Mercedes S-Class Cabriolet | 25 Hi-Res Images

In a move not seen since around 1971, Mercedes has chopped the roof off it’s flagship S-Class.

Expect more “ceilin missin” references in upcoming hip-hop hits.

Big, Expensive, Fresh Air.

The wind in your hair hasn’t been this comfy since 1971. That was the last time a vehicle in Mercedes’s flagship S-Class was available with a soft-top. Official unveiling is slated to occur at The Frankfurt Motor Show (IAA), in lieu of that Mercedes has blessed us with some very fancy pics and some the usual self-indulgent details. The press release boasts elegant design which is a given if you look at the gallery below, but some points are definitely worth mentioning.

First, Mercedes has done their darndest to make sure that the typical deafining wind-roar that comes with driving any convertible above 100-110km/h has been lowered to the point where you can have an intelligent conversation about mansions or stock markets or whatever S-Class people love discussing.

The S-Class Coupe has the quietest interior of any series production car, and the open four-seater continues this family tradition by offering excellent noise-related comfort as well. A three-layer acoustic soft top comes as standard. The outer fabric cover incorporates a butyl layer as a water barrier on the inside, as opposed to the previous neoprene layer. This lowers noise levels, as does the enhanced upholstery matting and the acoustically optimized roof lining. The insulating layer also ensures that the elegant profile silhouette is not spoiled by bows that are visible from the outside.

Second is a rather terrifying roll-over safety system that incorporates pyrotechnics. Not to be dissuaded by the Takata explosive airbag controversy, Mercedes has outfitted the new S-Class Cabriolet with an rather explosive rollbar and head restraint device.

On detecting an impending danger of the vehicle rolling over, the airbag control unit sends a corresponding signal to the roll over protection system. This is quickly extended behind the rear head restraints, helping to maintain a safe passenger compartment. The roll bars are extended not by spring force, but – for the first time on a Mercedes-Benz – by pyrotechnical means, using a gas generator. This is made possible by state-of-the-art yaw rate sensors which, in contrast to the previously employed tilting cone sensors, virtually rule out incorrect actuation. In keeping with the S-Class Cabriolet’s high design quality, there are no tear lines in the panelling behind the rear head restraints.

The final, and probably most exciting point of this announcement has got to be the tease of a Mercedes-AMG edition to be revealed alongside it’s “regular” counterpart, also at Frankfurt. They’re calling it “The Ultimate Dream Car.”

The new model also offers its driver and up to three passengers space to travel in style. Its high-caliber statistics: 5.5-liter V8 biturbo engine with an output of 577 hp and peak torque of 664 lb-ft, AMG Performance 4MATIC all-wheel drive with rear-biased torque split as standard, acceleration from 0 to 60 mph in 3.9 seconds and a high-performance composite brake system for optimum deceleration.

Sounds like part of the wind-noise reduction may be attributed to that incredible AMG V8 Roar, while the rest may be to exploding headrests. So Toronto investment bankers, and Vancouver film studio big-wigs. Invest in Advil. And enjoy the gallery.

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