Mercedes-Benz: Meet the future

Mercedes Benz F125. Photo / Supplied

Most carmakers are using the current Frankfurt Motor Show to introduce concepts previewing models a few years down the line.

But Mercedes-Benz is looking a little further ahead with the F125 - a concept that points to the S-Class of 2025.

The sweeping roofline has transformed the three-box S-Class into a coupe-like model.

However, Mercedes-Benz design chief Gorden Wagener is keen to point out that "it's a further developed sedan shape" - with seating for four and a 470-litre boot.

At first glance, there aren't many clues that this is even a Mercedes-Benz. But look closely, and the six-bar grille remains at the front, while the sharply defined creases are clearly reminiscent of the current CLS.

Inside, the design is simple, yet luxurious and spacious. The front passenger seat can be folded away into the footwell to allow one of the rear chairs to recline and lie flat.

Most of the major controls are activated through gestures - drivers can point a thumb to the left or right for the indicators or swipe a hand to the right to activate the wipers.

Lightweight construction, involving carbon fibre-reinforced plastic and aluminium, means the F125 weighs 1700kg, or around 300kg less than the current model.

Access to the front and rear seats is through a pair of long gullwing doors, in contrast to the current model's conventional four-door set-up.

Power comes from a hydrogen fuel cell, with an electric motor driving each wheel. The gas is stored in a hi-tech porous material that makes up part of the car's structure.

This set-up can store as much as 7.5kg of hydrogen - enough for a range of around 1000km. Fuel economy is estimated at 2.6 litres/100km (105mpg), but the car should sprint from 0-100km/h just under five seconds.