New Mercedes-Benz S-Class coupe and convertible axed, but AMG and Maybach versions confirmed

Mercedes-Benz has officially axed the S-Class coupe and cabriolet, establishing its seventh-generation flagship exclusively as a four-door sedan.

However, the brand has also confirmed the even more luxurious Maybach version will break cover before the end of the year, and an AMG-fettled upper-large sedan is in the works.

Confirming the news to journalists ahead of the S-Class reveal, Mercedes-Benz sales and marketing boss Britta Seeger hinted that the discontinuation was due to low sales in the niche ultra-luxurious coupe and convertible.

“We took the decision to not – with the new S-Class – continue with cabriolet and coupe,” she said.

“What we see as a trend out of customers’ perspective currently, customers around the globe more and more are going from the sedan style into the SUV style.

“From the SUV style, they’re asking more and more into the SUV coupe style, and what we’re trying to do is follow these trends or to set trends and derive the right product portfolio as an ongoing task that we have to do in this company.”

Four inline six-cylinder engines are available to international S-Class buyers, but the brand is promising a V8-powered variant before 2021, with a plug-in hybrid coming next year.

The V8 S-Class will feature 48-volt mild-hybrid technology and could be the anticipated AMG version, but is also likely to take the shape of the next Mercedes-Maybach model.

The Maybach nameplate was revived in 2015 as the ultra-high-end variant of the sixth-gen S-Class, and has since also migrated to the GLS large SUV. All modern Maybachs are powered by a petrol V8 engine.

Ms Seeger said since over 50,000 Maybach vehicles have been sold in the last five years, warranting another version on the new-generation S-Class platform.

The new Maybach will ride on an even longer wheelbase than the standard S-Class (31066mm and 3216mm for short- and long-wheelbase variants respectively) for increased rear passenger room, while more upmarket interior materials and unique styling touches are also likely.

Meanwhile, Mercedes-Benz boss Ola Kaellenius said the brand will still have offerings in the niche large coupe and cabriolet space to satiate buyer demand.

“You don’t have to worry at all that you’re not going to get an adequate luxury offering if you want a sporty two-door, either coupe or cabrio,” he said.

Mercedes has already confirmed a new-generation SL roadster, developed on the same platform as the AMG GT, to be revealed next year that will slot in as the brand’s luxurious sports car model.