The F 700 concept was a special one for Mercedes-Benz back in 2007, as it introduced a pioneering new DIESOTTO powertrain in the search for the idea of effortless superior refinement.
The revolutionary new petrol engine used four cylinders and had a displacement of just 1,800 cc. However, it used the diesel principle of controlled compression for the first time.
According to Mercedes-Benz, the engine combined the performance of the larger 350 CGI V6 petrol engine found in the CLS at that time with the torque and fuel economy of the 320 CDI V6 diesel unit.
The 238 hp of the internal combustion engine is assisted by 20 hp from a hybrid electric motor, which together results in 400 Nm of torque, a 0-100 km/h sprint completed in 7.5 seconds and a electronically limited top speed of 200 km/h.
Despite the performance figures presented above, the Mercedes-Benz F 700 offers a fuel consumption of just 5.3 litres in the European Driving Cycle, value which corresponds to carbon dioxide emissions of 127 grams.
In addtion, the F 700 concept can recognise the condition of the road, anticipating and levelling out uneven spots with its active PRE-SCAN suspension, substantially improving suspension comfort.
The PRE-SCAN technology uses two laser sensors in the headlamps as “eyes” which produce a precise picture of the condition of the road. On this basis, the control unit computes the parameters for the settings of the active suspension in order to provide the highest level of comfort – it is not without reason that the engineers refer to the “flying carpet”.
Inside, the Mercedes-Benz F 700 concept accommodates four people in the classic arrangement, with all of them facing in the direction of travel. If the front passenger’s seat is unoccupied, the rear seat on the right-hand side (near side) can be adjusted to a relax position at the push of a button.
In addition, the REVERSE seat can be positioned so that the occupant faces away from the direction of travel – to talk to his or her neighbour seated opposite, to work, to rest or to enjoy audiovisual entertainment.
