An open top, four-seater version of Mercedes’ flagship model has been a long time coming; in fact, the last one was made in 1971. Stuttgart has already released a rendering, though, of the brand-new S-Class Convertible, and now we have the first official images.

The real thing is exactly like that first rendering; that is, just as imposing and elegant as the Coupe, only with a soft-top instead of the fixed metal roof.

The two cars’ dimensions are practically the same, too, with the 5,027 mm length and 1,899 mm width being identical and only the 1,413 mm height being a negligible 4 mm taller due to the design of the folding roof.

Said roof can be opened or closed in 20 seconds at speeds up to 60 km/h (37 mph and consists of three layers. The outer fabric cover incorporates a butyl layer as a water barrier on the inside, as opposed to the previous neoprene layer. This, along with the enhanced upholstery matting and the acoustically optimized roof lining reduce noise levels, and the insulating layer prevents the bows that, in other convertibles, are visible from the outside.

The standard AIRSCARF and AIRCAP systems heat the necks and minimize air buffeting respectively for driver and passengers when the top is down. Additionally, the new S-Class Convertible premieres the THERMOTRONIC climate control system that, in contrast to conventional systems, is controlled fully automatically. This means that the driver does not need to select a mode for closed or open top. Instead, 12 sensors and 18 actuators, which also detect the level of solar radiation, provide the ideal climate in all conditions.

As expected, the engine range of the S-Class Cabriolet is also derived from that of the Coupe, with two of them being available on launch. The S500 is powered by a 4.7-liter turbocharged V8 with 455 HP and 700 Nm (516 lb/ft) of torque and sends power to the rear wheels via the 9G Tronic auto gearbox.

The Mercedes-AMG S63, on the other hand, features the 5.5-liter V8 biturbo under its hood. With 577hp (585PS) and 900Nm (664lb-ft) of torque and the AMG Speedshift MCT 7-speed gearbox transmitting them to the road via the 4MATIC all-wheel drive system, it accelerates from 0-100 km/h (0-62 mph) in 3.9 seconds and has an average fuel consumption of just 10.4 lt/100 km (US 27 MPG).

The S-Class Convertible will debut officially at the upcoming Frankfurt Auto Show. Customers will be able to place their orders from December and deliveries will start next spring.

Hat tip to Bernardo!

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