It's nice to be telling you about a new concept car that is just that. Too many car manufacturers display an imminent showroom model with bigger wheels, a fancy interior and a lurid colour scheme and slap the 'concept' tag on it a few months ahead of launching the production version. Though this creates hype, surely buyers of the actual car are a little disappointed when it has not turned out quite as sexy as the show car from a few months earlier? Anyway, no fear of that with the concept you see here, the Mercedes-Benz Concept Ocean Drive.
The Ocean Drive is based on the wheelbase of the S 600, which explains the extended length of the show car. Mercedes considers it to be the ultimate expression of luxury motoring, seating four in an opulent interior. No need to clamber inelegantly into the rear either, as there are four doors.
The Ocean Drive design itself could influence future Mercedes-Benz models. The clean sculpting of the side panels and the distinctive rear wing panels would be an improvement over the opinion-splitting S-Class design. The rear lights on the concept car would work just as well, though the fronts are an acquired taste. An exaggerated and upright radiator grille sits between the front lights.
Though Mercedes-Benz is adamant that the Ocean Drive is purely a design study (allowing its designers some freedom without the restrictions of production) it is possible that the company is considering a large four-door convertible to rival a new Rolls-Royce with the same layout. However, we would have thought that the Maybach brand would be better placed for that. Time will tell.
Meanwhile, keep an eye on our full run-down from the
Detroit Show for more images of the Ocean Drive and other concepts at the 2007 show.
Shane O' Donoghue - 22 Dec 2006