Mercedes-Benz self-driving car causes a stir in San Francisco
Mercedes-Benz self-driving car the F015 Luxury In Motion has been creating a stir this week as it was seen on the streets of San Francisco for the first time. Unveiled at the International CES in Las Vegas in January, the F015 Luxury In Motion was caught on camera by stunned bystanders as it cruised through the city.
Many took to social media sites to share their experiences of the vehicle stating that it was ‘futuristic’, ‘stunning’ and ‘radical’. Mercedes-Benz call the car “an innovative perspective into the future of mobility”.
The futuristic vehicle features a low, sleek stance with smooth lines in a chrome like finish and boasts an impressive lounge area filled with luxury items such as wood flooring, multiple touchscreens and rotatable leather seats; this allows the driver and passengers to face each other and chat more freely.
Mercedes Concept Car. Sick as Hell! SF cable Car life. pic.twitter.com/Hx5oUzLEie
— Mr. Cable Car (@cablecarguy) March 5, 2015
The F015 Luxury In Motion self-driving car is full of innovative tech including an array of laser projection systems and complex acoustic features which turns it into an automated car. There is also a manual mode for when the driver wants to take control.
@BrockKeeling I see my photo made it to 7×7 – got a couple more posted here as well, but please add attribution. pic.twitter.com/6gFYvxoVNx
— Marty Falatic (@MartyMacGyver) March 9, 2015
It is unclear if the F015 cruising the streets of San Francisco was being driven by a human driver or not as the windows are tinted, but Mercedes-Benz confirmed that the car was travelling around the city for running footage and photography for future communication purposes. The company also said that the car is still under development.
Another couple of views of the @MercedesBenz F 015 self-driving car that was cruising around North Beach, SF 3/4/15. pic.twitter.com/MRPDEjl1Na
— Marty Falatic (@MartyMacGyver) March 9, 2015
The F015 measures 17ft in length and is made from carbon-fibre, aluminium and high-strength steel. It is powered by a combination of an electric motor and a hydrogen fuel cell and is said to be capable of travelling 685 miles on a single charge.
Mercedes-Benz self-driving concept car on California Street, San Francisco. pic.twitter.com/KqYOltXLxa
— Victor Lwin (@vaml09) March 4, 2015
It is not known when the F015 will become commercially available or what it will retail for, but we know we want one. Check out some footage below:
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