Test drive BMW M850i Cabriolet, Mercedes S 560: Stairway to Heaven
Impression from two of the world's most luxurious streetwear models
The renaissance of the convertible in the Mercedes S-Class has resulted in the natural appearance of mirroring and a rival character with the BMW emblem. The classic meeting of the sporting spirit of the eighth series of the Bavarians with the M850i and the traditional elegance of the Stuttgart S 560.
Is it better to first look at the picturesque landscapes in the photographs and try to dive into the steering wheel of two convertibles, or start by studying and comparing technical data, prices and ratings in tables? Unfortunately, we do not have an answer to this question. Just like we have no idea how a person could quickly and honestly become a millionaire. But we know very well why we ditched the scoreboard from the start - the open versions of the M850i xDrive and S 560 are too big a deal for such a small calculation. So spectacular that even the photographer did not really want to shoot two models with closed roofs. And really - who wants to hide from such weather and such nature in such a car?
Of course, the classic textile roofs are present in both cases – with durable padding and flawlessly stretched in perfect shape by electric mechanisms capable of transforming and moving at speeds up to 50 km / h. The complex choreography of folding and unfolding individual elements remains remarkable, and the ability of the entire structure to fit in the space behind the rear seats borders on focus. The fact that a certain amount of trunk is taken in is as insignificant for convertible fans in this class as the limited space for rear seat passengers and the inevitable weight gain due to the additional reinforcements needed to compensate for the stabilizer. hardtop feature. The stability of the case in two specific examples is excellent, and the workmanship is meticulous to the smallest detail.
The two German companies have also gone to great lengths to prevent any inconvenience associated with outdoor travel. Heated seats, steering wheel, neck and shoulders gently respond to any possible risk of discomfort. Everything is thought out to the smallest detail, even heated armrests are available on request. In all this, the eighth series BMW is not inferior to the Discovery. The only thing missing from the Mercedes is the Aircap aerodynamic system, which blows vortexes over the cabin via an additional spoiler at the top of the windshield frame.
Eight for two
Therefore, in the second row of the M850i, it is better to accommodate mostly teenagers with unpretentious hairstyles who can easily fit in narrow and vertical seats and have fun, instead of being annoyed by mischievous gusts of wind. If in the open version of the predecessor of the sixth series the role of an aerodynamic deflector was performed by an additional small rear window, which could be lifted separately, then the “eight” uses a classic folding design that completely covers the entire rear of the cabin. Thanks to him, the driver and his companion in the front row in a 4,85 meter Bavarian car enjoy excellent seating and virtually complete isolation from the onslaught of oncoming air. Fully digital dashboard controls will not disappoint the generation of the Internet, but despite the abundance of assistive systems and partially autonomous driving, first-person driving pleasure remains the main thrust of the M850i.
I push the start button, move the glass ball on the shift lever to D, and start. The 4,4-liter V8 performs uniform and purposeful duties, and in Sport Plus mode it circles around a real tornado. In the blink of an eye, 530 horsepower and 750 Nm of peak torque land on the 20-inch wheels with a fury that raises serious concerns about the consequences for asphalt pavement. The way the Bavarian Biturbo gets the job done is phenomenal, and in terms of timing with the eight-speed transmission, there's nothing to be desired - the intelligent engine pulls route profile data from the navigation system and always prepares with the optimal gear.
But despite the remarkable dynamics of a 2,1-tonne car on the M850i, after two to three kilometers chasing fast corners, one subtly calms down and shifts into the typical "cruise" mode of the classic Gran Turismo for a smooth, fast, smooth ride. easily overcomes long distances. This natural solution, of course, is facilitated by the impressive dimensions of the body - the width, for example, with exterior rear-view mirrors, seriously exceeds two meters. And while a modern arsenal of technology, including dual transmission and all-wheel drive, a self-locking rear differential and adaptive suspension with automatic body roll control, makes driving at high speeds fantastically simple and safe, the classics in this genre somehow dominate. overtaking a slightly virtual, slightly synthetic road. Driving comfort is at an extremely high level, with a pleasantly sporty bumpy ride. In Comfort Plus mode, only a small amount of shock from very rough and hard impacts can reach the steering wheel.
As you may have guessed, the S 560 handles them with its ever-present composure. Like the limousine and coupe version of the S-Class, Stuttgart's finest convertible melts away from the light, soft rocking of even badly damaged pavement, big ripples and big uneven pavement. In the levers of the Airmatic system, everything sinks without noise and unnecessary tension. The last traces of anxiety are extinguished in exceptionally comfortable "multi-contour" seats, equipped, among other things, with the Hot Stone Active Workout active massage system. A true master of silence is the guru of heavy upholstery and insulation – with 71dB in the cabin at 160km/h, the luxury open Mercedes is among the quietest convertibles to pass the measuring equipment of automotive and sports transport. With its total length of 5,03 meters, it is one of the largest we have ever seen.
Large-scale sophistication
The impressive presence of the hull, with its flowing shapes and calm lines, is reminiscent of the radiance of a luxury yacht that sails the sea with elegant power and carefully dosed enthusiasm. Currently, there is no other model that would embody and reflect more vividly and vividly the great past of the brand in today's large-scale reality.
And just like in the past, the prospective owner gets the opportunity to add a truly individual touch to their high-tech jewelry. A perfect example in this regard is the mystical sheen of the ruby red lacquer finish of the test sample, merging with the darker red hue of the soft fabric roof and Swarovski crystals in the LED headlights. The interior, in turn, captures the senses with a spacious ambience of light upholstery in fine nappa leather with diamond motifs and light brown shades of the noble wood of rare Asian ash.
Add to that the mood of a Burmester surround sound system, 64-color indirect lighting and subtle hints of "free mood" from the body's aroma system, and you'll find out how a short dinner out can turn into a spontaneous trip somewhere down south. A four-liter V8 and a tank with a capacity of 80 are at your service - with an average consumption in the test of 12,8 l / 100 km, driving about 600 km without stopping is not a problem. Of course, the thrust is slightly weaker than a BMW's bi-turbo engine, enough for a heavier open Mercedes of 44 kg - the Stuttgart convertible glides smoothly and silently like an electric car, and emits its voice only at the explicit insistence of the sport mode.
In general, the S 560 can also be dynamic - with 469 hp, 700 Nm, the pleasure of erasing some deeply rooted prejudices with thick black lines on the pavement is quite affordable. For example, the fact that Mercedes models with air suspension are clumsy in corners. Nothing like that - the dynamic driving style of a large convertible automatically tightens the rows in the chassis, and the ability to completely disable the ESP will allow even seemingly unthinkable jokes with the rear axle. But the main driving force behind the open Mercedes is not the desire for speed in corners, but the unshakable calmness of forward movement, resulting from the abundant thrust of torque. This is a classic that will teach you to appreciate long and emotional journeys.
The BMW model is a completely different creature that can and wants to demonstrate its exceptional competence in all matters - to everyone, everywhere and at any time. Its ready to jump is evident in every muscle of the athletic body, and its character is literally woven from athletic ambition - which is completely lacking in the essence of the open S-Class. She is a typical aristocrat - confidently immersed in herself and generously enveloping calm. In fact, this is the result of a comparison - no points, but absolutely accurate.
Text: Bernd Stegemann
Photo: Dino Eisele
