Frankfurt 2015: Mercedes-Benz unveils Concept IAA

Mercedes-Benz has unveiled the Concept IAA (Intelligent Aerodynamic Automobile) at the 2015 Frankfurt International Motor Show.

The Concept IAA switches automatically from design mode to aerodynamic mode at the touch of a button, when the vehicle reaches a speed of 80kmph. At that speed, numerous aerodynamics measures alter the shape of the vehicle.

Eight segments extend at the rear, increasing its length by up to 390 millimetres; front flaps in the front bumper extend by 25 mm to the front and 20 mm to the rear, improving the air flow around the front end and the front wheel arches; the Active Rims alter their cupping from 55 mm to zero; and the louvre in the front bumper moves 60 mm to the rear, improving the underbody air flow.

With its dynamic 'drop shape' basic shape, elegantly purist overall design and aerodynamic innovations, the four-door "Concept IAA" Coupé Saloon is a symbiosis of design and aerodynamics. The vehicle interprets classic sports car proportions in a modern vein: the long bonnet flows aerodynamically into the compact, set-back greenhouse, whose roof slopes down elegantly towards the rear, ending in an airflow break-away edge.

The vehicle's elegant side view combines a purist, long basic volume with highly pronounced wheel arches. The sporty, minimalist front of the show car boasts a striking "shark nose" profile. Like the front, the show car's rear end also presents a clear-cut and purist appearance. As on the front grille, horizontal louvres lend structure to the shape of the rear end. An illuminated ring running around the rear end adds the finishing touch to the high-tech appearance.

The interior of the "Concept IAA" combines stylish sportiness with modern luxury. The interior continues the design line of the S-Class and S-Class Coupé while providing an idea of what the interior of a business saloon might look like in the near future. Elegantly curved forms, flowing lines, carefully chosen high-quality materials and the touch-based operating philosophy provide for a high level of functionality.

The concept car is powered by a petrol/electric plug-in hybrid drive with a total output of 279PS. This provides it with a top speed of 250kmph (electronically limited). CO2 emissions and electric range depend on the mode in which the vehicle is tested: in aerodynamic mode the "Concept IAA" manages an all-electric range of 66 kilometres and emits 28 g CO2 per km. In design mode the range stands at 62 km and CO2 emissions at 31 g per km.

Mercedes says the advantage of aerodynamic mode is not revealed as clearly in this test as in real-life driving, as urban driving is accorded a two-thirds weighting in the current New European Driving Cycle (NEDC).