There have been coupe versions of the big Mercedes-Benz S-class sedans since the C126 380SEC debuted back in the late 1981. They didn't hit US shores officially, though, until the 1984 model year, when the 500SEC went on sale here.
However, apparently leery of poaching sales away from the halo SL-class, there was never a convertible S-class coupe until the C217 cabrio made its appearance for the 2015 Benz lineup.
The S550 coupe and cabriolet replaced the luxo C216 CL coupes. Priced at a bougie $132 grand even before you get jiggy wit' the option sheet, the two-and-a-third ton ragtop was powered by a twin-turbo intercooled 32V DOHC direct-injection 5.5L V-8 putting out 449 SAE net horsepower through a 9-speed auto.
The example tested by Car and Driver (with the optional $5900 Sport Package) launched to sixty in 4.4 seconds and dispatched the quarter in thirteen seconds flat at 110mph. The engine's governor ensures you won't get a ticket for more than 132 in a 55. Impressively, all that heft went 'round a skidpad at 0.88g and stopped from seventy in 164 feet.
The example in the photo was snapped with a Fujifilm X-T2 and XF 16-80mm f/4 R WR OIS zoom lens in October of 2024.
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