Mercedes-Benz F015

Here is a truly futuristic look at the world of limousines in the mid-term future: the new Mercedes F015 concept for CES in Vegas. Wider than the S-Class but otherwise very similar in dimensions, the F015 takes a look at what luxury transport will be like within 5 to 10 years.

Standard driver-operated modes have the lights outside shining white, and the front seats facing forward with the steering wheel and pedals as normal.

Switch to autonomous driving mode, and the lights outside flick to blue, the steering-wheel sinks into the dash, and the four seats become a conversation lounge. The idea of the car informing other road users of its auto-pilot or driver-operated modes is a subtle but brilliant insight.

The F015 is perfect for party people in Vegas — where there is one of the highest taxi-cab penetrations outside NYC. It also shows how Mercedes-Benz sees the auto-driving luxury limo market in the future. The tech of the F015 is doubtless able to be applied to regular Mercedes models, but a special flagship car like this shows strong initiative to the world, and may have market potential beside the S-Class proper.

A tailor-made “eco-lux” experience with the option of self-driving?2025: sign me up.Or perhaps even sooner?Uber drivers, be warned. You have been put on notice.The Mercedes F015 is coming.