Automakers' design departments have started to explore new areas beyond automobile styling, with the first two examples that come to mind being Porsche and BMW. Following in the footsteps of its local rivals is Daimler and its “Mercedes-Benz Style” venture that has just released its first project after announcing the launch of the division a year ago.

We're talking about the Eurocopter EC145, a business helicopter with an interior crafted by Mercedes-Benz’s newly formed styling division. Designed at the company's studio in Como, Italy, the interior of the EC145 “Mercedes-Benz Style” helicopter is inspired by the Stuttgart-based automaker’s executive saloons.

The high-quality leather, wood trims and ambient lighting that can be adjusted to different color and brightness settings are all familiar from the S and E-Class models. The sleek-looking flying machine also features multi-function boxes with various equipment options. Designers insisted on variability, with the passenger cabin conceived to suit various travel needs, from business or family travel to leisure and sporting trips.

All seats are fixed to rails and can be rearranged to accommodate four to eight passengers, or removed to create more space for luggage, while the load area is fitted with multiple anchoring options on the floor and walls.

“We are very pleased to have realized the first product of ‘Mercedes-Benz Style’ with Eurocopter,” said Gorden Wagener, head of design at Mercedes-Benz. “The interior design of the EC145 ‘Mercedes-Benz Style’ helicopter represents the classic passion of the Mercedes-Benz design language and fulfils the very highest expectations in terms of elegance, luxury and comfort,” he added.

The EC145 will be on display on May 17-19 at the European Business Aviation Convention & Exhibition 2011 (EBACE) in Geneva, after which it will be delivered to an European customer.

By Dan Mihalascu