Mercedes-Benz G-Code: A Rival To Audi's Q1?
To make sure they don't leave Audi alone in a niche market, Mercedes-Benz has unveiled what might be a direct competitor to Ingolstadt’s Q1 (a small luxury crossover, smaller than the Q3 and based on the Audi A1, a city car which is not offered here).
Mercedes-Benz has named its most recent concept G-Code, and under its somewhat restrained looks (it looks like a Lincoln from the back) are a few novel ideas. For example, the suspension is connected to a small generator that recharges the batteries by converting the kinetic energy created when the shock compresses. The front grill is illuminated, and changes colors according to the current drive mode (red for the heat engine, blue in all-electric mode, and mauve in hybrid). The concept also gets multi-voltaic paint, which acts as a solar panel when the sun is shining. Even better, it can also harness the electrostatic current generated when the wind blows over the bodywork.
The interior is unique: opening the door reveals a plain dashboard without any instruments (or steering wheel either, for that matter). When the vehicle is started, a flap rises and transforms itself into the instrument panel; the steering wheel extends towards the driver and the whole front of the cockpit gets closer to the front seats.
We don’t know exactly what engine sits under the concept’s hood, but Mercedes mentions that the G-Code has a hydrogen engine and an electric drivetrain for the rear wheels.
We will be able to see this unique vehicle at the Los Angeles Auto Show on November 21.
