Mercedes reveals self-driving concept

MercedesMercedes-BenzGermany, 1924 > present197 models
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is taking new steps toward autonomous driving. This time the German brand introduced the F015 Luxury in MotionMercedes-Benz F015 Luxury...Germany, 2015 > 2015, a concept that showed at the Consumer Electronics Show (CES) in Las Vegas the latest technological advances in this area.

With the F015 Mercedes shows its future vision of a luxury autonomous vehicle using a plug-in hydrogen fuel cell powertrain and two electric motors, in a total of 272hp. In theory the vehicle can reach 100km/h in 6.7 seconds and a top speed of 200km/h with a 1100km range of zero emission drive.

The model is 5220mm long, 2018mm wide and 1524mm high, 26mm shorter, wider and taller 119mm 33mm than the long-wheelbase version of the S-Class. The interior is much more spacious than the flagship model of Mercedes, in order to offer passengers a totally different experience than they are currently used to.

In terms of construction, the German brand used a combination of carbon fiber reinforced plastic, aluminum and high strength steel, which allows the F015 to be 40% lighter than the structures of current production models.

Latest Technology

In order to provide greater freedom for passengers to enjoy their time on the road in a smarter way, Mercedes introduced a number of sophisticated technologies, including an autonomous operating system and a digital activity space.

"Anyone who focuses solely on the technology has not yet grasped how autonomous driving will change our society," said Mercedes-Benz boss Dieter Zetsche at the unveiling of the concept. “The car is growing beyond its role as a mere means of transport and will ultimately become a mobile living space.”

The F015 Luxury in Motion is equipped with state-of-art cameras and a series of sensors to monitor the surrounding area that operate completely autonomously when activated by the driver, who can thereafter concentrate on other tasks.

Another technological feature is the programming of a series of LEDs on the grill that shine when they detect a pedestrian. In the case of pedestrians crossing the road the vehicle comes to a halt and analyzes the surrounding to see if it is safe for the person to cross the road. A laser system is then used to design a walkway on the road while an exterior sound says "please go ahead".

Interior

In terms of interior design the the team at Mercedes gave the vehicle its vision for 2030 with a contemporary cabin that includes four rotating seats that allow a face-to-face configuration during autonomous driving. In addition the brand has used trimming in natural materials including walnut wood, white nappa leather, glass and exposed metal.