Mercedes may be having a torrid time in Formula 1 at the moment, but its on-road developments are pushing ahead comfortably. The German automaker is working on all-new cars to sell us and is refining its infotainment system to make it smoother and easier to use for future models. That's all good and well, but as more and more manufacturers find novel ways of creating hype and attracting customers, Mercedes must once again innovate as it has done so many times before. Its latest creation is another invention exclusively uncovered by our brilliant sleuths here at CarBuzz and pertains to a clever new method of keyless access.

Mercedes has filed a patent with the German Patent and Trademark office that was just published. Therein, the automaker suggests that even more convenient methods of opening and starting a car are possible. Mercedes suggests that drivers be fitted with an electronic bracelet that can communicate with the car via near-field communication (NFC), ultra-wideband (UWB), Bluetooth Low Energy (BLE), or another radio wave-based system. After opening the car, the bracelet is to be placed on the steering wheel, and after the driver has been authenticated, the car will start.

This would make it possible to activate a 'Teen Driver' mode when the kids are going for a drive, but there are other potential benefits too.

The patent filing also notes that the driver's medical health could be evaluated before the car is started to ensure that they are not at risk of endangering themselves or others. A bracelet key is not entirely new, as Jaguar Land Rover has created something similar in the past, but that's not the only authentication method that Mercedes is considering. The filing suggests that biometric technology could scan your fingerprint or even the shape of your hand, before going on to note that your vein structure - yes, really - retina, iris, or vocal signature could also be used to authenticate you and activate the car. Another suggestion is the implementation of a subcutaneous chip embedded in your skin.

Is this a better method of keyless access, or another unnecessary complication? Either way, if it does make it to production, you can bet that it'll be seen on the S-Class or the EQS sedan first.