Mercedes-Benz previews next CLS with F800 Style concept
By Mark Atkinson, MSN Autos
Mercedes-Benz has grabbed the world’s attention with its latest design language, which has nearly touched every model on sale now. Now that Benz’ E-Class has been successfully redesigned and introduced, it’s now time for the attention to turn to the last major holdout: the swoopy CLS, which helped redefine the term coupe when it debuted four years ago. In preparation for the 2010 Geneva Motor Show, the company has previewed its newest concept, the F800 Style, which should preview many of the next-generation CLS’ major features.
There are some similarities with newer BMW and Infiniti concepts, including the wide rear lights, big shoulders and front profile, but the F800 Style features minivan-style sliding rear doors, which is a neat touch. The interior is the typical swoopy, impossible-to-build concept-car cabin and doesn’t preview much. Apparently, yoke-style steering wheels are coming back in fashion in concept cars too.
Mercedes-Benz says the F800 Style features the company’s next-generation plug-in hybrid system, which combines a V6 engine and a lithium-ion battery to provide over 400 hp, and can drive over 30 km on electric power alone per charge. One technology that will surely make it to production is the DISTRONIC PLUS Traffic Jam Assistant, which will not only accelerate, brake and keep a constant gap to the car ahead, but will also steer and change lanes up to 40 km/h. We hope they get all the potential bugs sorted quickly...
Comments