Mercedes-Benz At The North American International Auto Show 2004

Interior: relaxed touring for up to six occupants

A large panoramic glass roof stretches practically the entire distance between the windscreen and the rear end, bathing the interior in light. Up to six occupants can enjoy the relaxing ride in the luxurious individual seats. In terms of interior space, meanwhile, the distance of 920 mm between the first and second seat rows makes for first-class travel comfort. The centre consoles between the individual rear seats feature extra stowage compartments as well as large drinks holders for cups or bottles.

Furthermore, separate DVD/CD players for the second and third seat rows, complete with headphones, allow the rear passengers to enjoy their own chosen brand of entertainment. The colour displays are built into the rear of the front head restraints and the rear centre console.

This new vehicle concept, developed by Mercedes-Benz in its own inimitable style, is a response to a desire for a versatile car that can be quickly and easily adapted to perform a wide range of transport tasks. A desire expressed by families for whom sport and recreation are priorities. Hence the four rear seats can be folded individually to create up to 2030 litres of luggage space (according to the VDA measuring method), which is substantially more than a conventional luxury estate can offer. In addition, the flat load compartment floor and the large tailgate make loading and unloading a great deal easier.

The dashboard features a sophisticated design as well as an aluminium and fine-wood trim to further enhance appeal, whilst the aluminium surrounds for the COMAND display and air conditioning controls on the centre console provide another eye-catching interior detail.

By incorporating the very latest in transmission electronics, the Mercedes engineers were able to dispense with the conventional automatic selector lever on the centre console, replacing it with a lever on the steering column and control buttons on the steering wheel. This configuration gives the driver the ability to change gear manually – Formula-1-style – and thus make optimal use of the vehicle’s highly impressive performance characteristics in any situation on the road.

Another benefit of this sophisticated shift-by-wire technology is that the driver's hands always remain exactly where they belong -- on the steering wheel.

Hybrid drive: from zero to 100 km/h in only 6.6 seconds

A powerful diesel/electric hybrid drive system is further proof of the innovation at the heart of the Vision Grand Sports Tourer concept. In models such as the Grand Sports Tourer, the electric motor is set to become an indispensable companion to the diesel engine, since it helps to further reduce fuel consumption and emissions without compromising on agility, comfort and driving enjoyment.

This powerful hybrid consists of the state-of-the-art V8 diesel engine with 184 kW/250 hp from the S-Class and an electric motor (50 kW). As a result, the vehicle has 234 kW of total power and 860 Nm of torque available — top performance levels for this drive technology, which guarantees dynamic driving enjoyment. The Vision Grand Sports Tourer, for example, has the acceleration of a sports car — it can sprint from zero to 100 km/h in just 6.6 seconds. The car’s top speed is electronically limited to 250 km/h.