It's called a "design study," but the Mercedes-Benz Concept Ocean Drive could usher a rebirth of top-line luxury convertibles. Based on the Mercedes flagship S-Class, Mercedes Ocean Drive is set to debut at the North American International Auto Show in Detroit.

Like the luxury convertibles of the past, this four-door convertible show-piece from Stuttgart features "the maximum in elegance, lifestyle sophistication and exclusiveness" according to a recent Mercedes press release. The long side-window opening is not interrupted by a B-pillar or window frames, ensuring seamless continuity between the exterior and the interior, even when the top is up. The luxurious character of the Ocean Drive is highlighted by high-quality leather, 3D-effect materials, and large bird's-eye maple trim panels. On the engineering side of things, the innovative soft-top mechanism results in smooth operation and fast closing times. The innovative AIRSCARF neck-level heating system, featured on all 4-seats, lets you enjoy top-down cruising even in during the colder months.

Design studies are always a good opportunity for designers to play around with less familiar themes, to see things from new angles and to explore new ideas. Design studies are also a way of stimulating a closer dialogue with customers and of trying out new ideas on the general public. This helps designers get a feel for future styling trends and to develop new design idioms. With enough positive response, we could see the Mercedes-Benz Ocean Drive rolling off the production line sometime soon.