Mercedes-Benz reveals Vision Golf Car concept

Mercedes-Benz has revealed a concept of what it bills as the “ultimate golf cart” as part of activities at this year's British Open at the Muirfield Golf Club in Scotland.

The concept was created at Mercedes-Benz's advanced design studio in California using ideas submitted by golf fans in a competition held by the German car maker. The swoopy two-seater adopts a number of design cues from current Mercedes-Benz models along with a doorless, one-box profile to give it a contemporary appearance that transcends traditional golf cart design.

The Vision Golf Car is powered by a plug-in electric drive system with a lithium-ion battery aided by a solar panel integrated into the heavily curved roof structure. The concept ditches a traditional steering wheel in favor of a joystick mounted on a sweeping center console that runs through the middle of the cabin, allowing either occupant to perform the driving duties.

The center console also incorporates a multimedia panel with a rotatable docking station for an iPad or iPhone, along with Bluetooth and USB interfaces. Other functions featured in the concept are a head-up display unit, air-conditioning, infotainment center and a communication system that connects the vehicle with the clubhouse and other carts.

The head-up display unit offers a number of ancillary functions, including a course layout, current scoring status and weather information modes. There's even a “fore” button to warn other players of a misplaced shot.

As of now, there are no intentions for a production version, as this car was a design and technological study, but we wouldn't mind piloting this on a course in the near future.

By Greg Kable