Taking active aerodynamics to a whole new level, this striking, futuristic Mercedes-Benz concept car actually changes its shape while on the fly. Now that's something we've not seen before, we have to admit...
Exterior
Called the Concept Intelligent Aerodynamic Automobile (IAA, which just conveniently happens to be the three initials for the Frankfurt International Motor Show... if rendered in German), this four-door coupé was designed using the latest digital technology. Its basic shape is a teardrop form in order to help it cut through the air, but at 80km/h (or at the press of a button), sections of the car move to make the Concept IAA even more slippery than it was before.
The main change is that eight-piece rear section, which lengthens the Mercedes Concept IAA by 390mm. Flaps in the front bumper stretch by 25mm forwards and 20mm to the rear, improving airflow around the nose and front wheel arches, the louvre in the grille leans back by 60mm to the benefit of under-body aero - and even the wheels alter their, er, cupping, the Active Rims going from a dish of 55mm depth to flat. All of the above allows the car to record a scarcely believable Cd figure of 0.19 in its full aero mode. That the whole thing looks beautiful is the most remarkable feat of all.
Interior
The cabin is designed to showcase what the interior of a business saloon might look like in the near future - which might be coded Mercedes-speak for 'take a look at the S-Class interior for 2020'. Or something. Anyway, there are strong contrasts between anthracite and white finishes, as well as aluminium and cut-glass features too.
Mercedes calls the main control device a 'two-spoke steering wheel' (although we'd disagree on that score) and it features a lot of touch-based controls - such as Optical Finger Navigation buttons in the two upper arms of the wheel, allowing menus to be scrolled through using a 'hovering' motion of the fingers.
Mechanicals
A petrol-electric plug-in hybrid drive provides the Concept IAA with peak output of 279hp, allowing for a top speed of 250km/h. This means that, in 'Aerodynamic Mode', it can go 66 kilometres on electric power alone, where it emits just 28g/km CO2. In 'Design Mode', those figures are only slightly less impressive, at 62km and 31g/km accordingly. Economy returns aren't quoted.
Anything else?
You can see the Concept IAA at the Frankfurt Motor Show right now, where it shares a simply massive stand with a load of other Mercedes products, under the banner 'Mercedes Dream Cars Collection'. Updated models like the Mercedes-AMG A 45 (now at 381hp/475Nm) sit alongside all-new metal, such as the S-Class Cabriolet, the C-Class Coupé and the GLC SUV.