Mercedes Benz F 700 Research Car at the Tokyo Auto Show

The F 700 research vehicle (concept) comes equipped with a hybrid diesel-electric engine. The diesel engine is turbocharged with a 1.8-litre four cylinder capable f delivering 238 hp, with a torque of 400 Newton metres. Add in the electric motor and you get 258 hp which can get you from 0 to 100 km per hour (62 mph) in just 7.5 seconds. All of that is delivered at just 5.3 litres per 100 km.

According to Dr. Thomas Weber, Member of the Board of Management of Daimler AG with responsibility for Group Research and Mercedes-Benz Cars Development "The CO2 emissions of the F 700 - just 127 grams per kilometre - equal those of today’s diesel-powered compact models, making the F 700 a luxury long-distance saloon with the lowest petrol consumption of any saloon in the history of the car."

The diesel engine uses both turbocharging and common-rail direct injection. The hybrid module comes into play in stop-and-go situations.

This concept also uses the new active PRE-SCAN suspension. Two laser sensors positioned in the headlights map the road ahead. They alert the high pressure hydraulic system for 'precisely calculated fluid flows and pressures' for each wheel.