Mercedes-Benz research vehicles set new standards in the automotive industry. The F100 became the first car in the "F" series in 1991. Outstanding features include the single, centrally located driver's seat and an on-board computer that differentiates between three safety priorities. Further highlights include the voice control system, proximity regulating radar, automatic emergency call system, solar panels on the roof and parallel windscreen wipers. These innovations were revolutionary in 1991, but are in many cases a reality today, thus confirming the importance of dedicated research into technical advances.
The second research vehicle is the 1996 F200 Imagination, an avant-garde coupé with a passenger compartment covered by a glass dome. The "drive-by-wire" dynamic handling system allows the driver to steer and brake using one of the sidesticks fitted to the centre console and door interior panel. Other innovations include the Active Body Control (ABC) active suspension system, video cameras instead of rear-view mirrors, doors which open automatically in response to a magnetic card (the forerunner to today's "Keyless Go" system), side airbags, windowbags (another present-day feature) and the active light function (also available today).
In 1997, the three-wheel F300 Life-Jet brought a motorcycle feeling to the car world. The public was amazed by the Active Tilt Control (ATC) system for the front wheels, which enables the Life-Jet to lean into bends like a motorcycle. Driver and passenger board the vehicle through conventional doors and sit one behind the other, as on a motorcycle. The Life-Jet cockpit resembles that of an aircraft. Dynamic acceleration is provided by the A-Class engine, which is situated behind the passenger compartment and drives the single rear wheel. The computer-controlled headlamp reflector always follows the course of the road to ensure that there are no "black holes" when cornering at night.
2002 saw the arrival of the F400 Carving, an uncompromising, thoroughbred speedster with an extremely flat, elongated bonnet, a short tail and a weatherproof made-to-measure interior for two passengers. Once again a special focus was placed on driving dynamics, e.g. the Active Tyre Tilt Control (ATTC) system, which adjusts the camber angle of both the front and rear wheels when cornering or braking hard. A computer control system allows the outer wheels to tilt sideways on bends to a maximum angle of 20 degrees. The revolutionary design of the tyres with their asymmetric tread pattern ensures that they run on a section of high-friction tread rubber specially designed for cornering – rather than running on their inside edge. The inner wheels on bends and the vehicle body remain in their normal position. As a result, depending on speed and curve radius, the F400 sets new standards in directional stability, driving safety, speed and dynamism. Other key features include the electronic "steer-by-wire" system, the electronic "shift-by-wire" system (controlled using buttons on the steering wheel) and the 42 V vehicle power supply.
In 2003 the Mercedes-Benz F500 Mind was presented at the Tokyo Motor Show. The industry was stunned. Designed as a modern hatchback, this four-door vehicle was a mobile research lab, displaying more than a dozen cutting-edge technologies designed to enhance the safety, power and comfort of future Mercedes-Benz passenger cars. A special highlight is the hybrid drive, which uses up to 20% less fuel (particularly in city traffic) and generates significantly lower emissions than conventional engines. Another important research area is the development of innovative assistance systems to aid the driver. These include a night vision system, an innovative control and display concept with multivision display, and an ultrasonic driver information system.
As a mobile research lab, the interior of the F500 Mind is equipped with a computer and fold-away lab table. This allows the researcher in the rear to monitor and control all systems and take measurements during test runs.
In the F600 HYGENIUS, which was first shown in Tokyo in 2005, a fuel cell converts hydrogen into electrical energy with a high degree of efficiency. Its hydrogen consumption corresponds to an energy equivalent of 2.9 litres of diesel, producing an operating range in excess of 400 km. The F600 HYGENIUS opens the door to a mobile future. This is because hydrogen can be produced without impact on the environment.
But the F600 HYGENIUS can do more. It is a mobile power plant. Its 66 kW power output is sufficient to provide several family homes with electrical energy. Different electrical devices can be supplied with electricity via a 110/220 V power outlet in the boot.