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Mercedes completes its flagship family with the 2017 S-Class Cabriolet (pictures)

For the first time since 1971, Mercedes-Benz is offering a drop-top in its S-Class family. It's loaded with features, packs a healthy dose of performance and looks at home rolling down streets in high dollar towns in the south of France.

Jon Wong
Jon Wong was a reviews editor for CNET Cars. He test drove and wrote about new cars and oversaw coverage of automotive accessories and garage gear. In his spare time, he enjoys track days, caring for his fleet of old Japanese cars and searching for the next one to add to his garage.
Jon Wong
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The 2017 S-Class Cabriolet is the first drop-top in Benz's flagship family of vehicles since 1971.

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The base model of the S-Class Cabriolet will be known as the S 500 in Europe, but as the the S550 in the US.

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Powering the base S-Class Cabriolet is a 4.7-liter twin-turbocharged V-8 engine, which is mated to a nine-speed automatic transmission.

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To help keep weight down, the trunk compartment bulkhead is constructed from magnesium and aluminum. There rear floors are also made from aluminum helping the body of the S-Class Cabriolet equal the S-Class Coupe.

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An Aircap wind protection system is standard consisting of wind deflector at the top of the windshield frame and draft-top behind the rear seats.

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Mercedes says the S550 Cabriolet reaches 60 mph in 4.5 seconds.

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The top speed of the S550 Cabriolet is electronically limited to 155 mph.

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With the top down, there's 8.8 cubic feet of trunk space available.

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A multilayer soft top come is standard on the S-Class Cabriolet.

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The soft top can be opened or closed at speeds up to 37 mph.

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Opening and closing the S-Class Cabriolet's soft top happens in less than 20 seconds.

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The front of the S-Class Cabriolet features a black diamond radiator grille with a single silver louver and chrome inserts.

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The soft top is available in black, dark blue, beige and dark red.

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The rear of the S-Class Cabriolet with standard LED taillights.

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Optional Swarovski crystals can be integrated into the front turn signals and daytime running lights.

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Nineteen-inch wheels come standard on the base S-Class Cabriolets.

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Side mirror housings with integrated turn signal indicators on the S-Class Cabriolet.

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Standard LED taillights are fitted to the S-Class Cabriolet.

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You won't be seeing the S 500 badge here in the US. Base S-Class Cabriolets will be known here as the S550.

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The 4.7-liter twin-turbo V-8 produces 449 horsepower and 516 pound-feet of torque.

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An optional warmth & comfort package adds heated steering wheel and heated armrests on both the doors and center console.

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The spacious cabin inside of the S-Class Cabriolet.

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Steering wheel controls for the main gauge cluster screen.

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Steering wheel controls for the S-Class Cabriolet's audio system.

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Controls for the radar cruise control system.

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The switch panel to activate the numerous available features on the S-Class Cabriolet including night vision, lane departure warning and parking aids.

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When activated, night vision displays an image of what's ahead on the main gauge cluster screen.

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Standard navigation in the S-Class Cabriolet.

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Various controls located on the S-Class Cabriolet's center console.

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My S 500 Cabriolet test car included a stellar sounding Burmester audio system.

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The S-Class Cabriolet's front bucket seats offer power adjustment and have Benz's Airscarf heating system integrated into them for comfortable top-down motoring.

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The S-Class Cabriolet's standard Airscarf neck-level heating system.

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Metal scuff plates found on the S-Class Cabriolet.

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Rear legroom in the S-Class Cabriolet is adequate.

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