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Mercedes-Benz Vision Tokyo concept shows us our lazy future

The first autonomous vehicles to hit the road will likely look much the same as the ones we drive currently. But as self-driving technology evolves, so too will the shape of the vehicles themselves. And this is what Mercedes figures that future could look like. The Vision Tokyo concept, so named for the show now ongoing at which it's been unveiled this morning, is an odd yet forward-looking shape, rendered in Alubeam silver and glowing blue. Power comes from a hybrid hydrogen fuel cell and inductive electric charging system that give it a theoretical zero-emissions range of over 600 miles. One look at the lozenge-like shape should tell you that the design is all about the interior space. The driving station – should it be needed – offers a clean dashboard with HUD-only instruments and a central driving position with unobstructed view through the wraparound windscreen. The cabin is clearly focused, however, on the lounging occupants more than on the driver. Accessed via a single, giant gullwing hangar door, the approach is closer to that of a mobile lounge space than a traditional automotive interior, with a wraparound sofa, some manner of high-tech 3D game projected in the middle, and a wide infotainment screen on the inside of the door. The concept clearly foretells of a different future – one that demands less of the driver and offers more relaxed comfort. So while the driver within us grows concerned at his numbered days, the rest can't help but be strangely intrigued. Scope out the live images from the floor of the Tokyo Motor Show and share your thoughts on the concept in the Comments section below.

Daimler CEO Zetsche answers 'Most likely' to question of a Maybach SUV

When Dieter Zetsche was asked about the possibility of getting Maybach, the reimagined Mercedes-Benz ultra-luxury sub-brand, into the premium SUV game, the Daimler CEO reportedly told Auto Express, "Most likely." Those two little words aren't a firm answer – let alone an indication of timing – but we wouldn't be shocked to find out Mercedes is already working on one. Range Rover has gone even more upscale, the Bentley Bentayga is coming this year, as will the Maserati Levante. Rolls-Royce is deciding on an SUV this year (we think it's only a matter of time before they say "yes"), the Lamborghini Urus is still expected in 2018, Aston Martin is raising funds to build a crossover, and there have been rumors of a BMW X7 and Audi Q9 for years. Point being, everyone is busy writing their own invite to this ultra posh party. The latest comments would appear to put to rest any will-they/won't-they questions around a high-riding Maybach offering. There were rumors last summer that a GL-Class SUV (a model range shortly to be known as GLS-Class) with revamped styling and lots of luxury touches would join the top-tier sub-brand, but then in November, Mercedes' global head of sales and marketing told Automotive News, "I don't want to categorically rule anything out, but at this stage we have no plans for it [a Maybach SUV]." If and when a Maybach utility does become official, we'll only be picking up where we left off with the brand's previous incarnation: a GL-based Maybach was rumored way back in 2007. News Source: Auto ExpressImage Credit: Copyright 2015 Steven Ewing / AOL Maybach Mercedes-Benz SUV Luxury mercedes gl-class

Mercedes plotting E-Class Maybach, next A-Class for the US?

Mercedes-Benz has opened 2015 by hinting at a host of new products. Dieter Zetsche nudged the idea that there'll be a Maybach-branded SUV. AMG chief Tobias Moers told Motor Trend that "We want to be seen by the public on the same level as the other sports car maker in Germany" when asked if his crew was working on a car to rival the Porsche 918 Spyder. That and a few other tidbits have people thinking that we'll eventually see some sort of celestial AMG supercar. The latest handful of hints came from Mercedes USA CEO Steve Cannon during an interview on the marque's move to Atlanta. Cannon told Automotive News that we'd "see more from the Maybach brand," leaving the impression that there "could" be an E-Class draped in the superluxury trim. If such came to pass, there's plenty of pricing room between the E and the S-Class to slot a higher trim in. The top non-AMG E-Class starts at $62,350, the S-Class opens the bidding at $94,400. Even if you slapped the E-Class with the $23,000 premium it takes to make an S600 a Maybach S600, you've still got plenty of breathing room between the midsized and full-sized sedans. At the antipodal end, Cannon told AN that we could get a front-wheel-drive Mercedes smaller than anything here right now. That leaves the A-Class, since we've already got the B-Class. Getting the next-gen A-Class here would help with CAFE numbers, and since it will be built in the new factory in Aguascalientes, Mexico it won't have far to travel to get here. We're told it won't be like the current car, however; Cannon said, "The A-Class will change from what you have seen and from what you are used to." We hope that's a good thing, because we really like the current car. Related Video: