- Mercedes has unveiled a sleek two-door concept previewing future design and tech.
- It looks like an evolution of the Vision Maybach 6 concepts with an illuminated grille.
- Highlights include the retro-flavored interior, solar paint, and Level 4 autonomy.
Mercedes has unveiled the Vision Iconic concept, a stunning two-door coupe that shows the brand still knows how to do glamour. Besides the sexy proportions and the illuminated grille, the model features a retro-inspired cabin and comes with advanced autonomous driving capabilities.
var adpushup = window.adpushup = window.adpushup || {que:[]};
adpushup.que.push(function() {
if (adpushup.config.platform !== “DESKTOP”){
adpushup.triggerAd(“0f7e3106-c4d6-4db4-8135-c508879a76f8”);
} else {
adpushup.triggerAd(“82503191-e1d1-435a-874f-9c78a2a54a2f”);
}
});
The exterior blends styling cues from Mercedes’ past fused with futuristic details. The “Iconic Grille”, first shown in the production GLC EV, proves that a large illuminated panel can look good on a vehicle if the stars align properly. It’s shape is inspired by classics like the W108, W111 and the 600 Pullman. Here, it is combined with the classic Merc hood ornament and aggressive headlights.
More: Have the Germans Finally Got Their Design Act Together Or Are They Still Lost?
The profile is reminiscent of the Vision Mercedes-Maybach 6 Coupé and Cabriolet concepts from 2016 and 2017, although the overhangs are shorter. The long hood is emphasized by the side gills on the fenders, continuing the lines of the short windshield. The sloping roofline leads to a curved tail, with clear references to the iconic 300 SL Gullwing.
The brand’s design chief, Gorden Wagener, said that the show car is inspired by “the golden era of automotive design of the 1930s”, describing it as “a sculpture in motion, a homage to timeless elegance, and a statement for the future.”
Mercedes
Art Deco Interior
The interior of the Vision Iconic is equally as impressive as the exterior. The company chose the Art Deco movement as an inspiration, targeting “lounge-like comfort and an entirely new experience of hyper-analogue and digital luxury”.
The concept has a round four-spoke steering wheel, and a transparent dashboard shaped like a Zeppelin. The instrument cluster features analogue animations mimicking high-end chronographs and is combined with four clocks in the middle of the dash, one of which houses an AI companion.
var adpushup = window.adpushup = window.adpushup || {que:[]};
adpushup.que.push(function() {
if (adpushup.config.platform !== “DESKTOP”){
adpushup.triggerAd(“bb7964e9-07de-4b06-a83e-ead35079d53c”);
} else {
adpushup.triggerAd(“9b1169d9-7a89-4971-a77f-1397f7588751”);
}
});
The cabin has a bench seat upholstered in deep blue velvet, mother-of-Pearl accents, and a handcrafted straw marquetry floor bringing us back to the 17th century. Mercedes has also introduced a collection of six outfits for men and women, matching the interior of the concept with a dark blue shade and silver-gold accents.
Mercedes
Technology From The Future
Despite the nostalgic touches, the concept is equipped with high-end tech. It targets Level 4 autonomy with “neuromorphic computing” that mimics the functions of the human brain. This is said to be 10 times more efficient than current systems in recognizing the surrounding environment. Furthermore, it can reduce the energy required for data processing in AI calculations by up to 90%.
More: The EQS Wasn’t Ugly by Accident, But Mercedes Thinks It Knows Better Now
var adpushup = window.adpushup = window.adpushup || {que:[]};
adpushup.que.push(function() {
if (adpushup.config.platform !== “DESKTOP”){
adpushup.triggerAd(“b25ecba7-3bbb-4ea7-a3a8-dbea91695c07”);
} else {
adpushup.triggerAd(“e46c436a-adeb-4b5e-a2c7-56bc36561c10”);
}
});
The Vision Iconic also has a steer-by-wire system combined with rear-axle steering for improved handling and agility. The automaker didn’t reveal the specifications of the fully electric powertrain.
Another highlight is a special solar coating that is covering the entire bodywork and contributes to charging the battery pack. According to Mercedes, a fully electric midsize SUV with solar paint could benefit from up to 12,000 km (7,500 miles) of range per year only from the sun – although the figure depends on the geographical location and weather conditions. The coating has an efficiency of 20% and can be combined with any color while being easily recycled.
Could It Ever Reach Production?
Rumors about the return of a flagship coupe in the Mercedes lineup first sparked earlier this year when the company trademarked a pair of two-door S-Class models in Maybach and AMG forms.
More: This Concept EV Will Morph Into An AMG Super Sedan You Can Buy
However, these were based on the current generation of the S-Class sedan, which is expected to undergo a facelift next year. The next generation, expected closer to the decade’s end, should offer both internal-combustion and battery-electric powertrains.
Whether this new concept is merely a design study or a genuine preview of what’s to come remains uncertain. Still, it is an indication that Mercedes isn’t done exploring the art of the grand coupe just yet.
