The Mercedes-Benz S-Class Cabriolet represents the zenith of open-air motoring, blending exquisite luxury with cutting-edge technology and invigorating performance. For the discerning driver who demands the best of both worlds – the thrill of a convertible and the unparalleled comfort of an S-Class – the S-Class Cabriolet stands alone. Let’s delve into what makes this vehicle a true masterpiece of automotive engineering and design, focusing on the details of the MY20 models.
Models and Pricing: An Entry into Exclusivity
The Mercedes-Benz S-Class Cabriolet range offers two distinct models, each catering to different preferences in performance and driving dynamics:
- Mercedes-Benz S 560 Cabriolet (RWD): Starting at $138,600*, this model provides a sophisticated and refined driving experience, emphasizing comfort and elegance.
- Mercedes-AMG S 63 Cabriolet: Priced from $183,500*, the AMG variant elevates performance to exhilarating levels, with enhanced power, handling, and sporty aesthetics.
*Please note that the above prices exclude a $995 delivery & destination charge.
This pricing reflects the premium nature of the S-Class Cabriolet, positioning it firmly within the realm of high-end luxury vehicles. It’s an investment in not just transportation, but in an experience of unparalleled open-top grandeur.
What’s New for the 2020 Model Year: Enhanced Features and AMG Performance
Mercedes-Benz continuously refines its flagship models, and the MY20 S-Class Cabriolet is no exception. Key updates for this model year include:
- Standard Premium Package: Previously an option, the highly desirable Premium Package is now standard. This enhancement includes Active Multicontour front seats with massage function, a Surround View System for enhanced visibility, and front variable heated seats PLUS, significantly elevating the comfort and convenience for both driver and passenger.
- AMG DRIVE UNIT Availability (AMG Models): For those seeking even more control over their driving experience, the AMG DRIVE UNIT is now available on AMG models. This feature allows for quick and direct access to dynamic driving settings, further personalizing the vehicle’s performance characteristics.
These updates underscore Mercedes-Benz’s commitment to providing an ever-more luxurious and technologically advanced vehicle, ensuring the S-Class Cabriolet remains at the forefront of its class.
S-Class Cabriolet Standard Equipment Highlights (S 560): Luxury as Standard
The Mercedes-Benz S 560 Cabriolet comes generously equipped with features designed to enhance every journey. Standard highlights include:
- Advanced COMAND® Navigation System: Featuring dual 12.3” high-resolution displays seamlessly integrated under a single bonded glass panel, the COMAND® system offers intuitive navigation, multimedia access, and vehicle controls in a visually stunning format.
- Touch Control Steering Wheel: A modern 3-spoke steering wheel incorporating Touch Control Buttons provides smartphone-like control over the instrument cluster and multimedia system, allowing for effortless operation without taking your hands off the wheel.
- ENERGIZING Comfort: This innovative system utilizes climate control, ambient lighting, massage functions (from the Premium Package), and musical moods to create a tailored wellness experience, enhancing driver attentiveness and well-being.
- 64-Color Ambient Lighting: Personalize the cabin ambiance with a spectrum of 64 colors, allowing you to create the perfect mood for any drive.
- Inductive Wireless Charging: Stay connected on the go with convenient inductive wireless charging for compatible smartphones, keeping your devices powered without the clutter of cables.
- Lane Tracking Package: Enhancing safety, the Lane Tracking Package includes Blind Spot Assist and Lane Keeping Assist, providing alerts and interventions to help maintain lane discipline and avoid collisions.
- LED Intelligent Light System: Adaptive LED headlights provide exceptional illumination while automatically adjusting to driving conditions, optimizing visibility and minimizing glare for other drivers.
- Smartphone Integration: Seamlessly integrate your smartphone with Apple CarPlay® and Android Auto, accessing your favorite apps, music, and contacts directly through the vehicle’s infotainment system.
These standard features showcase the S 560 Cabriolet’s commitment to luxury, technology, and driver assistance, creating a refined and enjoyable driving environment.
AMG S 63 Cabriolet Standard Equipment Highlights: Performance Redefined
Stepping up to the Mercedes-AMG S 63 Cabriolet unleashes a new level of performance and dynamic driving capabilities. Standard AMG enhancements include:
- AMG Performance 4MATIC+® All-Wheel Drive: This advanced all-wheel-drive system with fully variable torque distribution ensures optimal traction and handling in all conditions, delivering confident performance whether on winding roads or in challenging weather.
- AMG DYNAMIC SELECT: Choose from multiple driving modes to tailor the vehicle’s dynamics to your preferences, from comfortable cruising to aggressive performance.
- RACE START Function: For maximum acceleration, the RACE START function optimizes engine and transmission settings for blistering launches.
- AMG Multicontour Adaptive Sport Seats: These seats offer enhanced lateral support during spirited driving, along with heating, ventilation, and massage functions for exceptional comfort.
- AMG SPEEDSHIFT® MCT 9-Speed Transmission: This performance-oriented transmission delivers lightning-fast gear changes and features multiple modes to suit various driving styles.
- 3-Stage ESP®: Electronic Stability Program with three stages allows drivers to adjust the level of electronic intervention, from full stability control to more permissive sport handling.
- AMG Track Pace: Integrated with the COMAND® system, AMG Track Pace allows drivers to record and analyze performance data on track days, helping to improve driving skills.
- AMG Performance Exhaust System: The AMG performance exhaust system delivers a thrilling soundtrack that complements the vehicle’s dynamic capabilities, with adjustable sound characteristics.
- AMG Sport Suspension based on AIRMATIC®: Combining air suspension with AMG-specific tuning, this system provides both exceptional ride comfort and precise handling.
- High-Performance Braking System: Compound brake rotors with 6-piston aluminum fixed calipers at the front and single-piston floating calipers at the rear ensure powerful and consistent braking performance.
- 20” AMG Wheels: Distinctive 20-inch wheels enhance the sporty stance and visual appeal of the AMG S 63 Cabriolet.
These AMG enhancements transform the S-Class Cabriolet into a high-performance machine without compromising on the luxurious appointments expected of an S-Class.
Optional Equipment Highlights: Tailoring Your Dream Cabriolet
Both the S 560 and AMG S 63 Cabriolet offer a range of optional equipment to further personalize and enhance the vehicles:
- Latest-Generation Driver Assistance System: Further expand the already impressive safety and convenience features with advanced driver assistance systems, including enhanced versions of Active Distance Assist DISTRONIC®, Active Steering Assist, and more (detailed below).
- AMG Line Exterior (S 560 only): For the S 560, the AMG Line Exterior package adds sporty styling cues inspired by AMG models, enhancing the visual dynamism of the vehicle.
- Swarovski Crystal Headlamps: For the ultimate in luxury and visual drama, optional Swarovski crystal headlamps add a touch of jewelry-like brilliance to the front of the vehicle.
AMG Optional Equipment Highlights: Exclusive Enhancements
AMG models offer further exclusive customization options:
- Forged 20” Wheels: Choose from several unique forged 20-inch wheel designs to further personalize the AMG S 63 Cabriolet’s appearance and performance.
- AMG Exterior Options: AMG exterior packages, such as the AMG Night Package and AMG Carbon Fiber Package, allow for further customization of the vehicle’s exterior aesthetics.
- Exclusive Interior Upholsteries and Trims: Personalize the interior with a wide selection of premium upholsteries and trim options, including exclusive leathers and carbon fiber accents.
- AMG High-Performance Ceramic Composite Braking System: For ultimate braking performance, especially on track, the optional ceramic composite braking system provides even greater fade resistance and stopping power.
S-Class Technical Highlights: Innovation at its Core
The Mercedes-Benz S-Class Cabriolet is not just about luxury and performance; it’s also a showcase of cutting-edge automotive technology. Key technical highlights include:
- Enhanced Driver Assistance Systems: The S-Class features a suite of advanced driver assistance systems designed to enhance safety and convenience:
- Active Distance Assist DISTRONIC®: Automatically maintains a safe following distance from the vehicle ahead, now operational at a wider range of speeds.
- Active Steering Assist: Provides steering support to help keep the vehicle centered in its lane, even on curves and when lane markings are unclear.
- Active Emergency Stop Assist: In emergency situations, this system can bring the vehicle to a controlled stop within its lane and now includes automatic door unlocking and emergency call functionality via mbrace® Secure.
- Active Lane Change Assist: Assists the driver with lane changes by providing steering input into the adjacent lane when the turn signal is activated and the lane is clear.
- Active Speed Limit Assist: Automatically adapts the vehicle’s speed to detected speed limits and can proactively adjust speed in anticipation of upcoming speed limit changes.
- Route-Based Speed Adaptation: Utilizes map data to proactively reduce speed for upcoming curves, junctions, roundabouts, and toll booths, enhancing safety and smoothness.
- Active Brake Assist with Cross-Traffic Function: Helps to prevent or mitigate collisions with crossing traffic and pedestrians by providing visual and audible warnings and applying autonomous braking if necessary.
- Evasive Steering Assist: Provides calculated steering torque to support evasive maneuvers around pedestrians, enhancing driver control in emergency situations.
- Active Blind Spot Assist: Monitors blind spots and provides warnings and single-sided braking to help avoid side collisions.
- Active Lane Keeping Assist: Helps to prevent unintentional lane departures by providing steering wheel vibrations and corrective braking.
- Car-to-X Communication: Allows the vehicle to communicate with other Car-to-X enabled vehicles and infrastructure to share real-time warnings and information about road conditions.
- PRE-SAFE® PLUS & PRE-SAFE® Sound: PRE-SAFE® PLUS prepares the vehicle for a rear-end collision, while PRE-SAFE® Sound emits a short interference signal to trigger the stapedius reflex in the human ear, potentially reducing hearing damage in the event of an accident.
- ENERGIZING Comfort: As mentioned earlier, this system goes beyond typical comfort features, actively working to enhance driver well-being and reduce fatigue.
- AIR BODY CONTROL: Optional multi-chamber air suspension at all corners provides a supremely comfortable and adaptable ride, automatically adjusting to road conditions and driving dynamics.
Model Positioning: The World’s Most Comfortable Convertible
The Mercedes-Benz S-Class Cabriolet is unequivocally positioned as the world’s most comfortable convertible. It offers a unique combination of:
- Distinctive and Sensual Design: The S-Class Cabriolet boasts an elegant and emotionally appealing design that is both sophisticated and sporty.
- Cutting-Edge S-Class Technology: It incorporates all the advanced technology, safety features, and driver assistance systems found in the S-Class Sedan, ensuring a state-of-the-art driving experience.
- Comprehensive Warmth and Wind Protection: Intelligent climate control and wind protection systems ensure year-round open-top enjoyment, even in cooler climates.
The S-Class Cabriolet is for those who demand the ultimate in open-air luxury, without compromise. It’s a statement of success and a celebration of the finer things in life.
At a Glance: Specifications Comparison
| S 560 (RWD) Cabrio | AMG S 63 Cabrio | |
|---|---|---|
| MSRP | $138,600 | $183,500 |
| Length | 198.1” | 198.9” |
| Width w/mirrors (w/o mirrors) | 83.0” (74.8”) | 83.0” (75.2”) |
| Height | 55.8” | 56.2” |
| Wheelbase | 115.9” | 115.9” |
| Curb Weight (lbs) | TBA | TBA |
| Fuel Economy | 17 / 26 / 20 | 15 / 24 / 18 |
| Engine | 4.0L V8 biturbo | Handcrafted AMG 4.0L V8 biturbo |
| Displacement | 3,982 cc | 3,982 cc |
| Drive Configuration | Rear-Wheel Drive | AMG Performance 4MATIC+ permanent all-wheel drive |
| Performance | 463 hp / 516 lb-ft | 603 hp / 664 lb-ft |
| Transmission | 9G-TRONIC automatic | AMG SPEEDSHIFT® MCT 9-speed |
| 0-60 mph (sec) | 4.5 | 3.4 |
| Top speed (mph) | 130 (electronically limited) | 186 (electronically limited) |
| Main Competitors | Bentley Continental GTC, Maserati Gran Turismo | Bentley Continental GTC, Maserati Gran Turismo, Aston Martin DB11 Volante |
