Auto Express Test Drives the Mercedes Ocean Drive

Forget about the incredible looks, luxurious interior and potent powerplant... The most amazing thing about this drop-top Mercedes S-Class is that it’s a car you could see on a street near you sooner than you think.

To prove the point, Auto Express was invited to be first behind the wheel of the fabric-roofed cabriolet at an exclusive event in the US.

The car was unveiled as a concept called Ocean Drive at January’s Detroit Motor Show, but nearly all of its features are entirely feasible for production. It sits on the long-wheelbase platform of the S600 limousine, and the four-seater four-door cabrio has a prominent upright grille that’s even larger than the one which adorns the front of the S-Class.

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jeffy210 - 3/7/2007 3:32:34 PM

+3 Boost

B-e-a-utiful... I really can see this car being a huge hit. I agree with the article, there really isn't much from preventing this from going into production, and the fact that MB let it out of their hands for a test makes me wonder if that may be the case.

raydata - 3/7/2007 9:36:18 PM

+2 Boost

Nice looking car. It competes with Bentley I believe. I liked the way MB moved on this one. Quickly. I wish Lexus were offering a drop/hard-top convertible for the LS 600h L. I think they should also ofer a 4.6L-hybrid version (for extra mileage) and a "F" version for performance. They are moving a bit too slow compared to MB and BMW in that market though. Just my opinion and observation.

cdoke - 3/7/2007 7:10:07 PM

+2 Boost

I am not an immense fan of the exterior. I really like the interior though...nautical in feel really.

EvoAudi - 3/7/2007 7:32:33 PM

-1 Boost

eeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeewwwwwwwwwwwww 2 spoke steering wheel get it off get it off...!!!!!!!!

EvoAudi - 3/7/2007 7:33:02 PM

+1 Boost

still looks too much like a concept for my taste.

rack - 3/7/2007 8:00:01 PM

-1 Boost

The headlights look like something you would see on a new prius.

no1listensanyway - 3/7/2007 8:08:45 PM

+1 Boost

It looks a lot better from the side, the front not so much.

rymert19 - 3/7/2007 10:58:47 PM

+3 Boost

4 door convertibles... now thats something you don't see everyday

jeffy210 - 3/7/2007 11:36:45 PM

+3 Boost

Last one i saw was a custom made '02 Caddy DTS. A local used luxury dealer (Hovey) had one in stock, very interesting concept.

They also had one of 200 1976 Bi-Centenial Edition El Dorado convertibles with only 700 miles on it for $15,000... that was very tempting

SHERR - 3/8/2007 12:15:43 AM

+3 Boost

YESSS, I've wanted to ee a large Premium Sedan in Cabrio Form...looks better than I first thought...
0-60 in 4.8!!!

JUGNU - 3/8/2007 5:16:55 AM

-1 Boost

raydata,if Lexus is not thinking/doing this kind of project doesn't mean they r slow or anything.Your observation is wrong.
They maybe trying their hand on something else.
How about MB years behind Lexus in Hybrid technology.

BTW i think there wont be much sales happening in this segment.Ultra luxury convertables.
One of the reason why Lexus might not enter into this segment.

JUGNU

Lexus

Agent63 - 3/8/2007 10:16:39 AM

+3 Boost

Another thing is that the ultra luxury convertible segment would only consist of the Bentley, Rolls, and this Ocean Drive. I mean the very elite will by this exclusive car but it wont be for the mass.

So I agree with you in saying Lexus might not enter this segment, it would be a enormous risk for them.

cdoke - 3/8/2007 2:56:07 PM

+2 Boost

It is supposed to compete with the Azure and the RR Drophead Coupe? I had assumed that it would directly compete with the Continental GTC. In that case whilst I do like the interior, and would consider it in leiu of the Continental GTC I would not in the case of the Azure and RR: Mercedes is way out of their depth in that company.

...in addition, I acutally like the 2-spoke steering wheel. It is much better than that atrocious 4 spoke one with the two lower setback spokes.