With a beauty to match its brains, the F 800 Style research car releases the exciting potential of zero-emission driving within this stylish and powerful upper-range saloon. Sleek curves and muscular lines combine with smooth, multi-drive technology to create an inspiring driver experience.

At the heart of the F 800 is an innovative driving system equipped with either a Fuel Cell with electric drive or a Plug-in Hybrid system for greater range, power and flexibility. The F-Cell drive system offers cleaner driving, as it runs on hydrogen for electric driving with zero local emissions, with water as the only emission. Components are shared with the B-Class F-CELL which is already in limited series production and efficiency is increased further through the recovery of braking energy which is stored in the battery.

The Plug-In Hybrid variant offers zero local emissions in urban areas with use of the gasoline engine equipped with the latest-generation direct-injection technology for longer distances. The efficient drive system and CO2 bonus for the battery electric driving mode result in emissions of just 68 grams per kilometre which is less than a smart cdi, twinned with performance of a sports car.

Within its spacious interior the F 800 also features an intuitive human-machine interface (HMI). This exciting display and operating system integrates a live web cam with a touchpad to enable intuitive control of driving functions. A camera records live video of the driver’s hand as it touches the pad on the centre console, with the image of the driver’s hand projected as a transparency on the central display at eye level. The driver sees the contours of their fingers move across the controls without obscuring the touchpad functions. Operation is safer and simpler, intuitively recognising finger movements for smooth control of climate, telephone, stereo and navigation systems.

While on the move there is greater driving ease and safety, as the F 800 is equipped with the new Distronic Plus Traffic Jam Assistant. This smart new system not only regulates the distance from the vehicle in front, but can automatically follow the vehicle into bends, recognising the difference between the vehicle ahead that is driving along curving roads and a vehicle that is turning off the road. At speeds of up to 25 mph, the Distronic Plus system will adjust the F 800’s movements so the driver can relax with their hands on the steering wheel while staying in full
control — sensors monitor steering movements and acceleration to smoothly transfer operation whenever needed.