Mercedes Benz F 015 Luxury in Motion

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.