Developing the Mercedes-Benz Ocean Drive

[bum-man]

Source / Video: Video: Developing the Mercedes-Benz Ocean Drive, production likely

 

[ZicZachZo]

I bet that S600 without a body is bloody fast!

 

[Merc1]

This is about as much of the S600 I can afford right now!


Seriously though, this car has to go into production, but I think we're going to have to wait until the next S-Class for it to happen. I was hoping it would show up during the facelift of the W221, but that seem unlikely. Then again we're talking about the 2010 or 2011 model year here in the U.S. so it could happen.

Such a car would add so much luster to the Mercedes badge/brand as the OD would be a totally unique/exclusive model type on the market. It would also spell the end of Maybach I'm sure.

I guess a CL Cabrio is needed too in order to get some of those Bentley CGTC sales.

M

 

[SDNR]

^ you made me wonder, isn't it time the Maybach got its face lift?

 

[Merc1]

There was one spied a little while back, so it should be coming up soon. Its been on the market since 2003 with little to no changes, only additional models being added.

The Maybach's facelift needs to be fairly dramatic. For one it is outdated in the infotainment/telematics area compared to any 2008 or 2009 Mercedes. Then it needs something done to the interior, but that isn't going to happen on a such poorly selling car. Exterior changes are needed too, but with the old W140's guts underneath there isn't much they change without changing the hardpoints, which is too costly.


M

 

[SDNR]

^ I imagine the exterior changes won't be much more than LEDs and new bumper moldings

 

[Centurion]

Seriously though, this car has to go into production, but I think we're going to have to wait until the next S-Class for it to happen.

There are rumors about Audi working on an A7 cabrio and with Mercedes presenting a four door convertible concept, there is no question whether or not they will bring a car like this to the market.

The mystery is which car the concept will be reincarnated into. Rigidity would be one very big problem with the S-class not to mention the weight. If it was me I would base it on the next CLS or a Maybach.

 

[Merc1]

Yeah I think chassis rigidity is the biggest engineering challenge. I just wonder if it will be a new model designation or will it just be the S-Class convertible? I'm betting they'll come up with a new "class" for this when it is produced. They should give it a name instead of a letter/number designation.


M

 

[Centurion]

Yeah I think chassis rigidity is the biggest engineering challenge. I just wonder if it will be a new model designation or will it just be the S-Class convertible? I'm betting they'll come up with a new "class" for this when it is produced. They should give it a name instead of a letter/number designation.


M

The S-class as it looks now isn't sexy enough for a model like this. The exterior needs to look exquisite, otherwise the car would simply be a four door convertible. Mercedes must be working very hard on the car since Audi will launch their beauty in 3 years or so. No big manufacturer like to be leapfrogged.

 

[SDNR]

^ It should be the new Maybach

 

[Merc1]

No, Maybach is a dying breed and such a car would be a waste on that brand. It is time for Mercedes to build the best cars they can build at the upper range and challenge all the heavyweights like they used to. Maybach is barely clinging to life.

M

 

[Centurion]

^ It should be the new Maybach

Ideally yes. That would result in most extravaganza creating a sense of "land yatch". It would be a great way of bridging the transition between the current generation maybach and the next one. Mercedes would earn a whole lot more money from the car if they brand it a Maybach. Resale value is sustained much better with more upscale brands, and the S65 is a prime example of that.

 

[SDNR]

No, Maybach is a dying breed and such a car would be a waste on that brand. It is time for Mercedes to build the best cars they can build at the upper range and challenge all the heavyweights like they used to. Maybach is barely clinging to life.

M

I don't agree Marcus.

The Mabach 57/62 obviously has not been greatly successful in terms of sales ....but they have established the Maybach brand name at the highest level of the auto world -- especially, and most critically, in the USA.

The brand is very strong ....and has gained a lot of recognition. With the right product it has the potential to dominate the top sector of the market.

A vehicle like the ODC would be perfect for Maybach ....and could possibly take the crown from the new 'baby' Rolls and Arnage replacement.

 

[Merc1]

We'll just have agree to disagree on that one. With many U.S. MB dealers closing/selling back their Maybach franchises I don't see where it has gained anything here in the U.S. Sure the name is up there sorta speak, but it doesn't mean anything next to Rolls and Bentley. Maybach is an also-ran in the U.S. barely even mentioned or noticed anymore.

M

 

[SDNR]

^ but remember Maybach was rated as the most prestigious brand by the Luxury Institute in the USA.

You know my feelings about this kind of superficial marketing and brand-building ....but this is the world we live in and perceptions are everything. How can Mercedes ever be seen to be as exclusive as a Rolls-Royce when they also make cars like the CLC?

You and I both know that the S class is as good as it gets in the auto-world ....but it still is not as prestigious as the Maybach 57/62 -- it is purely about perceptions ....even if these perceptions have been thoroughly engineered through clever marketing and product placement at all the snootiest social events.

 

[Merc1]

^ but remember Maybach was rated as the most prestigious brand by the Luxury Institute in the USA.

LOL...you're too much Rob.

The Mercedes brand doesn't have to be seen as exclusive as Rolls-Royce only the model designed to compete against Rolls-Royce. We don't get the A, B or CLC here anyway, thank goodness.

You know you and I have had this conversation a many time about Maybach. IMO they had the concept right the first time, the "Maybach by Mercedes", a grand Mercedes, not whole new brand.

M

 

[Tarek]

Is this car gonna fight BMW's next flagship 8er? and if so then what the new CLS will do? fight the A7,Rapide and panamera?

 

[SDNR]

It is confusing to know where the borders between these brands begin and end.

What is BMW's/Mercedes' prestige limit? ......is there one? -- and where does this leave Rolls-Royce and Maybach?

...And why the heck would Audi be building such a prestigious vehicle ....wouldn't it work better as a Bentley?

 

[Centurion]

...And why the heck would Audi be building such a prestigious vehicle ....wouldn't it work better as a Bentley?

The A7 is based on the A6 making the A7 a direct CLS competitor. Mercedes have marketed the Ocean Drive as an uber luxury cruiser clearly above the S-class. It all comes down to what platform is used for the four door coupe and what you're purpose is with it. Do you want it simply to be a mass produced four door convertible or a niche car.

At the moment the S-class can't ball with Rolls and Bentley when it comes to prestige. The S65 and SL65 lose 40% of their value in the first year.