List of concept vehicles from Mercedes-Benz

This list of concept vehicles from Mercedes-Benz provides an overview of all concept vehicles that have been presented under the Mercedes-Benz brand since 1969. Concept vehicles anticipate the introduction of a new type of vehicle or a new series. They are equipped with innovative technology that is already being used in series vehicles or is about to be ready for series production.

Concept and research vehicles from Mercedes-Benz

year	designation	presentation	category	Production vehicle	Launch	Illustration
1969	C 111 I.
1970	C 111 II
1971	ESF 05	October 26, 1971	Experimental Safety Vehicle
1972	ESF 13	May 31, 1972	Experimental Safety Vehicle
1973	ESF 22 / ESF 22a		Experimental Safety Vehicle
1974	ESF 24		Experimental Safety Vehicle
1978	C 111 III
1979	C 111 IV
1981	Car 2000		Research car
1982	NAFA		Small car	A-class , smart fortwo	1997, 1998
1991	Study A		Compact class	A class	1997
1991	C 112	IAA
1991	F 100		Research vehicle
1992	EXT-92		Commercial vehicle
1993	Coupé study		Two-door coupe	CLK coupe	1997
1993	Vision A 93 (renamed Study A)		Compact class	A class	1997
1994	MCC Speedster		Mini city car	smart city coupé (later: smart fortwo )	1998
1994	MCC Sprinter		Mini city car
1994	Study SLK I		Roadster	SLK	1996
1994	Study SLK II		Roadster	SLK	1996
1994	FCC		Compact class
1995	PRC		Vario Research Car
1996	AAV (AA Vision)		Sport utility vehicle	M-class	1997
1996	F 200 imagination	Mondial de l'Automobile	Research vehicle
1997	F 300 Life Jet	International Motor Show	Research vehicle
1997	Maybach study		Luxury sedan	Maybach	2002
1998	ALTRA		Transporter
1999	Vision SLR		High-performance sports car	SLR McLaren	2003
2000	Vision SLA		Roadster
2001	F 400 carving		Research vehicle
2001	Sprinter Mobile Black Office		Commercial vehicle
2002	Vision GST		Large travel vehicle	R-class	2004
2003	F 500 min	Tokyo Motor Show	Research vehicle
2003	Vision CLS	International Motor Show	Four-door coupe	CLS class	2004
2004	Sprinter Fuel Cell Drive System		Commercial vehicle
2004	Vision B		Compact travel vehicle	B class	2005
2004	Vision GST 2		Large travel vehicle	R-class	2004
2004	Vision R		Large travel vehicle	R-class	2004
2005	Bionic	Innovation Symposium in Washington
2005	F 600 Hygenius		Research vehicle
2005	S 320 Bluetec Hybrid
2006	Ocean Drive	NAIAS	Luxury cabriolet
2007	C 220 BlueTEC
2007	F 700	International Motor Show	Research vehicle
2008	Actros Trust Edition		Commercial vehicle
2008	Fascination	Mondial de l'Automobile
2008	GLK Bluetec Hybrid
2008	GLK Freeside
2008	GLK Townside
2008	Vito BlueEFFICIENCY
2009	BlueZero E-Cell	International Motor Show
2009	BlueZero E-Cell Plus
2009	BlueZero F-Cell
2009	S 400 hybrid		Hybrid electric vehicle of the luxury class	Mercedes-Benz S 400 HYBRID
2009	ESF2009	International Motor Show	Experimental Safety Vehicle
2009	F-Cell		Roadster
2009	S 500 plug-in hybrid
2010	F 800 style	Geneva Motor Show	Research vehicle
2010	Concept shooting break		Shooting break	Mercedes-Benz CLS Shooting Brake	2012
2010	Biomes
2011	B55
2011	Concept A	International Motor Show		Mercedes-Benz series 176	2012
2011	Silver Arrow	LA Auto Show
2011	Viano Vision Pearl		Mercedes-Benz 639 series
2011	F 125!	International Motor Show	Research vehicle
2012	Style coupe			Mercedes-Benz CLA-Class	2013
2012	Ener-G-Force
2013	Concept S-Class Coupe	International Motor Show	Luxury coupe	Mercedes-Benz S-Class Coupé	2014
2013	AMG Vision Gran Turismo	Coupe	Coupe
2014	Concept coupe SUV		SUV coupe	Mercedes-Benz GLE Coupé	2015
2015	F 015 Luxury in Motion	International Motor Show	Research vehicle
2015	Concept GLC Coupé	Auto Shanghai	SUV coupe	Mercedes-Benz GLC Coupé	2016
2015	Concept IAA (Intelligent Aerodynamic Automobile)	International Motor Show	Research vehicle
2015	Vision Tokyo	Tokyo Motor Show	Research vehicle
2016	Maybach 6		Coupe
2016	Concept EQ	Mondial de l'Automobile	Electric SUV	Mercedes-Benz EQC	2019
2016	Concept X-CLASS		Pick up	Mercedes-Benz X-Class	2017
2016	Vision Van	Transporter
2017	AMG GT Concept	Geneva Motor Show	Four-door coupe	Mercedes-AMG X 290	2018
2017	Concept A Sedan		Compact class	A-class sedan	2018
2017	Maybach 6 Cabriolet	Cabriolet
2017	Concept EQA	International Motor Show	Electric car in the compact segment
2017	AMG Project One	International Motor Show	Supercar	Mercedes-AMG Project One
2017	GLC F-Cell	International Motor Show	Hydrogen / battery powered SUV		2018
2018	Maybach Ultimate Luxury	Auto China	SUV sedan
2018	EQ Silver Arrow	Monterey Car Week	Electric racing car
2018	Vision Vision Urbanetic	IAA
2019	Concept EQV	Geneva Motor Show	Electric van	Mercedes-Benz EQV	2019
2019	Concept GLB	Auto Shanghai	Compact SUV based on the B-Class	Mercedes-Benz GLB
2019	ESF 2019		Experimental safety vehicle based on the GLE class
2019	Vision EQS	IAA	Outlook on a battery-powered S-Class
2020	Vision AVTR	CES	Concept vehicle inspired by the movie Avatar: Departure for Pandora

Vehicles in detail

NAFA

NAFA

The NAFA (local transport vehicle) belongs to the small car segment and can be seen as the original concept of the SMART Fortwo.

Facts

• Presentation: 1981
• Location: Stuttgart
• Objective: Development of a local transport vehicle, good all-round visibility, easy parking and getting in / out
• Drive: four-stroke gasoline engine with 3 cylinders, 1 liter displacement, 33 kW (45 PS), front-wheel drive

Technical features

• New interior design
• Four-wheel steering
• Transmission with electrical preselection
• Sliding doors

Explanations

The NAFA has a length of 2.50 m and a height and width of 1.50 m each. Thanks to the four-wheel steering, the turning circle is just 5.70 m, and two sliding doors allow easy entry and exit. The NAFA has front-wheel drive and an automatic transmission, air conditioning, power steering and belt tensioners. A high seating position, the low belt line and large windows allow a good all-round view.

EXT-92

The EXT-92 study (Euro Experimental Truck) represents the commercial vehicle for European long-distance road transport. It is a semitrailer truck consisting of a tractor unit with a trailer .

Facts

• Presentation: autumn 1992
• Location: International Motor Show (IAA), Frankfurt am Main
• Objective: A new commercial vehicle concept with a focus on aerodynamics , ergonomics , comfort and new lighting technology

Technical features

• Streamlined full fairing
• Distance radar (series introduction under the name DISTRONIC in the Mercedes-Benz S-Class (220 series) )
• Driver's seat in central position
• New operating concept
• Video cameras and monitors instead of rear-view mirrors
• Gas discharge headlights (series introduction under the name xenon headlights in the Mercedes-Benz S-Class (140 series) )
• LED brake lights (series introduction in 1999 in the Mercedes-Benz S-Class (220 series) )
• LED taillights (series introduction 2003 in the Mercedes-Benz SLR McLaren (C 199))
• LED turn signals (series introduction 2003 in the Mercedes-Benz SLR McLaren (C 199))
• Chip card instead of car key (series introduction in 1999 in the Mercedes-Benz S-Class (220 series) )
• Cabin glazing made of electrotransparent glass (series introduction in 2002 in the Maybach (series 240))

Explanations

Compared to a conventional truck, the aerodynamic drag of the EXT-92 is significantly lower; the aerodynamic drag coefficient of 0.35 comes close to that of passenger cars. When driving straight ahead, the trailer is pulled up to about 10 cm from the cab of the tractor with a special fifth wheel . In order to keep rear turbulence as small as possible, the trailer has automatically folding end edges. This shape reduces fuel consumption and thus emissions .

The aerodynamic full fairing and the wheel fairings also form a side underrun protection for other road users. It also prevents the formation of water spray and thus spray driving when it rains. Another safety element is hidden behind the Mercedes star: the distance radar . Together with the visibility measuring device, it warns the driver of obstacles and of insufficient distance in poor visibility.

The two-part swing door is opened by the driver with a personal chip card. He reaches the upright cabin via three steps. The seat, which is arranged on a platform in the middle of the cabin, is automatically rotated 30 degrees in the direction of the entrance and the dashboard and steering column are swiveled away. Then everything is set according to the data on the chip card. Likewise the settings for ventilation and radio. The steering wheel can be individually adjusted to the driver, the position of the operating and control unit is automatically adjusted in height to the steering wheel position. The central seat and the high seating position improve the protection of the driver in the event of an accident. A specially adapted airbag is located in the impact absorber of the steering wheel. The driver can call up all relevant information via a central display and control numerous vehicle equipment with communication buttons. The buttons change their symbols and functions dynamically with the respective task.

Displays and switches are combined into function groups. To the right and left of the central unit are 10-inch monitors that provide information on what is happening around the vehicle: six video cameras are installed over the entire truck, which also monitor the areas directly in front of the vehicle's front and rear and also exclude the blind spot .

The driver's cab is equipped with a kitchen block with a microwave oven, a refrigerator and freezer, a coffee machine, a sink and two fold-out tables. Shelves, cupboards and drawers offer storage space for personal items. The 80 cm wide lounger can be converted into a bench. The passenger seat is also a recliner; with leg rest and various adjustment options. The light permeability of the electrotransparent glazing of the cabin can be regulated automatically or manually, right up to the darkening of the cabin for rest phases.

The rear lights consist of many individual light-emitting diodes (LEDs) and are arranged as a band across the entire width of the rear. This technology allows conspicuous and flexible signal images. The driver can inform and warn the traffic behind about special features and the traffic situation in front of the semitrailer.

The headlights, high beam lights and fog lights are combined in the front light unit. There are also special maneuvering lights in the unit, which illuminate the critical areas in front of and behind the vehicle when maneuvering. The low beam headlamp contains a gas discharge lamp, known today as xenon light , and illuminates the road significantly better. Like the rear lights, the front indicators are designed using LED technology.

Coupé study

Coupé study

The Coupé study is the visual signal for the start of the product offensive and anticipates the dynamic design language of many subsequent models.

Facts

• Presentation: March 1993
• Location: Geneva Motor Show
• Objective: four-seater coupé with a new Mercedes face and fastback rear
• Drive: four-stroke gasoline engine with 8 cylinders, 5.0 liter displacement, 235 kW (320 hp), rear-wheel drive, automatic transmission

Technical features

• Four elliptical headlights (series introduction in 1995 in the E-Class (210 series) )
• Fastback rear (series launch in 2000 in the C-Class sports coupé (CL 203) )
• All-glass roof with gray tint (series introduction in 2002 in the E-Class (211 series) )
• Step-in-light
• Front seats with asymmetrical headrest connection ("Ergo Wing seats")

Explanations

The Coupé study shows a new face for the brand: a slim radiator grille, four individual, elliptical headlights - two large on the outside, two smaller on the inside - flanked by heavily modeled fenders.

There is no classic trunk lid, but a large tailgate that surrounds the window and extends to the edge of the bumper. This makes it the first “fastback” Mercedes.

There are four individual seats in the interior. The front seats have asymmetrical head restraints. So-called Ergo Wing seats. The aim is to achieve good seating comfort, the best lateral support, including in the shoulder area, and support for the spine. The central element is the central console, which runs from the instrument panel to the parcel shelf. Smooth leather, microfiber fleece and wood paneling are the materials used. The trunk volume is 485 liters.

The Coupé study is not a show car - it is fully drivable: an eight-cylinder engine with a displacement of 5.0 liters, 235 kW (320 hp) and a torque of 470 Nm at 3900 rpm.

Study A

Study A 93

The study A belongs to the compact class and has front wheel drive.

The development started after the invention of the sandwich concept in 1991. A prototype with an electric drive was developed parallel to the prototype with a combustion engine. Which was presented study A for the first time at the IAA in September 1993. In 1994, the renamed and revised in nuances will study A 93 or Vision A 93 shown in Geneva and at the Tokyo Motor Show 1994th

Facts

• Vehicle 1: Study A
• Presentation: autumn 1993
• Location: International Motor Show (IAA), Frankfurt am Main
• Vehicle 2: Study A 93 / Vision A 93
• Presentation: March 1994
• Location: Geneva Motor Show, Tokyo Motor Show 1994
• Drive:
  • Four-stroke petrol engine with 3 cylinders, 1.2 liter displacement, 55 kW (75 PS), front-wheel drive, continuously variable CVT transmission
  • Electric asynchronous motor with 40 kW (54 PS)
  • Diesel engine with 3 cylinders, 1.2 liter displacement, 44 kW (60 PS), front-wheel drive, continuously variable CVT transmission

Goal setting

• Possibility of realizing alternative drive concepts
• Compact class vehicle with a new space and safety concept

Technical features

• "Drive motor inclined at an acute angle to the horizontal" (patent DE 43 26 396 C 2) (series introduction 1997 in the A-class (series 168) )
• "Front wall structure for a motor vehicle with a drive unit arranged at the front" (Patent DE 44 00 132 C1) (series introduction 1997 in the A-Class (series 168) )
• Sandwich floor (series introduction 1997 in the A-Class (series 168) )
• Use of the Zebra battery developed for series production with AEG in the electric version (later also used in the A-Class electric) and the first version of the Smart ED
• Arthur (Automatic Radiocom Communication System for Traffic Emergency Situations on Highways and Urban Roads) (Series launch in 1998 at Mercedes-Benz under the name Teleaid in the S-Class (220 series) )
• Navigation system (series introduction in 1995 in the S-Class (140 series) )
• Three-cylinder engines (series launch in 1998 in the smart City Coupé (later name: smart fortwo))
• Aluminum body

Explanations

The study A introduced two innovations: the special "arrangement of the engine and transmission prior to the specially inclined front wall" and the "sandwich floor". The interior benefits from the special concept of the arrangement of the engine and transmission. The distance between the driver or front passenger and the rear passengers is 82.5 cm with a vehicle length of 3.35 m. Due to the inclined front wall, the drive unit slides under the sandwich floor in the event of a frontal collision and thus does not penetrate the passenger compartment. This brings safety advantages in a vehicle with a short front end and a correspondingly short crumple zone. The sandwich concept (double floor) was used to accommodate alternative drive units, first to accommodate the traction battery , and later also the fuel cell technology in the F-Cell. There are two proven drive concepts in study A. A three-cylinder petrol engine (55 kW / 75 PS) is designed for low fuel consumption and low emissions. The engine is combined with a continuously variable transmission ( CVT ). At the same time, Study A was also developed as an electric vehicle with an asynchronous motor (40 kW / 54 PS). The range in city traffic is 150 km. The later electric version of the A-Class had a range of 200 km with a 50 kW motor and its 30 kWh ZEBRA battery .

The body is made entirely of aluminum with a structure made of solid extruded profiles. As a result, the body weighs around 70 kilograms less than a comparable structure made of sheet steel. The Vision A with a petrol engine weighs 715 kg (diesel: 735 kg). The electric version weighs a total of around 1000 kilograms with the additional battery load.

Full-size airbags for the driver and front passenger, seat belt tensioners, side impact pads in the doors and an integrated child seat in the rear are part of the safety equipment. Natural materials such as flax or wool are used in the interior, as are new types of materials that can be recycled.

FCC (Family Car China)

FCC

A study of a compact car specially developed for the future Chinese market.

Facts

• Presentation: 1994
• Location: “Family Car” exhibition, Beijing
• Objective: family car for the Chinese market with derivable variants such as MPV, pickup and panel van
• Drive: four-stroke petrol engine with 3 cylinders, 1.3 liter displacement, 40 kW (55 PS), front-wheel drive, manual transmission

Technical features

• Sandwich floor (series introduction 1997 in the A-Class (series 168) )

Explanations

The body of the Family Car China in one-box design is visually made of one piece and is similar to the shape of other MPVs. Therefore, the space in the interior is like an upper middle class limousine. The driver, front passenger and the possible three rear passengers have more space than was previously the norm in the compact class. Nevertheless, with a total length of 3.56 m , the FCC is shorter than conventional compact cars in its class.

The underfloor arrangement of the units, in which a compact motor-gearbox unit is housed below the passenger compartment and slides under the vehicle floor in the event of a collision, offers safety. Additional occupant protection is provided by airbags, seat belt tensioners on the front seats, as well as belts and headrests in all seats.

The FCC study has a 1.3-liter gasoline engine with an output of 40 kW (55 hp), which is equipped with a three-way catalytic converter. In purely mathematical terms, the top speed is just under 150 km / h. Consumption should be around 4 l per 100 km.

The concept of the FCC is variable. For example, the five-door basic version with five seats can be used to derive an MPV with three rows of seats for seven passengers, a pick-up with five seats and a small loading area or a panel van with two seats and spacious transport space.

Vision SLR

Vision SLR

It is the study of a Gran Turismo for the 21st century and combines stylistic elements of the current Formula 1 Silver Arrow and the SLR sports cars of the 1950s.

Facts

• Presentation: January 1999
• Location: North American International Auto Show, Detroit
• Objective: high-performance sports car
• Drive: Four-stroke gasoline engine with 8 cylinders, 5.5 liter displacement, compressor, 410 kW (557 hp), rear-wheel drive, five-speed automatic transmission with tip shift

Technical features

• Chassis made from a combination of fiber composite materials and aluminum (series launch in 2003 in the Mercedes-Benz SLR McLaren (C 199))
• Bucket seats made of CFRP (series introduction 2003 in the Mercedes-Benz SLR McLaren)
• Electro-hydraulic brake system (series introduction in 2001 as Sensotronic Brake Control (SBC) in the SL (R 230) )
• Brake discs are made of fiber-reinforced ceramic (series launch in 2003 in the Mercedes-Benz SLR McLaren)
• Front headlights with adaptive lighting system (series introduction in 2003 as bi-xenon headlights with active cornering lights in the E-Class (211 series) )
• Bi-function xenon projection headlights for dipped and main beam (series launch in 2003 in the Mercedes-Benz SLR McLaren)
• Rear light units in light-emitting diode technology (series introduction in 2003 in the Mercedes-Benz SLR McLaren)
• Illumination of the rear license plate with a special luminous film

Explanations

The front section with the arrow-shaped nose tip and the typical double wings, the formal concept of which is repeated at various points on the body and interior, is based on the Formula 1 racing car. The double headlights have a four-eye design. The elongated bonnet, the curved fenders and the gullwing doors of the Vision SLR are based on the stylistic ideas of the SL models from the 1950s and their SLR racing variants.

The interior of the study is dominated by the wide, curved center console with its round operating elements and the silver-painted wing profiles in front of the driver and front passenger. They replace the conventional instrument panel. The cockpit consists of two round instruments encased in aluminum, reminiscent of chronometers. A new technology enables the display to be placed in the middle of the speedometer and rev counter: the pointers of the instruments move on transparent plastic disks, which allow an unobstructed view of the displays. Bucket seats made of CFRP, an oval steering wheel and modern information technology such as the COMAND system (Cockpit Management and Data System) are part of the interior.

The chassis of the Vision SLR consists of a combination of fiber composite materials and aluminum, which, in addition to crash stability, also offers a weight advantage of around 40 percent compared to conventional steel constructions. The materials are used where they are most useful. The programmed deformable crumple zones in the front end of the body are made of aluminum, while the passenger cell is made of fiber composite materials, which, thanks to their strength, offer a safe survival space in the event of severe frontal and rear collisions.

The electro-hydraulic braking system Sensotronic Brake Control ( SBC ) calculates the brake pressure with the help of sensors and microprocessors depending on the driving situation. For the first time in series in the SL (type R230), which was presented in 2001. The brake discs are made of fiber-reinforced ceramic.

The headlights with an adaptive lighting system and high-performance light-emitting diodes automatically follow the steering angle and adapt to the respective driving situation. The xenon projection headlights for the dipped beam also serve as high-beam headlights (bi-functional system). The shutters, which ensure the prescribed cut-off line for the low beam, automatically fold away when the high beam is switched on so that the full light output is available. In addition, two separate spotlights turn on.

The light-emitting diodes (LED) in the rear lights are each mounted on two self-supporting wing profiles arranged one above the other. Another light band extends above the rear bumper over the entire width of the body. The reversing light and the rear fog light are housed here - both with neon technology. The rear license plate is illuminated with the help of a special film technology.

For the sports car study, Mercedes-Benz has further developed the high-torque naturally aspirated V8 engine of the S-Class. In the Vision SLR , the eight-cylinder engine from a displacement of 5.5 liters develops an output of 410 kW (557 hp) thanks to the compressor and water charge air cooling. A maximum torque of 720 Nm is available from 4000 rpm, and 580 Nm can be called up at 2000 rpm. A five-speed automatic with tip shift is used as the transmission. Driving performance: it accelerates from 0 to 100 km / h in 4.2 s and from 0 to 200 km / h in 11.3 s. The maximum speed is 320 km / h.

In 1999 Mercedes-Benz presented the roadster version of the Vision SLR at the IAA in Frankfurt . In terms of form and technology, it is strongly based on the closed version, but sets new accents, for example with a hood made of a new type of translucent material.

The Vision SLR goes into series production as the SLR in 2004. 3500 pieces are built. The power of the engine is higher: 460 kW (626 hp) are now available at 6500 rpm, the maximum torque of 780 Nm is between 3250 and 5000 rpm.

Vision SLA

Vision SLA

A small roadster based on the A-Class

Facts

• Presentation: January 2000
• Location: North American International Auto Show, Detroit
• Objective: compact class roadster
• Drive: four-stroke gasoline engine with 4 cylinders, 1.9 liter displacement, 92 kW (125 hp), front-wheel drive, five-speed manual transmission

Technical features

• Lightweight body in hybrid construction made of aluminum profiles, aluminum sheets and plastics
• Rear light units in light-emitting diode technology (series introduction 2003 in the Mercedes-Benz SLR McLaren (C 199))
• Light-emitting diode turn signals (series introduction 2003 in the Mercedes-Benz SLR McLaren)
• Bucket seats made of CFRP (series introduction 2003 in the Mercedes-Benz SLR McLaren)

Explanations

The SLA version is based on the A-Class and has a length of 3.77 m. Inclined fenders, a flat windshield, large doors and a sloping rear in the style of the Mercedes Silver Arrows are the hallmarks of the roadster design. The front wing profile and the arrow-shaped bonnet with the centrally arranged Mercedes star are taken from the SLR.

The 1.9 liter engine with 92 kW (125 PS) has a torque of 180 Nm at 4000 rpm. From 0 to 100 km / h in 7.9 s, the top speed is 209 km / h. The slightly modified chassis with Electronic Stability Program (ESP) and Brake Assist from the A-Class ensure active safety.

The hybrid construction combines aluminum profiles, aluminum sheets and plastics. With this lightweight construction, the Vision SLA weighs 950 kilograms (DIN curb weight).

The inclined installation position of the engine ensures that in the event of an impact it slides down on the stable front floor panel and does not penetrate the interior. The massive bars behind the seats and the reinforced windshield frame act as rollover protection.

The light from the 30 high-performance light-emitting diodes (LED) at the rear is distributed over a large area using prisms. The light strips are arranged vertically. The LED indicators have their place on wing profiles in the housings of the taillights. The brake lights are located in the rear bumper and in the rear cross member of the luggage carrier bridge on the trunk lid. Modern xenon projection headlights, which have two separate headlights for low and high beams, ensure uniform illumination of the road and good long-range visibility. In the transparent ends of the wings, which protrude from the side of the bonnet, there are yellow-colored high-performance light-emitting diodes as a flashing light, which light up together with the LEDs in the exterior mirror housings.

Perforated sheet metal structures, aluminum rotary switches and aluminum cylinders for the instruments dominate the interior. The pointer instruments in a chronometer look initially only provide information about speed, engine speed, oil pressure and fuel level. Further displays are hidden behind the dials and only appear in the event of a fault.

The bucket seats made of CFRP, which the Vision SLA adopts in a slightly modified form from the Vision SLR ; are around 25 percent lighter than conventional car seats with comparable equipment. There is neither carpet nor fabric cover. Instead, lacquered metal surfaces and dark brown leather dominate, which is normally used to make horse saddles and is tanned using traditional methods using only vegetable materials. The leather can be found on the dashboard, on the inside of the doors and at points of contact that are frequently touched, such as the steering wheel, the seats, the armrests in the door panels and the floor.

Vision B

The Compact Sports Tourer "Vision B" is a new version of a touring car concept.

Facts

• Presentation: September 2004
• Location: Paris Motor Show
• Objective: Comfortable five-seater travel vehicle with elements of sedan, station wagon, van and sport utility vehicle
• Drive: Diesel engine with 4 cylinders, 103 kW / 140 PS, front-wheel drive, continuously variable automatic transmission AUTOTRONIC

Technical features

• Sandwich floor (series introduction 1997 in the A-Class (series 168) )
• Prototype of a new and powerful four-cylinder diesel engine
• Newly developed Autotronic continuously variable automatic transmission
• Alu-beam painting with high-gloss effect
• Interior cladding partly in a new type of high-tech material

Explanations

The body length is 4.270 mm and the width 1778 mm. Thanks to the sandwich concept with the space-saving accommodation of the drive unit partly in front of and partly under the passenger cell, almost 70 percent of the body length is available for the occupants and luggage. The seat spacing is 840 mm, the shoulder space in the rear measures 1382 mm and the headroom at the rear is 980 mm.

Vision R and Vision B speak a common body design language. The front has a radiator grille with three transverse louvres and the integrated Mercedes star. The headlights are placed far on the outside and reinforce the width of the body. In the Vision B , the large headlights take up the shape of the bumper trim. A common stylistic feature of the Sports Tourer is the contour of the bonnet. It stands out from the fenders thanks to its slightly domed shape. The arched roof line rises slightly to the rear.

The body of the Vision B is provided with the Alu-Beam paint. The pigments, which are only 100 to 300 nanometers in size, which provide the metallic effect in conventional paint, are processed in a particularly complex manner for the aluminum beam paint. In addition, they are finer, they measure 30 to 50 nanometers, and thus fit even more evenly into the surface of the paint. This way, the light is reflected more intensely and the gloss of the lacquer is increased.

Inside the Vision B , glass is an important design element. It not only creates the visual connection between the exterior and interior, but also ensures the interior is flooded with light.

A fabric made of high-tech material stretches over the dashboard, the seats and the interior door panels of the Compact Sports Tourer “Vision B” . Polished aluminum was used for the surround of the ventilation nozzles above the center console, the control surface of the Comand device and the automatic air conditioning as well as for the base plate of the instrument cluster.

The newly developed four-cylinder diesel engine has an output of 103 kW (140 hp) and a torque of 300 Nm from 1600 rpm. Another innovation is the continuously variable Mercedes Autotronic automatic transmission. Shifting takes place using buttons on the steering wheel. The fuel consumption is less than six liters per 100 km.

Ocean Drive

Mercedes-Benz Ocean Drive

The luxury cabriolet "Ocean Drive" is a concept vehicle for a convertible version of the S-Class.

Facts

• Presentation: 2006
• Location: North American International Auto Show, Detroit
• Objective: convertible in the luxury class
• Drive: Otto engine with 12 cylinders, 380 kW (517 PS)

Web links

Commons : Mercedes-Benz Concept Vehicles  - Collection of Images, Videos and Audio Files

• The research vehicles from Mercedes-Benz (daimler.com)

Individual evidence

1. ↑ ^{a b} Anja Rother, Tübingen 2003: Crisis Communication in the Automotive Industry. Section 4.1: From the “Vesperwägele” to the typical Mercedes compact car. ( Memento of the original from September 30, 2007 in the Internet Archive ) Info: The archive link was automatically inserted and not yet checked. Please check the original and archive link according to the instructions and then remove this notice. (PDF; 1.2 MB) 
2. ↑ http://www.autozeitung.de/mercedes-glc-electric-drive-preis-technische-daten-130015.html
3. ↑ https://blog.daimler.com/2019/05/20/sicherheit-auto-mercedes-esf/
4. ^ Anja Rother: Crisis Communication in the Automotive Industry. A content analysis study using the example of the Mercedes-Benz A-Class. Tübingen 2003, p. 89 ff ( PDF; 1.2 MB ( Memento of the original from September 30, 2007 in the Internet Archive ) Info: The archive link was automatically inserted and not yet checked. Please check the original and archive link according to the instructions and then remove this notice. ). 
5. ↑ ^{a b} brochure of Daimler-Benz AG, 12/1997: The A-Class Electric Vehicle, Powered by the ZEBRA Battery System PDF brochure, accessed on January 23, 2012.
6. ↑ Mercedes-Benz: Scheme: submergence of the drive unit in the event of a frontal impact ( memento of the original from March 26, 2014 in the Internet Archive ) Info: The archive link was automatically inserted and not yet checked. Please check the original and archive link according to the instructions and then remove this notice. , accessed January 27, 2012.