Mercedes-Benz F 015 Luxury in Motion

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.

Mercedes-Benz F 015 Luxury in Motion 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.

Mercedes-Benz F 015 Luxury in Motion concept

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.

Mercedes-Benz F 015 Luxury in Motion concept

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.

Stars & their Super Cars:Wayne Rooney

Wayne passed his driving test when his star was still rising at Everton, but he'd already attracted enough attention for Ford to present him with a new SportKa.
The England and Manchester United star has moved on a bit since then both and on and off the field, and has turned into an enthusiastic collector of cars.

The cars he is know to own or have owned include a £50,000 Cadillac Escalade, a type of vast 4x4 beloved of US rap stars, and a BMW X5. However, he is not always so fortunate in keeping them in one piece. His Escalade was in collision with a builder’s lorry in Cheshire in November 2004, while in May 2005 his X5 had an altercation with a middle-aged woman’s Nissan Primera in Stockport. Such antics have attracted the attention of the boys-in-blue. After this crash the striker was summonsed on a charge of driving without due care and attention. If he went to court he could face a maximum fine of £5,000 and a possible ban. The police also announced that "a 19-year-old man from Cheshire has been referred to the driver improvement scheme." – which is police-speak for saying they must have some more driving lessons.

The one-and-a-half day course - which alternates between Bury and Carrington, near Manchester United's training ground - is run by the Association of Greater Manchester Authorities and costs £150. Away from burly 4x4s, his girlfriend Colleen McLoughlin, famous for her shopping trips, drives a £30,000 Mercedes SLK. For her 19th birthday recently, Rooney presented her with a £60,000 Porsche 911. Other cars they own include a Chrysler 300C, an Audi TT, and a £50,000 BMW M3.

Mercedes ML Limousine

Mercedes ML Limousine

Stunning and unique 4 wheel drive limousineMarble floor, 3 flat screen TV’s, neons, plasma dishes, strobe lighting and disco lights

Mercedes-Benz S 600 Guard Pullman Limousine

Mercedes-Benz S 600 Guard Pullman Limousine

Mercedes-Benz engineers are currently developing a new, prestigious luxury limousine with integrated highest protection for governments, businesses, monarchs and heads of state. The armoured Pullman Limousine is based on the long version of the S 600 with a substantially extended wheelbase length. The Mercedes-Benz State Limousine therefore provides a level of roominess worthy of its high-ranking occupants, not to mention outstanding comfort and a fully equipped mobile office. The S 600 Guard Pullman sees the world's oldest car manufacturer continuing its long tradition of building large state carriages with factory-integrated special-protection features.

Tradition and innovation are part of Mercedes-Benz' corporate culture. Nowhere is this more evident than in the construction of large, armoured, prestigious limousines. The Stuttgart-based manufacturer is the only carmaker that develops and builds impressive Pullman limousines with special protection, primarily for the official engagements of heads of state and monarchs. And it has been doing so for some eight decades without interruption.

Originally, Pullman cars were railroad sleeping cars with luxurious appointments, produced by the American Pullman Palace Car Company; however, it was not long before the name "Pullman" also came to describe Mercedes-Benz cars with an extra-long wheelbase and an extremely large passenger compartment in the rear. Separated from the front compartment by a partition, the rear compartment housed four individual face-to-face seats, allowing four passengers to sit opposite each other in truly grand style.

The very first Mercedes-Benz car to be factory-fitted with special protection, in 1928, was a long Pullman version of the W 08/460 Nürburg model. This was followed first by the 770 K, which provided protection befitting the status of the Japanese Emperor Hirohito among others, and then by further Pullman Limousines. Eventually, the legendary Mercedes-Benz 600 assumed the mantle of state carriage, holding it for almost thirty years. As well as being used by the government of the Federal Republic of Germany for official business it was the preferred vehicle of governments from numerous other countries and many prominent dynasties. Further Pullman versions of the Mercedes-Benz S-Guard featuring special protection followed in these illustrious footsteps. Dr Dieter Zetsche, Chairman of the Board of Management of DaimlerChrysler: "The new Mercedes-Benz S 600 Guard Pullman continues an impressive tradition and, as before, will offer the very highest levels of protection, comfort and prestige."

Governments, heads of state and royalty all over the world have always appreciated Mercedes-Benz' vast experience and pioneering technical achievements in the construction of prestigious limousines featuring special protection. The luxury limousine not only provides all the communications and entertainment equipment they need, it also offers them space for discreet meetings. So they have everything perfectly under control, whatever the situation, with the added bonus of highly comfortable, individually styled surroundings.

Newly developed based on the S 600

In terms of technology, the new Pullman Limousine is based on the flagship Mercedes Benz S 600 L Guard model. Power comes courtesy of a smooth twelve-cylinder biturbo engine with a displacement of 5513 cc, an output of 380kW/517 hp and an impressive peak torque of 830 Nm.

Both the chassis and the body are new developments, since simply adding on an extension would not have ensured the required overall stability, given the extra-long wheelbase. These new developments also provide the solid design basis for the installation of the heavy special-protection components. In addition, the new State Limousine features a rear entrance with increased headroom. Behind the partition, there is space for four passengers in the rear compartment with luxurious face-to-face seats in the time-honoured Pullman tradition.

Integrated special protection for highest possible security

The Mercedes-Benz S 600 Guard Pullman also offers its discerning passengers the highest possible degree of protection against terrorist attacks. The Highest Protection specified for this car is equivalent to resistance level B6/B7, as tested and certified by state-approved organisations. Plus it meets further requirements that are not even stipulated by any standard, as tested by public and independent organisations. Its armour resists military-standard small-arms projectiles and provides protection against fragments from hand grenades and other explosive devices. Additional safety features include run-flat tyres, a self-sealing fuel tank and a fire-extinguishing system.

In order to achieve the highest possible degree of protection, specialists with many years of experience in security technology equip the Pullman Limousine in Sindelfingen, working on the principle of integrated special protection. In effect this means that, rather than retrofitting the protective elements in the doors, rear wall, side panels, roof lining and firewall, etc. of an already finished vehicle, they fully integrate them into the bodyshell. Hence the body structure is further reinforced. The resulting vehicles offer hallmark Mercedes-Benz build quality combined with comprehensive Highest Protection, including in those areas where retrofits would be all but impossible. The basis for this is long-standing, continuous and close cooperation with nationally and internationally recognised security authorities. Over a period of decades, this collaboration has ensured that the production and development expertise of the Mercedes specialists has continued to grow. Their vast experience in the fields of protection technology and ballistics enables them to react to changing requirements in the most effective way possible.

Thanks to seamless integration of the special-protection features, the paint quality and corrosion protection match the high standards of conventional Mercedes-Benz passenger cars. Furthermore, the Pullman Limousines can be serviced at any Mercedes-Benz service outlet world-wide – a key aspect of the comprehensive, uncomplicated high-level service concept.

It goes without saying that every new Mercedes-Benz S 600 Guard Pullman will display its own unique brand of styling thanks to an extensive range of appointments options including a choice of paint finishes, leathers and woods. Even the most unusual of customer requests can be met.

The first editions of the new Mercedes-Benz State Limousine are due to be delivered in late 2008.