Mercedes unveiled the F125 concept at the 2011 Frankfurt Motor Show as a signal of what the future could hold for future the brand's luxury cars. And it seems the future could be hydrogen powered.
What is the Mercedes-Benz F125 concept?
The F125 is the latest concept to be showcased by Mercedes, taking centre stage at the 2011 Frankfurt Motor Show. Billed as a ‘trailblazing concept for large, luxurious automobiles’, the F125 concept is hydrogen powered and is linked to an advanced fuel cell claimed to produce more performance than the most powerful S-class in the current model line-up.
And it’s claimed to be frugal too. Mercedes is saying it will have an emissions-free range of 1,000km – that’s six-times the range claim of the 100-mile-per-charge full-electric Nissan Leaf.
Mercedes has strictly stated that the F125 is purely being used as an exercise to look into future technical developments in the luxury segment, so don’t expect this to be in the model line-up anytime soon.
What’s interesting about the Mercedes-Benz F125 concept?
Like any alternative-fuel vehicle, there’s been quite a bit of work on making the F125 as lightweight as possible. Mercedes say it has achieved this by developing a new chassis construction made from carbon-fibre, steel and aluminium and a lightweight plastic-carbon-mix shell. We don’t expect the excessively large, and ultimately heavy, 23-inch wheels help with shaving weight, though.
What engine does the Mercedes F125 concept use?
Despite the outrageously futuristic styling, it’s the powerplant in the Mercedes F125 that is of most importance.
It’s a hydrogen fuel cell system that creates electricity. The electricity generated is then used to power four electric motors powering the wheels independently, which supply enough power to outperform the carmaker’s current flagship luxury car. And that also means four-wheel drive at all times.
Concerns about utilising hydrogen to power vehicles have been addressed with a state-of-the-art hydrogen tank that’s integrated into the floor of the car and is a part of the structure.
The fruits of all this is a predicted 0-62mph time of 4.2 seconds and consumption of 0.79kg of hydrogen per 62 miles, which works out at an equivalent of 105mpg for a diesel car.
When will this technology filter down to the Mercedes range?
Some of the design features, like the distinct body lines running along the doors and the enlarged grille, could be used on the 2013 S-class, but it certainly won’t be borrowing the same hydrogen unit.
When, and if, this technology will be used is an unknown, but Mercedes is claiming that the F125 showcases a sustainable and comfortable form of mobility for the future, suggesting these ideas may have some legs.
See more cars from the 2011 Frankfurt Motor Show in our comprehensive guide.
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