Mercedes-Benz has entered a new era of iconic design. Representing this evolution, Vision Iconic show car embodies the freedom to think beyond convention – as a creative impulse that opens new perspectives and builds a bridge between past and future. Besides an opulent yet timeless presence, a central feature is the reinterpretation of one of the most recognisable elements in automotive history: the iconic Mercedes-Benz radiator grille. This so-called iconic grille, first introduced with the all-new electric GLC, expresses both emotion and intelligence, and enables Mercedes-Benz to stand out from the sea of sameness.
Vision Iconic perfectly demonstrates the brand’s elevated design language by refining the iconic grille – bold, upright and proud – to a digital status front and by integrating the brightly illuminated star on the bonnet. The illumination of the iconic star and the chrome grille in combination with animation scenarios for the grille demonstrate the importance of light integration for the emotionalisation of digital design. The distinctive front design is enriched through slim, modern and self-confident headlights infused with the latest lighting technology. The deep black high-gloss paint finish emphasises the sculptural exterior design of the show car.
With automated driving, the role of the car’s interior is evolving. Vision Iconic offers a glimpse into this future, characterised by lounge-like comfort and an entirely new experience of hyper-analogue and digital luxury.
The interior of Vision Iconic redefines automotive elegance through an opulent Art Deco-inspired composition of finest craftsmanship and exclusive materials. The centrepiece of the instrument panel is a floating glass structure, the so called “Zeppelin” – a sculptural form that reveals a captivating interior of artfully designed details and a refined interplay of analogue and digital instruments.
As the door is opened, the instrument cluster comes to life with a cinematic, entirely analogue animation inspired by high-end chronographs. The pillar to pillar screen concept blends technology seamlessly into the interior. At the centre, one of the four clocks is shaped like the brand logo, acting as an AI companion.
Behind the Zeppelin, a generous decorative surface unfolds into a breathtaking inlay of lustrous mother-of-pearl look, offering both visual depth and artisanal finesse. Intricate mother-of-Pearl marquetry also graces the door panels, encircling finely crafted and polished brass door handles in silver-gold tones before flowing into a radiant, star pattern that frames the rear seat with elegance. Driver and passenger can share the spacious, sumptuously upholstered front bench seat in deep blue velvet – fostering a sense of joint relaxation and luxury experience.
In front of the driver the four spoke steering wheel highlights a sporty yet elegant character. The Mercedes-Benz logo floats inside a glass sphere, clasped by the spokes like a jewel. The vehicle floor is clad in elaborate straw marquetry, a luxurious decorative technique dating back to the 17th century and revived in the 1920s. Rendered in a classic fan-shaped Art Deco motif, this handcrafted finish brings historic artistry into the modern era.
Mercedes-Benz is researching innovative solar modules that could be seamlessly applied to the bodywork of electric vehicles, similar to a wafer-thin paste. The photovoltaic-active surface could be adaptable to various substrates. When applied to the entire vehicle surface of the Iconic Vision, additional range could be harnessed from the sun, depending on geographical location and local conditions. As an example, an area of 11 square metres (equivalent to the surface of a mid-size SUV) could produce energy for up to 12,000 kilometres a year under ideal conditions1. The coating does not contain any rare earths or silicon and can be easily recycled. The solar cells have a high efficiency of 20 percent and generate energy continuously – even when the vehicle is switched off.
Together with the show car, Mercedes-Benz is presenting a capsule collection consisting of six carefully designed outfits for men and women. With dark blue nuances and silver-gold accents, the outfits not only reflect the luxurious colour scheme of Vision Iconic but also play with the graphic elements of the show car’s interior. In this way, the collection captures the essence of Art Deco by combining the lavish luxury of the 1920s and 1930s with the finest craftsmanship and exquisite materials. Each piece celebrates the attention to detail and the use of distinctively chosen fabrics that are characteristic of this iconic period. The capsule collection pays homage to the Shanghai Fashion Week, which takes place during the world premiere of Vision Iconic.
