Mercedes-Benz patents amphibious technology for future SUVs

Mercedes-Benz Group AG has filed a patent for a control system that could allow a two-axle, four-wheel-drive SUV to float on water and navigate back to shore without external assistance. The invention, credited to Joerg Kneip, aims to extend the off-road capabilities of vehicles like the G-Class beyond traditional wading depths.

The proposed technology utilizes removable, inflatable foam elements or similar materials housed within the vehicle’s wheel arches. An onboard compressor would inflate these elements before water entry, while a central control unit would manage them independently at each corner to maintain balance against currents or shifting loads. When deflated, these components could be stored in the spare tire compartment.

Unlike traditional boats, the system does not use a propeller. Instead, it relies on the vehicle’s existing motors and wheels. The patent describes an adaptive suspension system that can adjust the angle of the wheels to act as rudders, while the electronic control unit manages torque to each wheel to provide propulsion and steering through the water.