SPY: The 2015 Mercedes-Benz S-Class Cabriolet (A 217) scooped on the test track

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With the new S-Class, Mercedes-Benz wants to shape out a competitive luxury lineup which can also be regarded as the top example to follow in the automotive industry. Given the discontinuation of Maybach, which came into force during summer 2012, earlier than the initial date, the Stuttgart-based constructor will develop a comprehensive range of new models for the future S-Class generation, comprising at least five, if not six different versions. One of the long expected offerings is the new S-Class Cabriolet (A 217), recently spotted in Germany during the ongoing development process.

Back in 2007, Mercedes-Benz made sensation when the company unveiled the Ocean Drive Concept a study of a 4-door convertible for the luxury segment. Immediately after the Detroit Motor Show, the automotive press began the speculation saga on whether Mercedes-Benz is planning to introduce a similar series version in the near future. After such a warm welcome from the public and media, the decision to produce a street-legal open-top S-Class passed the executive board seamlessly as the Daimler heads approved the project.

As the W 221 series has already been on the market since 2005, as well as the C 216 CL-Class, officials decided to award the company the needed time to deliver a brilliant concept. The first convertible S-Class since the classic W 111 generation the will be revealed towards the end of 2014 and feature a 2-door architecture, instead of a 4-door body like the show prototype, and a fabric roof.

Internally known as project A 217, the future S-Class Cabriolet will display a striking appearance given its impressive length and proportions visible from the spy shots. The overall styling will remain as classic as it can be, with just a subtle dose of dynamism. Together with the forthcoming S-Class Coupe (also in for the development phase in the next period), the two models must be immediately recognizable as proud members of the same family, so design is crucial attribute that defines their rich, luxurious character.

Engineers will implant the latest technology both underneath and inside the future S-Class Cabriolet. The car will sit on Merc's new rear-wheel-drive MRA platform which is certain to offer a refined ride. The new infotainment system called @yourCOMAND will improve the digital experience of the driver and passengers, while the multiple safety assistants will make sure travelling in this car is a safe business. The Collision Prevention Assist and the PRE-SAFE package will be standard equipment for the S-Class Cabriolet. At request, the new S-Class Cabriolet can also be fitted with the radar-scanning MAGIC RIDE CONTROL management system, the Night View Assist Plus or the Autonomous Driving Pilot, complete premieres that make their official debut on the S-Class limousine in a few months from now.

Mercedes-Benz will supply V8 and V12 petrol engines for its open-top S-Class as basic powering choices. A high-end diesel-powered V8 unit with over 350 hp might also be possible after the launch, as well as a hybrid variant sporting a combined output of over 400 hp. The range-topping sports AMG variants, the S 63 and S 65, could follow through 2015 and 2016 and be capable of 571 hp and, respectively, 630 hp.

Given the level of sophistication and the select customers it is aimed for, the price for the new S-Class Cabriolet should decently exceed 100,000 euros in Europe.

Image Credits: Gmotors.co.uk

Copyright © 2012, mercedesgla. All rights reserved.

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SPY: First sighting of the future 2015 Mercedes-Benz S-Class Cabriolet (A 217)

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Because Maybach has already bitten the dust, Mercedes-Benz is now left with an empty slot in the upper segment of the premium range that needs to be filled up with some new vehicles. The chosen solution is to expand the future S-Class lineup with several attractive, upscale niche variants. Besides the 2-door coupe, the Pullman extended wheelbase limousine and an all new four-door coupe, the portfolio of the future 222/217 model series will also include the first S-Class Cabriolet model in history, scheduled to bow towards 2015.

The first spy pics were captured in Germany and showcase a heavily camouflaged test prototype. From what we can see, Merc stylists have penned a very distinctive, sleek alure for the future S-Class Cabriolet. The body seems to have a very coherent, evenly flowing and elegant shape, highly suitable for a luxury open-top. The aerodynamic silhouette will be further enriched by the progressive design philosophy the new model will display. The latest concepts and sculptures Mercedes-Benz has revealed at various motor show in the recent years will serve as inspiration. A teasing concept car could also be premiered in 2014, in advance of the unveiling of the convertible S-Class.

The new S-Class Cabriolet, internally dubbed A 217, will feature a classic fabric roof to help save precious weight and also contribute to the balanced design. The open-top should also come equipped with AIRSCARF and AIRCAP, to contribute to a warm and comfortable ride with the roof down. Inside, an unprecedented level of quality is expected. The ultimate technologies, borrowed from the new S-Class, are to be found on the cabrio as well.

A new generation S-Class Coupe (C 217), replacing the current CL-Class, is also expected to appear by 2014, so the first prototypes could soon start hitting German streets. Apart from the fixed roof, the two-door will resemble the cabriolet in terms of exterior and interior design. Both S-Class models will use only high-end petrol variants in the form of V8 and V12 units, both standard and AMG. Thus, the peak output figures will basically range between 450 hp and 630 hp.

More inside details on the 2015 S-Class Cabriolet might leak at any time - stay tuned to Mercedes-Benz-Blog to be the first to know!

Image Credits: WorldCarFans / Autoevolution

Copyright © 2012, mercedesgla. All rights reserved.

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