Research vehicles are independent of any specific model and incorporate multiple innovative technologies. They serve to demonstrate new technologies and trends in a working car so that they can be presented to the public.

Since 1991, the letter "F" has been used to designate a very special group of Mercedes-Benz research vehicles. "F" stands for "Forschung" (German for "research"), and at the same time for "Future". In terms of their design, "F" vehicles from Mercedes-Benz point to the future, set trends and offer pointers for the form which individual mobility will take in the years ahead.