Mercedes-Benz's Ocean Drive four-seater drop top concept looks striking enough to wow the concept-hungry masses at the Detroit Show, but feasible enough for wealthy sun lovers to reach for the sun block and driving gloves.

Mercedes-Benz's Ocean Drive four-seater drop top concept looks striking enough to wow the concept-hungry masses at the Detroit Show, but feasible enough for wealthy sun lovers to reach for the sun block and driving gloves.

The Stuttgart-based firm hopes to garner a great deal of interest from the sun-worshipping money set with the unveiling of its luxury four-door Ocean Drive concept at the Detroit Show. In a convertible market dominated by coupés and two-door sports cars, Mercedes hopes to rejuvenate a long-neglected niche with this striking one-off concept.

The long wheelbase of the twelve-cylinder S600 forms the foundation of the Ocean Drive and features a number of technical innovations from existing vehicles in the range. The SLK's Airscarf neck-level heating system can be found on all four seats while the S Class's Pre-safe anticipatory passenger safety- and Distronic Plus systems also find their way into the concept.

Given the once-off nature of this concept, the designers at Mercedes were granted free license when it came to the all-new body of the Ocean Drive.

Large uncluttered surfaces combine with taut lines and two-tone paintwork to make the Ocean Drive an imposing but graceful looking machine. LED headlights and a prominent grille that echoes the styling of more traditional Mercedes form the face of this concept and there are no B-pillars or window frames interrupting the profile of this car. The rear features chrome-rimmed LED brake lights and a pair of trapezoidal exhaust pipes emerging from the rear skirt hinting at a powerful engine up front.

The interior of the Ocean Drive features top quality hide covering the seats and the use of other high-end materials such as bird's eye maple for the trim panels and even the hard cover for the folding roof. The dash display echoes that of the current S Class, with many the major dials and displays being computer generated.

According to Mercedes, this concept is more than a flight of fancy and should allow the company's designers to gauge the public's reaction to unfamiliar themes and ideas.

Looking at the Ocean Drive Concept, it is difficult to imagine many objections to an open-top S Class arising from well-heeled sun seekers visiting the Detroit Show.


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Original article from Car