If we knew exactly what the future will be, things would be rather simple. And what will the automotive landscape be like in 2025 (hard to believe it is only a bit over a decade from now!)?
The current Mercedes F125 concept is a good glimpse into the automaker’s future luxury S-Class.
To be honest, the future S-Class reportedly does not exist yet. Many of the car’s technologies continue to be developed. Rather than physical energy, there is much mental work being done by Mercedes’ engineers at Daimler’s Advanced Vehicle Engineering located in Sindelfingen, Germany.
The F125 concept has been unveiled at this year’s Frankfurt Auto Show. The F stands for ‘Forschungsfahrzeug’ or simply – ‘experimental car!’ The 125 signifies a celebration of 125 years for the Mercedes automobile.
And while the evolution of the 1886 Benz Patentwagen was slow, the F125 will involve rapid technological breakthroughs. This concept is electrically driven by a hydrogen fueled power cell.
Car and Driver was able to learn more about the F 125 be visiting the most important room at Daimler’s research center called the Dom (cathedral). And what is the ‘Dom’ like? It is very quiet, very clean, the walls are arctic white, and there are no windows just artificial light (can anybody think in such a sterile environment?).
The F125 measures 197 inches in length, 78 inches in width, and 56 inches in height. Furthermore, the car has two large gullwing doors that take up 90 percent of the car’s 131 inch wheelbase. In other words, one door swings upward to enable access to both the front and the rear seats. Getting into the front or rear seats is very easy as there are no B-pillars in the way.
At the first look, the F125 looks like a coupe or even a hatchback, however, it is a sedan with coupe and hatchback like components. The car in fact has a 17 cubic foot trunk. The interior space is abundant as the front hood and area below are compact.
Overall, the F125 has a low greenhouse, very fast roofline, and a low but substantial stance. It suggests that future upper-end luxury cars will be very sleek indeed!
At the front of the F125, the traditional grille and multiple air intakes have been replaced by six slats topped with chromed bars (no extra parts needed).
Not only is the F125’s shape futuristic but so are the materials that the car is made from. The body consists of composite plastics, aluminum and high strength steel. The body reportedly weighs only 551 lbs. or 40 percent less than today’s S-Class.
The interior has a driver oriented cockpit and 3-D displays. Other interior features include voice controlled systems (navigation, e-mail, internet access). Many functions are activated by hand gestures. For example, moving the hand quickly to the right turns on the wipers. Pointing a thumb to the right puts on the right turn signal. And lifting a hand horizontally increases the temperature. As of yet, there is no telling what other gestures will do!
The F125 has an electric motor at each wheel delivering what Mercedes calls its e4MATIC system. The front wheels have motors that provide up to 67 hp each. At the rear, the motors provide up to 134 hp each. The car’s peak horsepower is 308 and the continuous output is 228 horsepower.
The car’s hydrogen system allows the F125 to have over a 600 mile range. Its average fuel use is equal to an 87 mpg diesel. The matter of where the hydrogen and refilling stations will come from has yet to be worked out.
Because of the car’s light weight and linear power delivery, the F125 is reported to go from 0-62 mph in 4.9 seconds.
The F125 is a glimpse of what Mercedes-Benz envisions as the luxury car’s future. It involves much chemistry, technology and a body and interior that is exquisitely crafted all with silent motoring. And the cost of future luxury? Not to be mentioned!
View the slideshow to see the F125 (2025 Mercedes S-Class) inside and out!
To view a video on this future luxury car visit: Mercedes-Benz F125 concept!
Kyle Busch is the author of “Drive the Best for the Price: How to Buy a Used Automobile, Sport-Utility Vehicle, or Minivan and Save money.” He welcomes your comments or car questions at his auto web site: www.cartown1.com. Follow Kyle on Facebook and Twitter.