Star of the Mercedes-Benz stand at Geneva was the F 800 Style ‘Research Vehicle’. That’s a concept to the rest of us. The F 800 is a new entry-level five-seat, four-door coupé which offers a glimpse into the marque’s future design language – and a host of technical wizardry.

The all-new multi-drive platform is suited both to electric drives with fuel cells (giving a range of up to 600km), and Plug-in Hybrids that can drive for up to 30km on electricity alone. We can apparently expect to see more of both powertrains in forthcoming production Mercedes.

Other technological innovations included a new operating and display concept, plus a ‘human-machine interface’ (HMI) with a cam touchpad.

Styling-wise, the most immediately obvious design element is the rear, pivot-and-slide doors, which slide backward when opened – although this feature is unlikely to be retained on production models. What is more likely to re-emerge in the next-generation CLS is the general sense of a long wheelbase, short body overhangs and “sensually flowing roof line”.

At the front, the curved radiator grille flows ‘softly’ around the Mercedes-Benz star, with the generously curved air-intakes adding to this sense of lithe suppleness, as do the ‘creases’ in the bodywork. This is the clearest view yet of Mercedes’ design language of the future.

Text: Charis Whitcombe
Photos: Newspress