Mercedes-Benz IAA concept - Frankfurt 2015

The 'Intelligent Aerodynamic Automobile' makes a Frankfurt debut; kind of a Transformers S-Class

By Matt Bird / Monday, 14 September 2015 / Loading comments

A Transformers S-Class? Well yes, that's not simply a misleading subhead to lure clicks in. This Mercedes concept can grow, to benefit aerodynamics. And you thought it was just another big Benz coupe...

When the Intelligent Aerodynamic Automobile (IAA) reaches 50mph - or if a button is pressed inside - eight segments extend at the rear of the car to increase the length by up to 390mm. That's not all; the front and rear bumpers extend by 25mm and 20mm respectively, those rather swish 'Active Rims' alter their cupping (Mercedes' words, not ours) from 55mm to zero and the louvre in the front bumper moves 60mm rearwards, further benefitting airflow. It all sounds like a very neat party trick.

The point? To prove that cars still have efficiency gains to make, particularly as far as aerodynamics are concerned. With a Cd factor of just 0.19, the IAA drastically undercuts even the CLA, Mercedes most aero efficient production car with a 0.22 rating. In standard mode it's 5,040mm long (the maximum length being 5,430mm) while sitting 1,995mm wide and 1,305mm tall. Quite elegant for such a big thing, isn't it? If this "irresistible design" really does preview future large saloons then bring 'em on!

Like an S-Class but more ... motor show

Naturally with the future in mind there's a host of fanciful tech in the IAA that seems miles off now and will be optional in a C-Class before you realise. 'Car-to-X' technology sounds cooler than it is, allowing the car to communicate with other vehicles and information sources. Inside there are 'Optical Finger Navigation' buttons, enabling information displays to be scrolled through more easily. To find it's therefore powered by a regular Mercedes plug-in hybrid is almost disappointing; where are the fuel cells when you need them? But then an electric range of around 40 miles and CO2 emission of 30g/km or so (dependent on whether it's in super slippery mode or not) are hardly shabby.

On recent from, it's unlike Mercedes to produce a concept without some tangible production prospects. Of course something identical to the IAA won't be at your dealer anytime soon but expect to see more active aero and and new interior technology filtering through the range. Fingers crossed the white leather remains for the show cars though.