
LAS VEGAS -- At CES 2015, Mercedes-Benz showed off its new concept car, the F 015 Luxury in Motion, intended to show what cars will be like in 2030 and beyond.
The F 015 uses a lightweight body shell made of carbon fiber and aluminum. At over 17 feet it is quite long, but only measures 5 feet in height. A hydrogen fuel cell drivetrain powers the car, with electric motors at each rear wheel. Zero to 60 mph acceleration is stated at 6.7 seconds.
Carriage-style doors open from the center. The car has no B pillar, making passenger compartment access easy.
Sensors around the car allow for fully autonomous driving.
LEDs in the grille serve to communicate with pedestrians and other cars. As one example, the grille LEDs follow the direction of a pedestrian crossing in front of the car, indicating to the pedestrian that the car has detected him.
This concept uses 26-inch wheels pushed out to the corners of the car, maximizing cabin space.
The F 015 is envisioned as a self-driving lounge for passengers in a future where personal, private space has become precious.
Passengers enjoy a fully connected cabin with many interactive displays.
Displays on the door panels can show navigation, data from the cloud, and even the passing scenery.
Four pedestal-mounted seats all look exactly the same, meaning there is no designated driver's seat.
The front seats turn around, making the interior a social space.
The touchscreen panels accept gesture control.
Mercedes-Benz president Dr. Dieter Zetsche describes the F 015 as an "exclusive cocoon on wheels."
Although fully autonomous, a human driver can take control of the car.
A modular control system means any passenger can take the wheel.