Mercedes previews its all-new MPV

17 October 2003

Mercedes-Benz's F500 concept gives a good idea of how the new R-class MPV will look when it arrives in mid-2005.

Previously seen in sketch form as the GST, the F500 will be unveiled at the Tokyo Motor Show next week. It is a little longer than the S-class saloon, but rides on a much longer wheelbase to provide passengers with more room, particularly in the rear.

The concept features innovative rear doors that can be opened either forwards or backwards, although Mercedes won't confirm whether these will appear on the R-class. There are only four seats in the F500, but the R-class is expected to have six seats in three rows.

Under the F500's bonnet is a 314bhp hybrid engine that uses both diesel and electric power and is claimed to be 20% more efficient than a standard engine. Mercedes says it is working on hybrid powertrains for its production cars, but won't say when they will make an appearance, or in which models.

Other technologies featured in the F500 concept will also eventually appear in road-going models. These include an infrared night vision system, ultrasonic stereos which can deliver sound to the driver without disturbing other passengers, and electronic throttle and brake pedals.

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