The 2010 Geneva International Motorshow hosted, among other concepts, the Mercedes-Benz F 800 Style, a multiple drive platform for alternative drive systems dressed in a five-seater luxury-saloon.
When in was first revealed in March 2010, the Mercedes F 800 Style was seen as the future of the premium automobile. What was so special about the concept is that the platform F 800 offered was suited to both electric and plug-in hybrid drive.
On one hand, the F-Cell variant had a 136 hp electric motor placed at the rear, which produced around 290 Nm of torque. The power necessary for propulsion was generated by a hydrogen fuel cell and the vehicle could benefit from a range of around 600 km.
The fuel cell is located in the front section of the vehicle, while the compact electric motor is installed near the rear axle. In addition, the lithium-ion battery behind the rear seats has the best possible protection against the consequences of an accident, as do the four hydrogen tanks.
On the other hand, Mercedes F 800 Style could be used as a plug-in hybrid variant. In this respect, a V6 petrol engine delivering 300 hp was paired with a 109 hp hybrid module, powered by a lithium-ion battery with 10 kWh storage capacity. The total output was rated around 408 hp and the battery could be charged at a charging station or by using a household socket.
At the same time, the F 800 Style with plug-in hybrid could accelerate from 0 to 100 km/h in 4.8 seconds and was able to reach a top speed of 250 km/h (120 km/h solely under electric propulsion).
When moving, the driver is helped by the mirror display of the innovative HMI (Human Machine Interface) display system with Cam-Touch-Pad. More specific, the driving and vehicle information is displayed in the instrument cluster using a mirror, making it seem further away.
Inside, wood surfaces and strong light ensure a high level of comfort. Functional elements, such as the cockpit and door strips with armrests seem to be suspended in mid-air like sculptures, while the lightweight seats consist of a magnesium shell and a backrest made of carbon fibre laminate, over which a highly durable mesh material has been fitted.