The Mercedes S-Class is one of the classiest German cars money can buy, but the 7 Series rival will unbutton its collar this spring when a convertible version arrives in showrooms.

What is it?

A luxury cruiser with an electronically retractable roof. It’s “the epitome of luxury motoring”, according to Merc.
Mercedes S-Class Cabriolet
The company goes on to say the drop-top S-Class combines “effortless performance with impressive refinement and a sumptuous interior”. Looking at the pics here, it’s hard to disagree.

Tell me about this roof…

Instead of a metal roof that is fixed in place forever, there’s a well-insulated multi-layer folding soft-top that can be folded away with the touch of a button within 20 seconds.

What else is different?

Mercedes S-Class Cabriolet trio
Not much. Aside from the soft-top roof, it’s the same S-Class as before.

What’s under the bonnet?

You’ve got the choice of three petrol engines, all linked to a nine-speed automatic gearbox with a top speed of 155mph. Naturally, the length of time the soft-top S-Class takes to reach top-out depends on your choice of engine.
Mercedes S-Class Cabriolet rear
Replacing the outgoing S 500 is the S 560, which uses a new four-litre biturbo V8, producing 462bhp and 700Nm of torque. It can go from nothing to 62mph in 4.6 seconds, with CO2 emissions of 204g/km and a combined fuel consumption of 31.4mpg.
The AMG S 63 is driven by a four-litre twin-turbo petrol unit, hand-built by Merc’s AMG division. With 603hp and 900Nm at its disposal, it can dart to 62mph in 4.2 seconds, emitting 225g/km of CO2 and returning 28.8mpg.
Finally, the S 65 goes a tenth of a second quicker (4.1s) with its hand-built 621bhp six-litre V12. It’s hard to believe any serious buyers will be bothered about its emissions and fuel economy but for what it’s worth: 272g/km, 23.5mpg.
Top speed can be lifted to 186mph for the S 63 and S 65 by adding the AMG Driver’s package for £1,960 and £765 respectively.

What kind of goodies will I get?

The S 560 is only available in the AMG Line trim. This means it comes with Merc’s fancy Aircap and Airscarf systems, as well as wireless phone charging, ventilated seats, and a 12.3-inch dual-bonded widescreen cockpit and infotainment display with Burmester surround sound system, Android Auto and Apple CarPlay.
There’s also the magic vision control wiper system, intelligent light system, keyless go and remote boot opening. The seats and steering wheel can be adjusted electrically and the car rides on 19-inch alloy wheels as standard.
The S 63 adds the seat comfort package, massage function, AMG sports exhaust system, AMG sports suspension, AMG sports seats finished in Nappa leather, AMG Panamericana grille and 20-inch alloy wheels.
Mercedes S-Class Cabriolet interior
Finally, the S 65 goes all out by bolting on the all-new ‘energizing comfort’ package, warmth comfort package, night view assist plus, a 360° camera and head-up display, as well as a Burmester high-end surround sound system and Swarovski crystals in the headlights. Gotta have dat bling to light up the way, apparently…

Fine. How much?

The most affordable topless S-Class will set you back £115,910. That’s for the S 560 AMG Line.
Asking price climbs to £140,610 for the £140,610 for the Mercedes-AMG S 63, before peaking at £197,510 for the monstrous AMG S 65.