The Mercedes-Benz S-Class has long been the best large luxury sedan if you were to ask this writer. Perhaps that will change as I have an all-new BMW 7-Series on the way for testing purposes.
Until then though, there's only one king.
Detroit Auto Show (NAIAS) Photo Gallery
While we've waited for an S Cabriolet, we finally got one. Actually, we got several. Not only will there be an S550, it will be complemented with the likes of an S63 and an S65 drop top.
At the 2016 Detroit Auto Show though, Mercedes really wanted us to pay attention to the S63 Edition 130. That's because it's the three-pointed star's way of celebrating 130 years in the business. So, only 130 of these cabriolets will be available to the public — globally.
Essentially what you get is a special color combination — silver on red with a red top — upgraded wheels and a good heaping of carbon fiber. Never mind this thing weighs a couple tons and change, but I digress.
But that's only the start. Also on offer is the Mercedes-AMG S65 Cabriolet. While there's no question that you can't go wrong with either pick, WHICH would you rather have? The S63 or the S65?
Stay tuned to AutoSpies.com for the latest breaking news related to the 2016 Detroit Auto Show (NAIAS)!
The 2016 Detroit Auto Show photo galleries are sponsored by Lexus.
Detroit Auto Show (NAIAS) Photo Gallery
Mercedes-Benz's press release follows:
The Mercedes-AMG S63 4MATIC Cabriolet "Edition 130"
Limited special edition for the "130 years Inventor of the Automobile" anniversary
January 11, 2016
Carl Benz and Gottlieb Daimler invented the automobile in 1886. In so doing, they established a tradition of constant further developments and innovative new creations that continue to this day. Mercedes-Benz's sports car and performance brand are now celebrating this 130th anniversary with the exclusive special edition Mercedes-AMG S63 4MATIC Cabriolet "Edition 130." Distinguished by particularly exquisite appointments that harken back to the legendary Mercedes-Benz Silver Arrows race cars, this special edition celebrates its world premiere at the North American International Auto Show in Detroit.
The Mercedes-AMG S63 4MATIC Cabriolet "Edition 130" presents an exclusive version of the open-top four seater with the special, high-gloss "Alubeam silver" paint finish, the first application since the 2014 SLS AMG, a custom red fabric top limited to this edition to complement the interior and 5-twin-spoke 20-inch forged alloy wheels, typically exclusive to V12 S-Class models. "The first automobiles from Carl Benz and Gottlieb Daimler were open vehicles. Mercedes-AMG honors this achievement of the founding fathers with this highly exclusive cabriolet, and demonstrates the developments the automobile has undergone in the last 130 years, developments which would have been inconceivable at that time," according to Tobias Moers, Chairman of the Board of Mercedes-AMG GmbH.
Limited: only 130 cars
The designo Exclusive Nappa Leather upholstery in Bengal red/black as well as trim elements in AMG carbon fiber/piano lacquer black underscores the special position of this limited edition model, of which there will only be 130 available worldwide. A badge in the middle console and an engraving on the steering wheel bezel also highlight this fact. Brake calipers painted red and floor mats with Bengal red edging round off the visual impression.
Every customer receives a tailor-made AMG Indoor Car Cover with the embroidered lettering "Edition 130 – 1 of 130" to protect this valuable vehicle from dust in the garage. Furthermore, at the handover of the keys the customer receives a Welcome Package with an "Edition 130" badge key ring and an aluminum box for the vehicle's key.
The "Edition 130" celebrates its world premiere at the North American International Auto Show in Detroit.
Aside from the expressive design of the exterior and interior, the four-seater cabriolet offers the brand's hallmark "Driving Performance." The 5.5 liter V8-biturbo engine with 577 HP output and 664 lb-ft maximum torque, the AMG Performance 4MATIC all-wheel drive, acceleration from 0 to 60 mph in 3.8 seconds, and the high performance composite brake system with red-painted calipers leave nothing to be desired.
The 2017 Mercedes-AMG S63 4MATIC Cabriolet "Edition 130" will be available at US dealers in the late spring 2016.