It’s not always easy to follow the direction some manufacturers are taking with their design language. Mercedes-Benz has provided us with some notable examples in recent years, including the approach it took with its EQ electric vehicle division.
The Vision Iconic concept presents the future of Mercedes-Benz’s styling
Solar panels are integrated to increase range
The prototype proposes level 4 autonomous driving
In short, it quickly became apparent that the target customer didn’t like the new signature. It looked like anything but what you’d expect from a Mercedes-Benz product. The company quickly got to work and, a few weeks ago, unveiled the new grille that will adorn the front end of its electric vehicles, as well as all other new models.
It was during the unveiling of the new GLC. The new front-end design, very nicely done by the way, took its inspiration from the grilles featured by the company in the 1950s, 1960s, 1970s, and 1980s, notably.
They could have stopped there, at least to measure the customer’s reaction, but Mercedes-Benz design chief Gorden Wagener shared a revealing image on his Instagram account yesterday. It showed an even larger illuminated grille on what appeared to be a new sedan. A few hours later, the entire car was revealed as the Vision Iconic Concept.
Essentially, this is a styling exercise. Mercedes-Benz showed us this vehicle earlier this summer at an event, but our cameras and phones were confiscated. The company hadn’t even indicated whether it would unveil this concept.
If we look at the size of the grille alone, it would be too massive for a production model. With this prototype, its size is in harmony with the rest of the design, which is spectacular. It is reminiscent of Mercedes-Benz coupes from the 1930s, as well as those seen elsewhere, notably with Rolls-Royce’s legendary Phantom and Hispano-Suiza’s resounding J12.
Mercedes-Benz Brings the Vision V Concept to Montreal as VLE and VLS Near Production
It was, in fact, the goal of the concept: to combine the styling of the 1930s with the technology of the 2030s. What is striking, apart from the spectacular roofline, is the seemingly endless hood.
The future
This concept car isn’t just about looks. It offers a host of advanced technologies that we will eventually see on production models. For example, it features an integrated solar energy system, while Mercedes-Benz is studying ultra-thin modules that could be integrated into the bodywork of electric vehicles.
The solar panels would be recyclable and would not contain rare metals. They could even produce energy when the car is not running. In total, their 118 square foot surface area would provide nearly 13,000 km of range per year.
Artificial intelligence also plays a crucial role in this car.
Inside
Inside, everything is focused on the future, unsurprisingly, but with a nod to the past. For example, the dashboard, nicknamed Zeppelin, has an oval shape reminiscent of the early 1900s airships. The four-spoke steering wheel evokes the rudders of old 19th-century ships, while a mechanical dial behind it recalls the luxury watches of the era with their visible mechanisms.
An exercise in style, as we said.
The interior features refined materials, including mother-of-pearl on the doors, backlit brass handles, deep blue velvet seats, and a blue-patterned straw marquetry floor.
The company wanted to recreate the effect of a lounge. Well done.
Gorden Wagener’s Instagram post also includes a message indicating that the photo is a preview of things to come. It reads: “That iconic grille we introduced at IAA in Munich? Consider it the spark for a creative impulse. Get ready for what’s next.”
The next day, when the model was unveiled, he added this: “Thinking beyond conventions, rooted in heritage and ready for the future.” ”
Of course, we shouldn’t expect to see this model on the road, either in the medium or long term. This kind of exercise showcases the company’s expertise. However, some elements will eventually find their way into production models.
It will be interesting to see which ones (elements and models).
