What's this then?
The G-Code Concept, a first hint that Mercedes-Benz may be getting ready to enter the burgeoning baby crossover market.
Looks a bit like the Ener-G-Force thingy from a few years ago.
Probably because Mercedes describes the G-Code as the look of its SUVs in the future. Most of the design work was done by Merc's Chinese team in Beijing at its new Advanced Design Studio and R&D Centre, but it was overseen by the design bosses in Sindelfingen so it could be 'Europeanised' for production.
So being a concept what weird and wonderful things has it got?
Starting with the vaguely normal, the back doors are of rear-hinged 'suicide' design with the B-pillar integrated into them. The A-pillar has also been made as thin as possible to give a wraparound windscreen.
Mounted behind the tri-star grille is an LED display that changes colour depending on the G- Code's driving mode - blue in normal driving, purple for hybrid and red for sport mode.
Seems fairly normal so far.
Ah but we're not finished. The silver paint is described as 'multi-voltaic silver' and is said to act as a giant solar panel in addition to turning air moving over the surface of the car into electricity [Ed: isn't that close to perpetual motion?!].
The G-Code is unlocked and started via smartphone while the steering wheel and pedals spring forth from their resting positions to meet the driver once the phone is docked in the centre console. The steering wheel is said to do a very fancy 'butterfly unfurl' on the way.
The air vents and information display also emerge from slumber and the display shows images from the rear view mirror at its extremities.
Last but not least is the powerplant. A turbocharged hydrogen fuelled engine up front powers the front wheels, while an axle mounted electric motor powers the rears and the two can be joined via a 'digital prop shaft' to offer all-wheel drive.
Bizarre! Anything else?
Yes, the G-Code was unveiled at the opening of the new R&D Centre in Beijing, part of an £90 million investment by Mercedes in its Chinese operations. When fully operational the facility will have 500 engineers and designers working in it, tailoring cars for the Chinese metropolises.
Paul Healy - 4 Nov 2014
