We have often
complained about the lack of truly far-reaching concept cars on today’s show
circuit. Instead of creating visions of a distant future, too often automakers
show concepts that closely resemble upcoming production cars; the idea is to
condition the public. We may have to shelve that lament for a little while
because, with the Mercedes-Benz F 015 Luxury in Motion concept unveiled at CES,
Daimler has just shown a dream car in the fully original sense.
Powered by two
rear-mounted electric motors with a total peak output of 272 horsepower (and a
sustained output of 163 hp), the rear-wheel-drive F 015 is said to sprint to 62
mph in 6.7 seconds, while top speed is limited to 125 mph. The electricity is
generated by means of a hydrogen fuel cell; a high-voltage battery can provide
short bursts of additional power.
The F 015’s body
and structure use aluminum, high-strength steel, and composite
materials—including carbon fiber. Its “monolithic” shape features a blurred
division between the body and the windows, possibly inspired by Bertone’s
classic Lancia Sibilo concept.
At 205.5 inches
long (versus 206.5 for the Mercedes-Benz S-class sedan), 79.4 inches wide (more than
4 inches wider than an S-class), and 60.0 inches tall (1.3 inches taller), the
F 015 is positively huge and should offer far more interior space than any
current luxury car. Resting on a 142.1-inch wheelbase (just three inches shy of
a Ford F-150 SuperCrew), the futuristic Mercedes rolls on
26-inch wheels, which help to balance the proportions of this luxury concept.
Access to the
interior is afforded by doors that open 90 degrees, as well as a B-pillarless
aperture. Here, Daimler has made good use of space. The cabin features four
lounge chairs, which can swivel around; the surroundings are an exercise of
futurism and sensual beauty, clad in leather and lined with wood, metal, and
glass trim. The occupants will have plenty of opportunity to enjoy their
environment, as the F 015 is designed to showcase Daimler’s vision of
autonomous driving. With a plethora of stereo cameras and radar sensors, the
car constantly monitors its surroundings, and it is fully capable of driving
without any human input. If desired, however, the driver can take command at
any point.
The list of
forward-looking technologies is virtually endless. The F 015 provides a
360-degree view outside; it can make travel even more interesting by projecting
scenery onto the interior walls. Further, it is always online, and it can
communicate with the outside world.
In fact, Daimler
dreams of a future in which inner cities may have areas that allow only
autonomous vehicles. This would eliminate the need for traffic signs, the
company says, and it could lower any danger to pedestrians to virtually zero.
And there is more: After the F 015 has delivered its occupants to their
destination, it could simply take off and find its own parking spot—potentially
well out of the city, in order to keep high-population zones free of excessive
traffic.
Daimler chairman
Dieter Zetsche says the F 015 could usher in an entirely new relationship
between humans and cars. The car then becomes a comfortable pod, perhaps even a
refuge—and it allows for working or conversing when the commute is dull or can
provide mobility to disabled people.
We are not sure
we share every aspect of Daimler’s vision. But we applaud the fact that the
automaker has these bold visions at all, given that most other companies seem
to be playing a bit too safe.