Mercedes-Benz Concept IAA is a Study in Aerodynamics

Mercedes are due to unveil the IAA Concept this evening. The four-door coupe actually grows another 15.35 inches with the front bumper featuring panels that extend almost an inch forward into the airflow, while the rear valence sticks out an extra 0.79 inches in the back.

The Concept IAA also features what Mercedes is calling “Car-to-X” technology.

Whatever configuration the Concept IAA is in, the vehicle’s minimalist design is certainly no chore to look at.

Inside the Concept IAA boasts an interior that isn’t far removed from production viable. So far, we know that the Mercedes-Benz S-Class Cabriolet will be making its much-awaited world premiere there together with the exclusive Edition 1 Mercedes-AMG C63 and C63 S Coupes. Two 12.3-inch displays handle the job of communicating information to the occupants, while the steering wheel makes use of optical sensors to navigate through menus with your fingertips.

The Concept IAA is powered by a gas-electric plug-in hybrid drivetrain that provides a combined 279 horsepower.

There’s also a new touch-pad style control system below that controls the car’s heating, ventilation and air conditioning, with a distinct lack of hard buttons which still play a big part in the interiors of many Mercedes models.

Chances are we may be looking at the next generation of the Mercedes-Benz CLS and, since it is nothing more than a concept auto, its final design will most likely be different and, if we didn’t know how the carmaker works, we would say that this will be a European muscle vehicle, aimed towards the new Mustang and Camaro.

“Captivatingly sporty lines, fascinating technical solutions: the “Concept IAA” symbolizes the emotional core of Mercedes-Benz: The best or nothing”. Up to around 50 miles per hour it drives in Design mode, but faster than that it flips into Aerodynamic mode with various active aero elements – like flaps on the front grille – spinning into place. Mercedes says the interior of the IAA will end up in a production “business saloon” – i.e. a high-end sedan – soon.