Short for Intelligent Aerodynamic Automobile, the four-door saloon is intended “provides an idea of what the interior of a business saloon might look like in the near future”.

Believed to preview the forthcoming CLS in design elements, the Concept IAA also showcases aerodynamics technology. At the touch of a button, or automatically on reaching a speed of 50mph, the concept switches automatically from design mode to aerodynamic mode, with the rear segment increasing its length by up to 39mm while flaps in the front bumper extend by 25mm forwards and 20mm to the rear, improving the air flow around the front end and the front wheel arches. In addition, the Active Rims alter their cupping from 55mm to zero; and the louvre in the front bumper moves 60mm to the rear, improving the underbody air flow.

The concept also features Car-to-X technology, which enables it to communicate with other vehicles or other sources of information to help detect obstacles or events and thereby avoid accidents.

The concept is powered by a petrol/electric plug-in hybrid drive with a total output of 275bhp, giving it an electronically limited top speed of 155mph. In aerodynamic mode the study manages an all-electric range of 41 miles and emits 28g/km. In design mode the range stands at 39 miles and 31g/km.