After images of this model were leaked to the web yesterday, Mercedes-Benz has decided to officially reveal its new S-Class Cabriolet, expected to make an appearance at this year’s Frankfurt International Motorshow. An image of the car was teased earlier last week showing only the interior with the roof down beside its forty year old predecessor. The large cabriolet will feature a soft top roof that can open or close in roughly 20 seconds at speeds of up to 60 km/h. Opening and closing the roof will also be possible from outside of the car, by using the electronic remote. Roof colours will be available in black, beige, dark blue and dark red.
To cope with the temperatures of the outdoors the engineers of the Stuttgart plant have implemented a ‘Thermotronic’ feature that manipulates the HVAC system (Heating, ventilation and air conditioning) based on the reading it receives from a variation of 12 sensors and 18 actuators placed around the vehicle. By doing so the Cabriolet turns into a mobile weather station. Readings such as solar radiation, dew point and air quality will be available to the driver.
The Cabriolet will also feature Aircap, which negates wind over and around the open cabin as you drive along with the roof down. The Airscarf, a heating system within the headrest that blows hot air around your neck, will also be implemented. Cabin noise is also said to be minimal thanks to the usage of a three layer acoustic soft top that incorporates the usage of butyl; an enhanced carbon base fabric said to lower noise levels and increase insulation.
The S-Class Cabriolet is said to retain a rigid performance through several enhancements. Most of the luggage compartment and rear floor of the car will now be composed of aluminum and magnesium in order to bring the weight down closer to that of the S-Class Coupe. Mercedes has also stated that its roll-over protection system will feature a pyrotechnic initiation (small nodes that work on electrical impulses which lock certain parts of a car into place through a chemical reaction) and gas generated positioning.
The S-Class Cabriolet will be available in all three engine configurations including the two AMG variants found in the conventional coupe. This will be the first S-Class Cabriolet to surface from the brand in over forty years. Prices are expected to be released after the Cabriolet’s debut at the Frankfurt International Motor Show later this month.
