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.
