It's been 44 years since Mercedes-Benz->ke187 stopped offering a convertible version of its largest coupe,->ke141 and the Germans finally developed a two-door variant of their full-size model. It's called the S-Class Cabriolet and, as the name suggests, it's identical to the S-Class Coupe from the waist down, which, in turn, is based on the S-Class sedan, arguably one of the most comfortable and luxurious limousines you can buy nowadays. As is the case with most modern Mercedes-Benz models, the S-Class Cabriolet also received the AMG->ke8 treatment. Having already seen the AMG S63 version at the 2015 Frankfurt Motor Show,->ke235 it is now time to have a closer look at the S65.

Just like the S65 Coupe is to the S63 Coupe, the S65 Cabriolet is essentially the more powerful sibling of the S63 Cabriolet. Of course, there are other details that set them apart inside and out, but the main highlight of the S65 moniker, no matter to which nameplate it's attached, is the impressive amount of horsepower and torque.

Scheduled to make its public debut at the 2016 Detroit Auto Show->ke222 in January, the S65 Cabriolet is the ninth member of the current S-Class lineup and the fifth Merc to wear the S65 badge. It is also the most powerful large convertible->ke144 available from Stuttgart and a full-fledged competitor for the Bentley Continental GT Speed Convertible. How does it stack against Britain's posh drop-top? You'll have to keep reading to find out.

Continue reading to learn more about the Mercedes-AMG S 65 Cabriolet.

Exterior

From the distance, the S65 seems identical to the S63, which isn't surprising given that both models are based on the S-Class Cabriolet and feature AMG's most aggressive body kit for this nameplate. Massive yet elegant, with a low-slung profile and deeply sculpted character lines, the S65 is beautiful to look at from every angle. By comparison, the Bentley Continental GT Speed seems bloated and slow.

If you loved the S63, you'll definitely feel the same about the S65, as it employs all the nice features seen on the less powerful drop-top. Highlights include the twin-blade radiator grille with the large Mercedes star, aggressive front bumper, sporty side skirts, multi-spoke wheels, quad exhaust pipes, and a high-gloss diffuser insert.

Upon closer inspection, the S65 Cabriolet stands out by means of high-sheen chrome elements on the front fascia, including the grille behind the emblem and in the bumper air intakes, as well as the splitter. These high-sheen elements are particularly effective when combined with dark paint finishes as the one seen in these photos. Arguably, the most telling features about what lies under the hood are the "S65" badge on the trunk lid and the "V12 Biturbo" lettering on the wings. Finally, there are the ceramic high-sheen, multi-spoke forged wheels measuring 20 inch front and rear.

Just like the S63, the S65 comes with a multi-layered soft-top that has the design contours of the coupe. It's not exactly identical since the quarter windows are smaller, but the car is quite handsome even with the top up. Available in black, dark blue, beige or dark red, the roof can be electro-hydraulically opened and closed while on the move, at speeds up to 31 mph (50 km/h). Opening and closing take around 17 seconds. When opened, the soft top is deposited above the extending luggage compartment partition.

Interior

Much like the S63 Cabriolet, the S65 Cabriolet's interior is identical to the standard model as far as design goes. What makes it different is the numerous extra standard features, including the sporty seats wrapped in Designo leather, the unique inserts, and AMG's flat-bottom steering wheel with aluminum paddle shifters. For added luxury, the window frames and A-pillars are lined in high-grade Nappa leather, while the fabric top has Dinamica microfiber lining.

The cabriolet is also equipped with the AMG instrument cluster, which displays information on engine speed, vehicle speed, and much more on two animated round dials on the 12.3-inch, high-resolution color TFT display. An outstanding level of comfort is provided by the automatic wind protection system (Aircap), the neck-level heating system (Airscarf), the heated armrests, the rear seat heating, and the intelligent climate control. Because the climate control is fully automatic, the driver does not need to select a mode for closed or open top, nor is it necessary to save a temperature setting for each of these driving conditions.

The extensive range of standard equipment for the Mercedes-AMG S 65 Cabriolet includes the heads-up display and the touchpad. The heads-up display projects key information such as the vehicle speed, speed limits, navigation directions, traffic signs and information from the Distronic Plus system onto the windshield. As for the touchpad, it can be used to operate all of the infotainment function, making it significantly easier to access the radio, telephone and navigation system.

Drivetrain

Powering the AMG S65 Cabriolet is the same 6.0-liter, V-12 engine found in the S65 Sedan and S65 Coupe. The twin-turbo mill cranks out a whopping 621 horsepower and 738 pound-feet of torque, which travel to all four wheels through AMG's Speedshift Plus 7G-Tronic transmission. Charging from 0 to 62 mph takes 4.1 seconds, which is identical to the Coupe version, while top speed is electronically limited to 155 mph in standard guise and 186 mph with the AMG Driver package.

The transmission comes with three individual driving modes. Controlled Efficiency returns better fuel economy with help from a start/stop function, while Sport and Manual emphasize the vehicle’s powerful and dynamic character.

Drivetrain Specifications

Suspension

Just like its sedan and coupe siblings, the S65 Cabriolet received the company’s Magic Body Control suspension. The system combines three different functions — Active Body Control, Road Surface Scan, and curve tilting — and allows the S65 AMG Coupe to lean into bends for a "more pleasant motoring experience".

Comfort is further enhanced by a speed-sensitive sports steering with variable ratio, which provides the coupe with better handling and agility through more steering assistance.

Stopping power comes from AMG's latest, high-performance compound brake system. The new design is more than 20-percent lighter than a conventional braking system and can be upgraded to the available ceramic-compound system.

Safety

The new S65 Cabriolet is available with numerous assistance systems that increase both comfort and safety. "Intelligent Drive" systems include Pre-Safe Brake with pedestrian detection, Distronic Plus with Steering Assist and Stop&Go Pilot, Brake Assist Plus with Cross-Traffic Assist, Active Lane Keeping Assist, Adaptive Highbeam Assist Plus, and Night View Assist Plus.

Collision Prevention Assist Plus adds distance and collision warning functions with adaptive Brake Assist, offering protection against collisions from just four mph (seven km/h). Mercedes also extended the Pre-Safe package to recognize an imminent rear-end collision and warn following traffic by activating the rear hazard warning lights at a high frequency. When a danger of collision persists, the system can lock the brakes of the stationary vehicle prior to a rear-end collision and activate the belt tensioners before impact.

Prices

Mercedes-Benz has yet to announce pricing for the S65 Cabriolet, but given that the S65 Coupe retails from $234,050, it's safe to assume that the drop-top will fetch close to a quarter million dollars. Such a sticker would make the S65 Cabriolet about as expensive as its Bentley-badged competitor and the most expensive convertible Mercedes has ever built.

Competition

Bentley Continental GT Speed Convertible

While the AMG S63 Cabriolet was less expensive and a bit quicker than the GT Speed Convertible, the AMG 65 is on par with the British machine. Powered by a 6.0-liter W-12 rated at 626 horsepower and 607 pound-feet of torque and a ZF eight-speed automatic, the Conti benefits from five extra horses and falls behind in the torque department by no fewer than 131 pound-feet. It only needs four seconds to hit 60 mph from a standing start, which will be about the same as the Merc when the Germans release U.S. specs. The Bentley wins the top speed battle with its 202 mph versus the AMG's 186-mph rating. As far as pricing goes, the GT Speed Convertible retails from about $240,000, a sticker that might just make it a bit more affordable than the S65.

Find out more about the Bentley Continental GT Speed here.

Conclusion

The fact that S65 badge may add more than $70K to the S63 Cabriolet's already eye-watering sticker is disheartening to say the least, but we must remember that vehicles competing in this niche aren't built for rational people. Much like the Continental GT Speed, the AMG S65 Cabriolet is a ludicrous combination of luxury and performance that few can actually afford and those who aren't emotional enough won't even consider paying a quarter million for. For the industry itself, the S65 Cabriolet means two things. It's the ultimate Mercedes drop-top and the only vehicle capable of giving the Continental GT Speed Convertible a run for its money.