Updates for the 2018 Mercedes-Benz S-Class Coupe and Cabriolet
FRANKFURT, Germany – Among the slew of new-model and concept-car introductions at this year’s Frankfurt Auto Show, Mercedes-Benz is showing off refreshed versions of its S-Class Coupe and Cabriolet models.
The 2018 Mercedes-Benz S-Class Sedan launched a couple of months ago, with new engines, some styling tweaks and innovative new features. The same updates are now being applied to the coupe and convertible variants, which will be available in Canada as the S 560 (with 4MATIC in the Coupe), the AMG S 63 4MATIC+ and the AMG S 65.
The 2018 Mercedes-Benz S 560 gets a new twin-turbo, 4.0-litre V8 that develops 463 horsepower and 516 pound-feet of torque, matched to a nine-speed automatic transmission. It replaces last year’s S 550 and its 4.7-litre engine that produced 449 hp and as much torque. In addition, fuel economy is said to be improved, while the S 560 Coupe also benefits from a cylinder deactivation system that shuts off half of the engine’s pistons under light loads. According to Mercedes, the S 560 4MATIC Coupe and S 560 Cabriolet can reach 100 km/h in 4.6 seconds.
The 2018 Mercedes-AMG S 63 4MATIC+ versions ditch last year’s 5.5-litre engine for a twin-turbo, 4.0-litre V8 that belts out 612 horsepower (up from 577) and 664 lb.-ft. of torque. Sending power to all four wheels is a dual-clutch, nine-speed automatic gearbox. Acceleration times and fuel consumption are both reduced, as the company announces a 0-100 km/h time of 3.5 seconds.
The 2018 Mercedes-AMG S 65 tops the line-up once again, keeping its twin-turbocharged, 6.0-litre V12 and seven-speed automatic that now develop 630 hp and 738 lb.-ft. Zero to 100 km/h is a done deal in 4.1 seconds, and nobody really cares are fuel economy at this point.
The AMG versions will be more easily distinguishable from the S 560 by their new Panamericana grille design that the company is adding to all the models of their high-performance division. Inside, the new Coupe and Cabriolet gain the Sedan’s steering wheel designs and dual-screen display—one for the driver, one for everyone else on the centre stack. The ENERGIZING comfort control system is now available as well, combining the climate control system, the fragrance dispenser, the seat heat and massaging functions as well as the sound system to create a relaxing atmosphere.
The latest generation of the COMAND infotainment system has also been fitted, and wireless charging for smartphones using the Qi standard is now included as well. The next-generation driver assist systems, called Active Distance Control DISTRONIC and Active Steering Assist, as found in the Coupe and Cabriolet, too.
Pricing has not yet been announced, but we’ll guess $155,000 for the S 560 Coupe, $167,000 for the S 560 Cabriolet, $180K for the S 63 Coupe, $195K for the S 63 Cabriolet, $265K for the S 65 Coupe and $275K for the S 65 Cabriolet, all before freight and delivery charges. These 2018 models will be on sale next spring.