Mercedes Benz 4-door convertible at Detroit
Mercedes Benz is expected to show us a new 4-door convertible concept prototype based on the current Mercedes Benz S-class at the Detroit Motor Show early next year. The model might go into production with choices of engines that include a performance V12 in 2009, just 2 years from now.
But then again, is Mercedes Benz answering a question that no one asked? Is there actually a demand for a 4-door convertible, and what will having 4 doors do to the car’s structural rigidity?
December 13, 2006 @ 4:30 pm
uhuh good question Paul lol
December 13, 2006 @ 4:49 pm
Er…the canvas hood is a no-no. Its electric self-folding hard-tops these days. I thought Merc should have know better…
December 13, 2006 @ 5:03 pm
Any demand for 4-door convertible in most countries? No….
But the answer is “YES” if he/she is 50 Cent, Black Eyed Peas, Dwyane Wade or some bling bling black guy.
December 13, 2006 @ 6:03 pm
gosh… maybe the arabians will buy it… for drifting!!! tat will be damn interesting!
looks like the car is aimed at those multimillionaire where they have nowhere to spend their money at… maybe those families who wan ‘fresh’ air in their rides…
December 13, 2006 @ 7:25 pm
O-kay, that seems just kinda abnormal… But not so weird for a family of four maybe even five… Come to think of it, canvas roofs are becoming yesterday’s news… But then again, 2 doors would be enough like the Volvo C70 and also VW Eos…
December 13, 2006 @ 7:41 pm
can it really fit 4 people in the first place?
December 13, 2006 @ 8:11 pm
renyeo: the 6 series convertible still uses a canvas top
December 13, 2006 @ 9:32 pm
unless they reduce the wheelbase, it’ll look real ugly..
December 13, 2006 @ 11:23 pm
I actually believe that there’s a market for a 4-door convertible. Some people buy sedans wishing it is a convertible. Some like convertibles, but they find it not practical and easily-accesible enough for their family. So yea, I think there’s a market for such cars, albeit a small one :p And I agree, canvas tops are sooooo yesterday, makes the car look like some grandpa model compared to all the sleek hardtop models.
December 13, 2006 @ 11:34 pm
these germans have gone mad. I thought only the French are the silly-est in the world. The convertible has always about 2 persons in a roof off vehicle. not this oversized S class.
So, that’s summed things up. ugly and mad germans.
ps- someone mentioned the Arabs will buy that. yeah, if they do, than its ugly and mad germans selling cars to stupid and silly arabs.
December 14, 2006 @ 12:32 am
Haha, I don’t think the German engineers are mad though, if they can make it for sale, then it means that they have their ways of making the car rigid and safe. Peugeot’s succeeded at it with the 407 hardtop, so it’s only natural that other carmakers are having a go at it too.
When something new comes out, it’s generally regarded as weird, but with time, it becomes the norm. I think that shall be the case with 4 door coupes ala CLS too.
December 14, 2006 @ 8:03 am
There is a market for a 4 door cabriolet. I’m one of the long time believers and still awaiting how it could be done.
December 14, 2006 @ 1:11 pm
big covertible,………..americanization big big big,
December 16, 2006 @ 1:07 pm
Hard top, soft top, buyers decide……
But for me, I like both!!! ( Volvo C70 & BMW 645Ci )
A normal CLS50 will be good enough for me if I got the money……
December 17, 2006 @ 12:53 am
soft top ugly