Mercedes-Benz has been at the forefront of automotive technology for some 140 years, and the company is always pushing forward, trying to add real value for drivers and passengers alike. The automaker recently offered insight into a few R&D efforts currently under development.

​In one project, Mercedes is developing display technologies that explore new ways for the vehicle to communicate with its surroundings. For example, a digital warning triangle that displays in the rear window to warn of traffic, heavy braking or an accident ahead. Other alerts could give drivers a heads-up that the vehicle is parking, warn that a pedestrian is crossing the road, or suggest that they may be following too closely or have their “brights,” or high beams, on.

​The LED display elements can be laminated into the glass composite and, when no content is displayed, remain nearly invisible.

​As part of rethinking display surfaces, the company is also working on a holographic display concept that puts more information on the windshield.

​A projector in the instrument panel projects content onto the windshield. A transparent film laminated into the glass uses “holographic optical elements” to selectively reflect the wavelengths of light emitted by the projector. The technology concentrates the light so the image remains visible even in sunlight and is only visible from specific viewing angles. So, the driver can't see what is shown on the passenger side and vice versa.

​The driver could get information on points of interest, directions, video calls or safety and weather warnings, while the passenger could watch a movie—hopefully with headphones. Mercedes insists the new display isn't permanently visible and only shows content when needed.

​Finally, Mercedes showed off a new power converter for potential electric vehicles. It uses programmable micro-converters to control the energy flows of individual battery cells. It provides a constant high-voltage output of up to 800 volts, regardless of the cells’ state of charge or aging. This means that batteries and power electronics could be smaller, while also supporting AC and DC conversion and bidirectional charging.

​The technologies are still under development and won't be available anytime soon.

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