Mercedes-Benz has unveiled the Vision Iconic, a bold concept coupe that blends its past stories with a high-tech electric future. For an automaker as old as Mercedes, preserving heritage while innovating is a major challenge and bigger milestone.
The Vision Iconic is a sleek two-door vehicle which features a dramatically long hood and a sharply sloping cabin that evoke the luxury grand tourers of the 1930s. Even the front grille is illuminated a detail borrowed from the new electric GL underlining Mercedes goal of blending “styling cues” from its history with modern EV design.
Classic Design Cues
The Vision Iconic pays homage to Mercedes golden era. Its profile is dominated by an extremely long bonnet, flowing roof, and enormous wheels. Part of it is inspired by the 1930s Art Deco coupes like the Mercedes SSK and 500K.
Behind the doors, the body is clear, which allows polishing of the chrome strip along the rocker and sleek gun-slit windows. The rear tapers into a boat-tail shape with slim horizontal taillights, reminiscent of the 1954 Mercedes 300 SL Gullwing.
Illuminated Grille and Lighting
The Vision Iconic’s face is dominated by a large, backlit grille and a glowing star ornament. It appears to use the recently launched Marcedes Benz grill that feutured 1000s of tiny squares LEDs. Even the upright three-pointed hood ornament is illuminated on this concept, extending the glow of the grille to the very tip of the long nose.
Flanking the grille are slim, pointed headlights that echo the Mercedes star motif, and subtle vents and trim keeps the design clean. These bold lighting cues build on those seen in the new electric GLC and upcoming models, tying the Vision Iconic to Mercedes current EV family.
Lounge-like Cabin
Inside, the Vision Iconic blends classic luxury with futuristic touches. The centerpiece is a curved glass instrument panel called the “Zeppelin,” which houses an array of small analog gauges and clocks. One of these clock faces bears the Mercedes logo and serves as an AI companion.
In front of the driver sits a large, vintage-style four-spoke steering wheel with the cabin’s materials underscore the retro-luxe theme with the front is a single bench seat upholstered in rich blue velvet, the floor is covered in intricate blue-and-gold marquetry, and accents like mother-of-pearl trim and polished brass handles add a sense of old-world opulence.
Solar-Powered Efficiency
Beneath its glossy black bodywork, the Vision Iconic is covered with cutting-edge solar cells. Mercedes is researching “wafer-thin” photovoltaic modules that can be applied like a paste to the vehicle’s panels. The company estimates that covering roughly 11 square meters of surface (about the area of a mid-size SUV) could theoretically harvest up to 7,450 miles (12,000 km) of range per year under ideal conditions. Importantly, Mercedes notes that these solar films contain no rare-earth metals, are easy to recycle, and can even generate power when the car is turned off.
Advanced Autonomy and AI
Mercedes envisions the Vision Iconic as more than just a styling exerciseit becomes a test bed for autonomous driving technology. The concept is said to support Level 2 driver-assist in complex urban traffic and up to Level 4 autonomy on highways. To handle this, Mercedes is exploring neuromorphic computing that could make self-driving calculations up to 90% more energy-efficient. Even the dashboard hints at intelligent features. The analog clock with the Mercedes emblem is described as an “AI companion,” suggesting advanced virtual-assistant capabilities.
Agile Steering Technology
To keep such a long coupe nimble, the Vision Iconic employs a steer-by-wire system. There’s no mechanical linkage between the steering wheel and the front wheels inputs are transmitted electronically which allows Mercedes to program different steering responses as needed. In practice, this lets the concept integrate rear-axle steering smoothly, effectively reducing its turning circle for city driving.
The system can also reprogram the steering ratio at low speeds, so the large wheel never has to rotate endlessly while parking. Altogether, these technologies give the Vision Iconic the cornering agility of a much smaller car.
Shaping the Future of Mercedes EVs
While the Vision Iconic itself will almost certainly remain a one-off show car, its influence on future models is clear. The concept embodies what design boss Gorden Wagener calls the “ultimate expression of value, prestige, and grace,” even as it looks forward. As one journalist noted, this retro-futuristic blend of style and technology is meant to signal where Mercedes’ EV design is headed.
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