Preview: Mercedes-Benz S-Class Cabriolet to launch in India on November 9

Mercedes-Benz has already confirmed that the cabriolet versions of the S-Class and the C-Class will be launched in India on November 09, 2016. The S-Class Cabriolet was first showcased at the 2015 Frankfurt Motor Show, where the German carmaker called the most beautiful and exclusive S-Class that it has ever built. Here are some of the highlights of the S-Class Cabriolet.

Engine

The upcoming Mercedes-Benz S-Class Cabriolet is powered by the same V8 4.7-litre turbo petrol engine that is offered in the standard version of the sedan. The one in the cabriolet makes 455PS of power and generated 700Nm of torque. The motor is mated to a 9-speed automatic transmission. The S-Class Cabriolet can do a 0 to 100kmph run in a claimed 4.6 seconds while the maximum speed has been restricted to 250kmph. The motor complies with the Euro-VI emission norms.

We also expect Mercedes-Benz to bring in the more performance-centric S63 AMG version based on the cabriolet. This particular version is powered by a V8, 5.5-litre, twin-turbo petrol motor that puts out 585PS of power at 5,500rpm and makes 900Nm at 2,250-3,750rpm. It takes 0.4 seconds less than the S500 to reach the 100kmph mark, claims Mercedes-Benz. Tackling the needs of the performance-hungry kinds is the  S65 AMG, producing an insane 638PS of power. Merc claims that this one takes 4.1 seconds to reach the 100kmph mark.

Design

In terms of styling, the Mercedes-Benz S-Class Cabriolet shares heavily from its coupe version which is evidently seen with the large diamond-finished radiator grille and the sweeping back LED headlights with DRLs. The three-layer soft-top can be raised and lowered at speeds of up to 60kmph in less than 20 seconds.

The S-Class Cabriolet measures 5,027mm in length, 1,899mm in width and 1,417mm in height, identical to that of the coupe.

Features and options

The cabin layout too has been retained from the S-Class Coupe, but this one gets the brand's Thermotronic intelligent climate control system that takes care of the cabin cooling, irrespective of the roof being open or close. The company will be offering a host of customisation options which include premium leather and a special Nappa leather among other choices. The international-spec model also gets an option for heated steering wheel, seats and armrests under the warmth comfort package.

Similar to the Mercedes-Benz S-Class, the Cabriolet gets a slew of equipment, both in terms of safety and luxury. Standard equipment in the S 500 includes 19-inch alloy wheels, AIRMATIC suspension, and heated and ventilated seats, among others. Mercedes will also offer a driving assistance package, which includes a 360-degree camera, active blind spot assist and other safety options. The AMG trim gets special 20-inch alloys, two chrome-plated twin exhaust, Swarovski LED lighting and a 23- speaker Burmester sound system.

Price

The Mercedes-Benz S-Class Cabriolet will directly compete with the Bentley Continental GT Speed Convertible when launched in India. We expect Mercedes-Benz to price the S-Class Cabriolet between Rs 2.0-2.5 crore.