Centre Stage for Mercedes-Benz at the Geneva Motor Show will be the staggering F 800 “Style research vehicle’
This fascinating large-size (4,738mm) five-seat petrol hybrid sedan showcases a breath-taking array of new technologies under development by the German giant.
For starters, the multi drive platform enables the use of two alternative drive systems – plug-in Hybrid or fuel cell. The F 800 Style can cover 30kms solely on electricity and the combined range is some 600kms.
“The new F 800 Style research vehicle combines our commitment to providing the leading innovative drive concepts with our traditional Mercedes strengths of design, safety, comfort and outstanding performance,” revealed Dr Thomas Weber, the Daimler Board of management member responsible for research.
Each of the drive systems (petrol engine, plug-in hybrid or fuel cell) is compact and fit into the standard engine bay or gaps in the chassis.
The petrol engine is 220kW direct injection V6 petrol. Combined with the hybrid module’s 80kW output, the total power is 300kW. With a capacity of 10kWh, the lithium-ion battery can be recharged via a charging station or home electricity socket.
M-B says the fuel consumption is a mere 2.9l/100kms and exhaust emissions are 68g/km.
Performance is as you would expect from ‘Benz. Top speed is 250km/h, zero to 100km/h takes just 4.8 seconds and, driving purely on electricity, the F 800 Style can cruise at 120km/h.
Like Mercedes’ S 400 HYBRID, the F 800 Style houses its electric module in the housing of the 7G-TRONIC automatic transmissions. The lithium-ion battery is mounted under the rear passenger seat where safety is optimized and the weight delivers a low centre of gravity for improved handling.
The fuel cell model has the cell located under the bonnet and the compact electric motor mounted near the rear axle. Performance of the electric motor is sharp with 100kW/290Nm available.
Inside is the next generation of operating and Drive systems a new can touchpad human-machine interface (HMI). With many functions not found in conventional instrument clusters, this new technology showcases Mercedes’ fascination with electric driving functions.
For example, the system displays information via a mirror in the instrument cluster so it appears farther away. The theory is drivers’ don’t need to refocus their eyes so much as they adjust from distance vision to close-up.
Even the doors are innovative. While the fronts open normally, the rear doors pivot and slide rearwards.
LED lights and interior trim finished with 3D-coated wood veneer bring to life this remarkable vehicle.
