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Vario Research Car

The "Vario Research Car", presented in March 1995, is an innovative research vehicle that can be converted quickly and easily from, say, cabriolet to saloon or from pick-up to estate car. The Vario Research Car is four different concepts rolled into one and offers drivers completely new ways of adapting their car to suit their requirements. The Vario Research Car can be used for holiday or recreation activities, as a small van or as a family saloon.

Modular design principle
As spacious as the C-class
Vision: buy the car, rent the superstructure

The modular principle The basic body of the "Vario" research car incorporates the entire drive train and running gear along with the front windscreen, the doors, the instrument panel and the seats. Thanks to intelligent design, the basic body and the various superstructures fit neatly together and the joins are not visible. The joins are situated below the waistline, at the side windows, at the rear and in the upper part of the frame. The "Vario" can be converted in the space of minutes, with minimum technical effort. Even the electric connections are adapted in moments: the superstructure is connected to the vehicle power supply via a central socket at the rear and an electronic system automatically detects which superstructure has been fitted and makes the appropriate connections.

As spacious as the C-class

The dimensions of the Vario Research Car were carefully worked out in the ergonomics laboratory of the Mercedes-Benz research centre. As a result, despite the compact external dimensions, the interior offers the comfort and spaciousness of a Mercedes-Benz C-class saloon. The front seats can be swivelled forwards by electric motor to give convenient access to the rear of the two-door car; the rear seats can be folded down completely, creating a level loading surface at the rear.

Vision: buy the car, rent the superstructure A variable car calls for an equally variable distribution strategy. Drivers do not have to buy the various body versions of the Vario Research Car but can rent them at special service stations. Depending on the time of year, personal preferences or the type of transport they need, they can take their body back at any time and select another version.