The Flagship Mercedes-AMG S-Class Convertible Costs Almost £200,000

Prices and specs have been confirmed for the new Mercedes S-Class Cabriolet, and you’ll pay handsomely for all that creamy loveliness.

There’s just one non-AMG version. The S 560 AMG Line replaces the old S 500 and uses a new and smaller but still mighty 4.0-litre twin-turbo V8, codenamed M176. As well as a 463bhp peak it features cylinder deactivation courtesy of clever valve control, where the inlet and exhaust valves on cylinders two, three, five and eight stay shut.

It can deactivate those four cylinders between 900 and 3250rpm in C and E driving modes, dependant on throttle position. Poke it too hard and you’re back to the full eight bangs. Drive it gently, Mercedes says, and you could see 31.4mpg. Hmmm. You’re much more likely to see the truth in the 4.6-second 0-62mph acceleration claim and the easy 155mph limited top speed.

Above the S 560 is the Mercedes-AMG S 63, which uses the existing, harder-edged 4.0-litre M177 V8 from the S-Class coupe. With more boost and more really really angry about something, the M177 blares out 604bhp and 664lb ft of pure Stuttgart muscle, all of which heads to the 20-inch rear tyres.

Both cars share a nine-speed automatic gearbox with the AMG S 65, the range-topper and sole V12 in the line-up. The 6.0-litre V12 is more about luxury and exclusivity than power, reaching 62mph just a tenth of a second faster than the S 63’s 4.2 seconds, and sharing the same limited top speed of either 155mph or, for a price, 186mph.

The V12 is hand-built, though, and for some buyers nothing less will do. Its 621bhp is barely any higher than the S 63’s output, but if money is no object the noise of the V12 could be priceless.

Speaking of prices, the entry point for the range is £115,910, which is a lot even for the privilege of this much luxury and that much sky. The Premium equipment line can be added to that for £4995 so that you get better leather, a 360-degree camera setup, the Warmth Comfort package, Front Seat Comfort package, Air Balance package (an air filtration, freshener and oxygen ionisation system) and Energising Comfort package. We’re not even going to look that last one up, for fear of what it might be.

The S 63 starts at £140,610 and the flagship S 65 is knocking on the door of £200,000, at £197,510 before options. That’s serious money, but we’d imagine it’s going to be a serious car.