
The optional Warmth & Comfort package provides even cozier conditions. For instance, the armrests on the center console and doors and multifunction steering wheel can be heated in addition to standard seat heating. The driver and front passenger can choose between three different heating levels at the touch of a button. The standard Air Balance Package features fragrance and ionization as well as additional air cleaning by an activated charcoal filter.
Drive, suspension, active safety: a fully-fledged member of the S-Class family
The S550 Cabriolet is equipped with a 4.7L V8 biturbo engine producing 449 hp and 516 lb-ft of torque from 1,800 rpms through 3,500 rpms. The innovative 9G- TRONIC 9-speed automatic transmission supports both a dynamic and a fuel-saving driving style.
The S-Class Cabriolet is fitted with standard AIRMATIC® semi-active air suspension that features infinitely variable damping control. This system sets standards with respect to road roar and handling stability. It can be set to a sportier or more comfort-oriented mode, according to personal tastes. The four-link front axle impresses with a high level of driving comfort, plus precise suspension action.
Like the S-Class Sedan and Coupe, the new Cabriolet is available with numerous new assistance systems that make driving even more comfortable and safer. Intelligent Drive systems include PRE-SAFE® Brake with pedestrian detection, DISTRONIC PLUS® with Steering Assist, BAS® PLUS with Cross-Traffic Assist, Active Lane Keeping Assist, Adaptive Highbeam Assist and Night View Assist® PLUS. In addition to a distance and collision warning function in conjunction with Adaptive Brake Assist, which offers collision protection from speeds as low as 5 mph, the standard COLLISION PREVENTION ASSIST PLUS system also features an additional function: when a danger of collision persists and the driver fails to respond, the system is able to carry out autonomous braking at speeds of up to 65 mph, thereby reducing the severity of collisions with slower or stopping vehicles. At speeds of up to 31 mph the system also brakes in response to stationary vehicles, and is able to prevent rear-end collisions at up to around 25 mph.
The PRE-SAFE® preventive occupant protection system has been upgraded to PRE-SAFE® PLUS. PRE-SAFE® PLUS can recognize an imminent rear-end collision and warn following traffic by flashing the rear hazard warning lights at a high frequency. When a danger of collision persists, the system can "lock" the brakes of the stationary vehicle prior to a rear-end collision and activate the PRE-SAFE® belt tensioners immediately before impact. This action minimizes the risk of whiplash injury by reducing the forward jolt caused by the impact and ensuring that the occupants are in the best possible position.
Intelligent lightweight design: extremely rigid, remarkably light
As the sixth variant of the current S-Class worldwide and the fourth available in the U.S. market, the new S-Class Cabriolet is a member of the world's largest luxury model family. Its closest relative is the S-Class Coupe, from which the Cabriolet adopts around 60 percent of its bodyshell components. A completely new feature is the rear floor, produced in aluminum for the first time, raising the share of aluminum in terms of surface area to over 50 percent.
Striking new components are the longitudinal members in die-cast aluminum, based on a technology which was developed for the current SL. With the aid of a sand core, the longitudinal member is produced as a closed cast body which is hollow inside. This enables various components to be integrated in the longitudinal member, enables varying wall thicknesses and creates a functionally ideal and weight-optimized design for the longitudinal member. In order to attain the high functional objectives (noise, vibration, durability and crash characteristics), the multifunction well (previously: spare wheel well) is welded in place in the bodyshell.
Another noticeable new feature is the rear wall behind the rear seats, which serves to reinforce the body while at the same time supporting the pyrotechnically extending roll bars and a through-loading opening into the luggage compartment. This rear wall consists of aluminum sections whose characteristic shape has earned this component the internal nickname "hockey goal." Two shear panels, in the form of the magnesium rear wall and a cover consisting of aluminum sections, assure high rigidity. The rear wall is attached via two additional large cast aluminum parts to the side wall. There are also numerous reinforcements on the underfloor to enhance the four-seater convertible's rigidity.
In all, the body engineers have achieved two essentially contradictory aims: in terms of torsional stiffness, the S-Class Cabriolet attains values on a par with those of the S-Class Coupe, while at the same time maintining a similar bodyshell weight. The weight-saving measures also include ingenious solutions such as the vibration absorber which the hydraulic pump of the automatic soft top uses as additional weight, thereby saving around 15.4 lbs.
Standard-fit roll over protection system: Fully pyrotechnic
On detecting an impending danger of the vehicle rolling over, the airbag control unit sends a corresponding signal to the roll over protection system. This is quickly extended behind the rear head restraints, helping to maintain a safe passenger compartment. The roll bars are extended not by spring force, but – for the first time on a Mercedes-Benz – by pyrotechnical means, using a gas generator.
This is made possible by state-of-the-art yaw rate sensors which, in contrast to the previously employed tilting cone sensors, virtually rule out incorrect actuation. In keeping with the S-Class Cabriolet's high design quality, there are no tear lines in the paneling behind the rear head restraints.
Heritage: coveted dream cars of the 1960s
The new S-Class Cabriolet carries 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 Sedan. From the start of post-war production, top models from Mercedes-Benz were also available in the particularly exclusive variant as a cabriolet. These included the 170 S (W136) from 1949, the 220 (W187) from 1951 and the 300 S (W188) from 1952.
After the "Ponton" cabriolets 220 S (W180) and 220 SE (W128) built from 1956 to 1960, in 1961 the 220 SE Cabriolet of the model series W111 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 (W112), 280 SE and, as a late top model, the eight-cylinder 280 SE 3.5 – in total 7,013 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 from 1971 onwards 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. For instance, values of Cabriolets from the 111 model series 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 - ten years ago the figure was some $115,000. 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.
The last six-cylinder 280 SE model (1969) in the same condition is valued today by Hagerty at approx. $75,000, and was worth about $45,000 ten years ago. Early 220 SE models are around the same level, with a current value of around $84,000.
