The Mercedes-Benz S-Class Cabriolet.Nasser Bin Khaled (NBK) Automobiles, the authorised general distributor of Mercedes-Benz in Qatar, has launched the new S-Class Cabriolet in Qatar. Available now at NBK Automobiles showroom at Salwa Road in Doha, the new S-Class Cabriolet is described as ‘the best luxury car with sporty design and features in the world.’The new S-Class Cabriolet is the first open-top flagship four-seater from Mercedes-Benz since 1971 and one of the most beautiful and exclusive S-Class cars of all time. In design terms the highlight is the sculptural shaping of the dashboard, with its extensive areas of wood or carbon fibre trim. The new S-Class Cabriolet is distinguished with the typical proportions of a large, sporty coupé, the long bonnet with its power domes, the elegant roof line and the frameless side windows. The V8 engine of the S 500 Cabriolet has an output of 455hp. The displacement stands at 4,663cc and the engine produces peak torque of 700 Newton metres from 1,800rpm. In combined mode the Cabriolet gets by on 9.1-8.5 litres per 100km, with CO emissions of 212-199g/km.The S 500 rolls out an unmistakable, irresistible carpet of sound. A specially developed sound control system ensures that this effect comes into play as soon as the car starts or is accelerated sharply, while during normal driving the engine remains completely restrained. In acoustic terms, it thus melds the emotional appeal of a sports car with the comfort of an S-Class to unique effect.The Airmatic air suspension system ensures ride comfort and dynamic handling at a very high level. The damping at each wheel is adapted to the current driving situation and road surface condition. This is done rapidly and precisely using two separate valves for the compression and rebound of the dampers. With the “Comfort” and “Sport” settings, Airmatic can be configured for more comfort or sportiness. Thanks to the pneumatic all-round self-levelling suspension, the vehicle maintains a constant level irrespective of the load. The suspension level can be raised by 30mm to increase ground clearance. At high speeds the suspension is automatically lowered by up to 20mm, helping to reduce aerodynamic drag and improve handling stability.Like the S-Class Sedan and Coupe, the new Cabriolet is available with numerous new assistance systems. Intelligent Drive systems include Pre-Safe Brake with pedestrian detection, Distronic Plus with Steering Assist, Brake Assist Bas Plus with Cross-Traffic Assist, Active Lane Keeping Assist, Adaptive Highbeam Assist Plus and Night View Assist Plus. The Pre-Safe preventive occupant protection system has been upgraded to Pre-Safe Plus, which can recognise an imminent rear-end collision and warn following traffic by flashing 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 Pre-Safe belt tensioners immediately before impact.A stereo camera can detect objects and pedestrians crossing in front of the car in spatial terms and calculate their path. Numerous safety and assistance systems, the availability of which depends upon the vehicle’s precise specification, can assess a wide range of traffic situations virtually of their own accord, analyse these and trigger supporting measures.The Driving Assistance package Plus helps to take the strain off the driver, to reduce any risk of accident and to improve protection for the car’s occupants as well as for other road users. Brake Assist Bas Plus with Cross-Traffic Assist and Pre-Safe Brake with pedestrian detection can reduce the risk of accidents at junctions, rear-end collisions and collisions with pedestrians, particularly in urban traffic. Active Lane keeping Assist and Active Blind Spot Assist provide assistance if the vehicle leaves its lane unintentionally or during lane changes if there is a danger of collision with other vehicles.The automatic climate control system with two climate zones provides an individual feel-good climate on board. Information is shown on a high-resolution 31.2cm colour display screen. The head-up display projects important information as a virtual image directly into the driver’s line of sight. The display is perceived by the driver as floating above the bonnet about 2m away.Parking and manoeuvring with realistic all-round visibility is made possible by the 360-degree camera system and its four interlinked close-range cameras. Established in 1957, Nasser Bin Khaled Automobiles is Qatar’s exclusive distributor of Mercedes-Maybach, Mercedes-Benz and Mercedes-AMG.