Mercedes-Benz S-Class cabriolet teased

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Mercedes-Benz has released an official sketch revealing the bold design of its upcoming S-Class Cabriolet prior to the plush new up-market four seat open top making its world debut at the Frankfurt motor show in mid-September.

The first ever S-Class Cabriolet, known under the internal codename A217, is being pitched as a direct rival to the Bentley Continental GT Convertible with prices set to start at upwards of $300,000 and extend to over $500,00 when Australian sales get underway in 2016.

The new model, which shares its styling cues from the recently introduced S-Class coupe, is the sixth member of the latest S-Class line-up.

The S-Class cabriolet uses what Mercedes-Benz sources describe as the largest folding fabric roof to ever see series production. The fully automatic, multi-layer arrangement, which receives a generously-dimensioned glass rear window, has been styled to replicate the roofline of the S-Class coupe, although packaging requirements mean the rear section is more heavily angled, giving the new Mercedes-Benz smaller rear side windows and a considerably longer boot deck than its fixed roof sibling.

Among the changes to the body is a substantially strengthened windscreen frame, altered belt line treatment, new rear fender panels and a heavily reworked boot lid. To preserve its exterior line when the roof is lowered, the S-Class cabriolet also receives a large tonneau cover behind the rear seats. It opens at the press of button to accommodate the roof structure, stowing it in the forward section of the boot.

Among two initial petrol engines planned to see service in the new car is a 335kW twin-turbocharged 4.7-litre V8 petrol unit in the S500 cabriolet and a 430kW twin-turbocharged 5.5-litre V8 engine in the S63 AMG cabriolet.

Later on, Mercedes-Benz plans to add a 463kW twin-turbocharged 6.0-litre V12 engine to the new S-Class cabriolet range in a plush range topping S65 AMG cabriolet.

Although it is yet to be confirmed, Drive understands the S-Class cabriolet will be sold with standard rear-wheel along with the option of Mercedes-Benz's 4Matic four-wheel drive system on at least one model.

Other technology planned to be brought over from the latest S-Class coupe includes an advanced tilt function that forms part of a reworked Magic Ride Control system capable of leaning it into corners in a manner similar to a motorcyclist. The same system also boasts a road scanner function that digitally reads the road surface and automatically alters the stiffness of the hydraulic dampers for optimum ride comfort.

Inside, the new open-top Mercedes-Benz model provides seating for four, with the individual electronically adjustable rear seats separated by a centre console. Owing to the inclusion of the storage area for the roof behind the cabin, the boot capacity fails to match the 400 litres offered by the S-Class coupe.  

Along with its cutting edge chassis technology, the S-Class cabriolet is also set to receive a wide range of high-end driver assistant and safety systems as either standard or optional. 

Included is a new head-up display system, adaptive headlamps with an automatic high beam assistant, the semi-autonomous Distronic Plus system with steering assistance, a collision prevention feature that automatically applies the brakes when an impending impact is detected at speeds between 7km/h and 200km/h, an active lane keeping function and infra-red night time vision.

Further comfort features will include a  fragrance dispenser, a massage function for the front sets and a series of high-end Burmester surround sound audio options, including a 3D system that Mercedes-Benz officials say has been specially developed for the open-top qualities of the S-Class cabriolet.