This five-seat, B-class-sized concept signals Mercedes-Benz's intent to put an all-new fully electric vehicle (EV) into production by 2012-2013. The firm will have an electric A-class-car before that, in 2010, but BlueZero will become the name for its bespoke new EV range.
Design chief Gorden Wagener said he wanted to "create a new face for Mercedes electric vehicles" and opted for the 'closed-mouth' front grille partly because "electric vehicles don't need so much air". The Concept BlueZero thus features a clear PC cover over the traditional three-pointed star badge with a body-colored mesh section underneath and grooves either side of the badge that pulse with LEDs to indicate the car's distinct electric identity. The grille also points slightly forward in a nod, says Wagener, to the old Mercedes 300 SL Gullwing.
Nature was a key influence for the flowing exterior lines, as was the communication of light weight and aerodynamics. Two strong indicators of the latter on the BlueZero are the see-through rear wheel covers and the clear polycarbonate Lexan rear hatch.
The interior continues the see-through theme with translucent trim materials on the doors and dashboard to show the air-filled lightweight structure beneath. Wagener hopes the design will attract younger customers to the brand, and early impressions suggest it will. The whole ensemble - inside and out - is far removed from Mercedes' current output, and if much of the concept's features are kept for production it would mark quite a departure for the traditionally conservative brand.
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