Stuttgart, Germany - This is the first official picture of the 2016 Mercedes-Benz S-Class Cabriolet, due to debut at the Frankfurt motor show in a couple of weeks.
It's pictured standing next to its immediate predecessor, the 1971 280 SE; yes, Cyril, that's right, this will be the first time in 44 years that Mercedes has released a full-sized S-Class convertible.
It's billed as 'the most comfortable cabriolet in the world', trimmed in the most luxurious of materials, with AirCap automatic wind protection, AirScarf neck-level heating, heated armrests and heated seats front and rear, as well as an 'intelligent' automatic climate control system.
SIMILAR PROFILE
The Cabriolet is based on the S-Class Coupé, which is probably why the electrically operated folding top is a multilayer fabric construction, rather than metal, to make it possible for its profile to be very similar to that of the two-door tin-top when it's up - although you can see in the picture that the rear deck has a much longer "barchetta" (little boat) look when the top is down, to allow space for it to be stowed "below decks".
Expect the engine line-up to be substantially the same as for the coupé - including S63 and S65 AMG versions early in the new year - with all wheel drive options for Europe.
The cybergarage is abuzz with rumours (possibly emanating from Stuttgart!) of an online reveal in the next week or so. As soon as we hear anything, so will you, so stay tuned.