2007 Frankfurt Auto Show: Mercedes-Benz F 700 Concept
- Looks like: A nightmarish version of an S-Class
- Defining characteristics: Huge grille, huger headlights, tiny little engine
- Ridiculous features: A backward-opening rear door only on the passenger side
- Chance of being mass-produced: Looking like this, little. An efficient luxury sedan? Not too much chance of that, either.
Mercedes’ F700 Concept is an interesting look at how fuel efficiency will impact this auto show season. Sure, lots of companies are bringing out small little hybrids, plug-ins and other gas-sipping concepts, but Mercedes thinks there’s also a market for affluent greenies. The F700 isn’t a hybrid, though — it uses a super-efficient four-cylinder engine with a prototype powertrain that moves like a V-6 but gets a dreamy 44.3 mpg.
Remember this is a concept, so those numbers aren’t even close to being real yet. The F700 also features an active suspension that predicts road conditions to mute bumps as much as possible. That’s one of those concept ideas we like. What we don’t understand is a seating configuration that allows passengers to face backward. Perhaps that would facilitate a face-to-face business meeting in the backseat — or high-speed nausea, depending on your travel habits. More photos below.
