Mercedes G-Code Concept – it’s a Mercedes Supermini SUV

[nggallery id=1974 template=customlinks]

The Mercedes G-Code Concept has been revealed to mark the opening of a new Mercedes R&D Centre in Beijing and possibly preview a future supermini SUV.

The world thought Mercedes had lost the plot when it went all ‘Volume’ with the original A-Class, but now it looks like Mercedes are planning to go even smaller with the reveal of the Mercedes G-Code Concept.

Showcased to mark the opening of a new R&D centre in Beijing, the G-Code Concept is about the size of a Nissan Juke and, if built, would be aimed at cars like Audi’s planned Q1 and even stuff like the MINI Countryman.

But production seems some way off and is more about showcasing a future direction and future technology.

That means a powertrain that consists of a plug-in electric motor at the back and an engine at the front running on hydrogen, multi-voltaic paint that can harness solar energy and even a degree of electrostatic energy as the G-Code Concept cuts through the air, and suspension that generates energy from its movement.

Styling of the G-Code Concept has been overseen by Mercedes Design Studio in Germany, but the concept seems to be mainly the work of the Chinese designers, with some Mercedes elements carrying over – like the grill – but adds new ones like a curvy body and canopy-style greenhouse area as well as cameras instead of door mirrors, a grill that changes colour depending on driving mode and coach style doors.

Inside is a simple and uncluttered design with 2+2 seating and a central information screen that delivers almost all the cars information and functions, as well as a pair of electric scooters in the boot charged by the same fancy recharging system the G-Code Concept uses for its on-board batteries.

The G-Code Concept is due to make an appearance at the L.A. Motor Show later this month, but for now there are no plans to put it in to production.