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Mercedes previews new S-Class convertible

Mercedes keeps on expanding its flagship S-Class with more models, and will soon add one more to the roster. But before it does, it's giving us this teaser of what's to come with an advanced look at the upcoming new S-Class Cabriolet. The convertible model will be based closely on the S-Class Coupe we already know, only with a folding roof. Expect that dropping top to be constructed of several layers of fabric (as opposed to a folding metal top) with a glass rear window (instead of plastic) to keep it luxuriously isolated and insulated from the outside world when it's up, and let the wind and sunshine in when down. The Cabrio will bring the array of body-styles in the S-Class range up to six, with the convertible joining the existing coupe and four wheelbase lengths of sedan. Expect powertrain options to closely mirror those of the coupe, including S550, S63, and eventual S65 AMG models driving the rear wheels or all four. Slotting in above the E-Class Cabriolet, the new convertible S-Class will be Daimler's "first luxury four seater cabriolet since 1971." It'll compete in rather rare company against the likes of the Bentley Continental GTC, Aston Martin DB9 Volante, Maserati GranTurismo Convertible, and even the upcoming new Rolls-Royce Dawn when it arrives. And judging from the timing of this preview rendering's release, we anticipate it'll arrive soon. Related Video:

Poor headlights cause 40 cars to miss IIHS Top Safety Pick rating

Over the past few months, we've noticed a number of cars and SUVs that have come incredibly close to earning one of the IIHS's highest accolades, the Top Safety Pick rating. They have great crash test scores and solid automatic emergency braking and forward collision warning systems. What trips them up is headlights. That got us wondering, how many vehicles are there that are coming up short because they don't have headlights that meet the organization's criteria for an "Acceptable" or "Good" rating. This is a revision made after 2017, a year in which headlights weren't factored in for this specific award. This is also why why some vehicles, such as the Ford F-150, might have had the award last year, but have lost it for this year. We reached out to someone at IIHS to find out. He responded with the following car models. Depending on how you count, a whopping 40 models crash well enough to receive the rating, but don't get it because their headlights are either "Poor" or "Marginal." We say depending on how you count because the IIHS actual counts truck body styles differently, and the Infiniti Q70 is a special case. Apparently the version of the Q70 that has good headlights doesn't have adequate forward collision prevention technology. And the one that has good forward collision tech doesn't have good enough headlights. We've provided the entire list of vehicles below in alphabetical order. Interestingly, it seems the Volkswagen Group is having the most difficulty providing good headlights with its otherwise safe cars. It had the most models on the list at 9 split between Audi and Volkswagen. GM is next in line with 7 models. It is worth noting again that though these vehicles have subpar headlights and don't quite earn Top Safety Pick awards, that doesn't mean they're unsafe. They all score well enough in crash testing and forward collision prevention that they would get the coveted award if the lights were better.

Mercedes wants to be the luxury car for women

Mercedes-Benz wants to bring more women into the the fold, and it's launching a very different type of online vehicle configurator in Germany by the end of the year in hopes of growing appeal among female buyers. The new website is just one part of the company's new advertising campaign called "She's Mercedes" that launches at the Frankfurt Motor Show. It's set to appear in other markets around the world in 2016. Although according to company spokesperson Tobias Mueller to Autoblog, "MBUSA has no immediate plans to extend this strategy in the US." Mercedes believes the huge number of options on its models can be overwhelming, and the company's new "lifestyle configurator" is supposed to offer an alternative. With this solution customers select their preferences to questions about travel, music, activities, and more. The automaker then uses an algorithm to offer several pre-equipped vehicles that meet those criteria best. Although, obviously the traditional configurator is still available for women wanting the more direct approach. "In future we want to win them over for our brand to an even greater extent than before – with tailor-made measures, developed especially for women," said Dr. Jens Thiemer, Mercedes' head of marketing. In addition to the lifestyle configurator, Mercedes is hoping to grow its female buyers in other ways. It's launching a She's Mercedes magazine and website in Germany in September to further get the message out about the campaign. Beyond just a tweaked marketing message, the company wants to hire more women for the sales staff at dealers, too. "Best Customer Experience" – She's Mercedes and lifestyle configurator: Mercedes-Benz – individual and up close and personal to female and male customers alike Stuttgart, Sep 12, 2015 Stuttgart. In keeping with the sales and marketing strategy "Best Customer Experience", Mercedes-Benz is bringing the needs and wishes of women even more sharply into focus. The inspiration platform "She's Mercedes", which is starting in parallel with the International Motor Show in Frankfurt (IAA), is at the heart of the new, holistic initiative. With innovative event and information offers, Mercedes-Benz wants to enter a more intensive dialogue with women and significantly increase the brand's attractiveness for this target group.