The Future According to Mercedes-Benz
For German manufacturers—Mercedes-Benz included—the Frankfurt Auto Show is a must. At a soiree just before the official opening of the show, the Stuttgart-based automaker presented its vision for the future of the automobile by unveiling several new products and announcing a grand premiere.
100 kilometres without a driver
Indeed, Mercedes-Benz succeeded in getting the S500 Intelligent Drive to drive itself 100 kilometres between the German cities of Manheim and Pforzheim. This journey included 53 kilometres in a typical urban setting, meaning that the vehicle had to contend with traffic, pedestrians, streetcars, traffic lights and the 18 roundabouts that were found on its route—plus there were 50 kilometres of highway driving. According to Mercedes-Benz, this car relies on sensors that are not all that different from those currently used in its production cars. “In my opinion, we will be able to ride in a Mercedes-Benz that drives autonomously before the end of the decade,” said Dr. Thomas Weber, member of the Board of Directors at Mercedes-Benz and head of research and development for the German brand. But to make this happen, there are still three obstacles to overcome: increase the power of the computers, optimize the navigation maps and, most importantly, review the legal framework for self-driving automobiles.
The rechargeable S-Class Hybrid
This latest version of the S-Class is Mercedes-Benz’s response to the recent Porsche Panamera S E-Hybrid. With a 3.0-litre V6 thermal engine and an electric motor, the S500 Hybrid claims to use just 3.1 litres of fuel per 100 kilometres, according to the ever optimistic European Driving Cycle. The V6 develops 328 horsepower and 354 lbs-ft of torque, while the electric mill adds 80 kilowatts of power (about 107 horsepower) as well as 250 lbs-ft of torque. Combined, they can get the vehicle from 0-100 km/h in 5.5 seconds and push it to a top speed of 250 km/h. Furthermore, the S500 Hybrid should be able to travel 30 kilometres in all-electric mode.
The electric B-Class
Developed in conjunction with Tesla Motors, the electric B-Class should offer 130 kilowatts of power (about 174 horsepower) and a 200-kilometre driving range. Ninety minutes of recharging with a 400-volt charger will give the vehicle another 100 kilometres of range.
Smart fourjoy
With its bold design, the fourjoy concept vehicle foreshadows the next generation of the Smart, which will be introduced in 2014. The two-seater version is still 2.7 metres long, while the new four-seater will be a mere 80 centimetres longer for a total of 3.5 metres.
The GLA crossover for 2015
All the luxury brands are working diligently on new compact-size models to attract new clients. Mercedes-Benz will be pitting its new GLA against the BMW X1, Audi Q3 and others by summer 2014. Built on the same platform as the A-Class, B-Class and the recent CLA, the GLA flaunts an extremely eye-catching style and will be offered with several engines. An AMG version powered by a 300-horsepower engine is also on the way.
