Hypersonic

Curb Zone

 

Mirage77

Everything about the sedan is nice. The rest just doesn't cut it.

St. Merc

yeah...I think what Mercedes's really plannin to build is a CL convert not a S-class convert. It wouldn't be the first time that Auto Motor is wrong...

NevadaJack

I can't believe MB would even think about an S Class convertible, let alone a 4 door one. If anything the CL may show a convertible but I also think that concept is misplaced also. What could be gained by making a large convertible and create a marketing problem against the SL? If anything...build another E Class cabrio and that would be a nice car and fit nicely in the mix.

Just my opinion with no real basis of fact or fiction...

Mr. Mercedes

I think a FULL sized 4-5 seat 4 door convertible would be a good idea also, and normally I would agree with the logic of basing it on the E-class, but I really think MB needs to push as upmarket as it can at the moment. A high end 4 door coupe would be extremely unique, and I doubt BMW or AUDI would have the balls (cachet) to follow.

But hey, the way Mercedes works these days, why not one off the E and one off the S?

Hypersonic

We have talked about the apparent "lack-of-direction" at Mercedes-Benz for some time now ...I think Mercedes too have felt a little lost in recent times ...there have been huge upheavals associated with the merger with Chrysler etc.. and the sudden aggressive attack on their market position from BMW and also Audi. I believe Mercedes is trying to differentiate itself from the others by looking back at it's history to find aspects of past classic models that are essentially Mercedes-Benz. Mercedes said the inspiration for the flared wheel-arches of the S class comes from the 300 "Adenauer" of the 1950's (the 300 Adenauer model was also available as a 4 door cabriolet).

Given the market for luxury cars has grown considerably over the past 40 years I think a soft-top S class or CL would be possible.

Mercedes-Benz in the 1960's

= C class


= the E class


300SE/300SEL
= S class


SE coupe and convertible
= the CL


SL
= SL


600
= Maybach

Deutsch

Pretty crazy idea, there are a few custom shops out there that do convertible conversions on sedans. I think it would be wise for MB to do a concept car first to gauge public reaction and see if people don't start writing advanced checks at the show (that's how thigns played out w/ the 101EX showcar from RR). It would also be wise for them to really create rigid objectives in the cars development, so that such a roof so large would be manufactured to the highest of standards to buffer against even more quality woes. It seems like MB's been rocking the boat lately in quality.

Beemer B773ER

How do get a car of that size and that mass to maintain an adequate level of structural rigidity without a roof or B-Pillar ? (Unless ofcourse they do something similar to the MB 600 picture posted by Roberto).

If they could pull it off, I think it would look pretty good, but my goodness, if MB produce it, then they'll confirm my fears that MB is clutching at the idea of simply adding niche products to counter a core model of a competitor (eg: Developing the CLS to provide a 2-prong attack against the 5er).

Can someone please tell MB to quit thinking about rolling out niche variants and focus on their core models and improving their tarnish image (which I acknowledge they have been doing).

You know, I wouldnt be suprised if MB offered a CL Convertible and an SL Coupe, as well as a 4-door coupe of the S class (or a 2 door sedan maybe).

BMW_Dude

This idea of an convertible S class seems a weird idea, I wonder how much it would cost, would have to be a lot and add a lot of weight to the car. I agree with BeeMer Boi, they should focus more on making their core models better, and creating all these niches, it must be costing them so much money developing all these new cars!

BTW, I think it would be better to do a convertible Maybach 57 instead, because at that level people wouldn't worry about the extra cost and it suits a car like that more IMO!

Pagani

I think Mercedes should not crowd its flagship fleet (S, CL, SL) any more. A four seat convertible would work well under the Maybach brand, as would a large four door coupe.

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