Mercedes S-Class Goes Topless

Daimler AG has released images of the upcoming S-Class Cabrio, which will be publicly unveiled in September at the Frankfurt auto show. Based on the S-Class coupe, the new model will be the first convertible version of Mercedes' flagship four-seater since the w111 was phased out in 1971.

Mercedes describes the S-Class Cabrio's automated soft top as the world's largest folding fabric roof ever. The multi-layer construction includes a small rear glass window and maintains the coupe's sleek roofline with only minor modifications, such as a more angled rear section and smaller side windows.

The car's windshield frame has been strengthened and the trunk has been enlarged to stow the roof when it's lowered.

The rest of the cabriolet will be nearly identical to the coupe. This includes a variety of luxury interior appointments, advanced driver assistance features and a standard 4.7-liter V-8 engine. Two AMG-badged performance variants also will be available: the S63 with a 577-hp 5.5-liter V-8 and the S65 with a 6.0-liter twin-turbo V-12 that makes 621 hp.

Mercedes bills the four-seater, which will compete against the Bentley Continental GT convertible, as the world's "most comfortable" cabriolet. The car will include plush leather seats with heating and massage functions, a fragrance dispenser, high-end surround-sound audio options and a head-up display.