The market for the full-sized S-Class Coupé and Cabriolet had never really caught on, with customers likely better served by the SL-Class hardtop convertible or E-Class Coupé/Cabriolet, the latter two nameplates having more brand equity.

Although Mercedes-Benz had released numerous model variants in the early 2010s to grow sales, by the end of the decade Mercedes-Benz aimed to simplify its lineup to leave room for new electric vehicles, as well as making things less complex for its dealers.

The C217 introduced an update to the hydraulic fully active Magic Body Control suspension (which debuted on the W222 sedan model), which allows the vehicle to lean up to 2.5 degrees into a turn, similar to the way a motorcycle leans into a turn.

The leaning is intended to counter the effect of centrifugal force on the occupants and was available only on rear-wheel drive models.

The vehicle features a twin-turbocharged 4.7L engine paired with a 7-speed or a 9-speed (only for rear-wheel drive version[15]) automatic transmission.

Safety is maintained by a roll-over system, which is pyrotechnically actuated behind the rear passengers if required.

[17] Based on the convertible version of the AMG S 65, the Maybach S 650 Cabriolet was produced in a limited run of 300 units, each priced at $335,000,[citation needed][18] or €273,000 without tax.