That's the idea Mercedes

Motoring editor ALASTAIR SLOANE learns what the GST added to Mercedes-Benz' new concept vehicle stands for.

Mercedes-Benz calls its latest concept Vision GST. It is simply a vision of what its new six-seater, four-wheel-drive Grand Sports Tourer might look like.

Carmakers do these things. They come up with a concept to explore technology and draw public reaction. If the reaction is lukewarm, the concept might be canned. Back to the drawing board. If it is hunky-dory, the concept will probably go into production.

The Vision GST has passed the hunky-dory test, believes Professor Jurgen Hubbert, the DaimlerChrysler board member responsible for Mercedes-Benz passenger cars.

"The Vision GST paves the way for an exciting new class of Mercedes-Benz models whose development we have now decided to go ahead with," he said.

"It is a vehicle which combines the features of a number of established automotive concepts to create a new and distinctive format. Vision GST is a touring saloon, estate, people-carrier and sport utility rolled into one.

"Mercedes-Benz has defined a new market segment with the Vision GST - a segment with huge potential for the future."

The look of the upmarket lifestyle vehicle is dominated by an electrochromic glass roof which sweeps from the windscreen to the rear of the vehicle.

At the touch of a button, occupants can vary the degree of tinting depending on the intensity of the sunlight. The absence of a B-pillar means the side windows give the effect of a continuous band of glass.

Other highlights include "butterfly" doors, which open to 90 degrees for ease of entry and exit and open fresh possibilities for interior design.

The Vision GST is 5105mm long - the same as a long-wheelbase S-Class saloon - with a wheelbase of 3220mm.

It is powered by a 5.5-litre AMG V8 engine which develops 265kW, or 360 bhp. It borrows its four-wheel-drive and traction-control system from the M-Class off-roader and its variable air suspension and electronic brakes from the SL roadster.

The brake discs are made of carbon fibre-reinforced ceramic. The numerous safety features are rounded off by Mercedes' new Pre-Safe system, which can detect an impending collision and activate the seatbelt tensioners before the impact occurs.

The interior makes use of wood, leather, and aluminium. A new luminous film in the roof lining, in the door trim and on the transmission tunnel boosts the effect of the lighting system.

The driver, front passenger and rear occupants have power-adjustable single seats with integrated seatbelts. There is a third row for two extra passengers in the rear.

The aluminium and glass centre console houses the colour monitor, CD player, radio and many of the controls. The monitor, which is part of the satellite-navigation system, incorporates new software which gives a 3D effect.

So why did Mercedes-Benz come up with the concept?

"It was more than just an idea that prompted us to develop the Vision GST," said Hubbert.

"This concept is a response to the frequent calls from our customers for a vehicle for all occasions - a car which offers plenty of room for family and leisure outings, for touring and for professional use but at the same time combines this with superb handling and performance.

"We want to keep on monitoring social trends so that we can draw on the findings and continue to present new ideas for vehicles which will meet the needs of the future. The Vision GST is an example of where this process can take us."

And the name GST? Hubbert said the DaimlerChrysler board gave it much thought.

"We decided that GST was an extremely appropriate designation as it emphasises the key attributes of the vehicle. 'Grand' in the sense of size, spaciousness and comfort, practicality, elegance and the very highest degree of safety. 'Sports' represents the dynamism, performance and excitement which this vehicle promises. And we chose 'Tourer' to underline its outstanding qualities as a comfortable, spacious car for long-distance journeys."

Hubbert obviously didn't consider New Zealand and Australia and the meaning of GST.

Who in their right mind would want to drive a car called the GST?

The Government doesn't need the advertising. Mercedes-Benz doesn't need the jibes. Whaddaya driving, mate? "Er, jist a Merc."

Anyway, it's early days. Mercedes-Benz will probably change the word mix and come up with another moniker for the production model.

Hubbert says the company will listen to its customers.