Mercedes-Benz has revealed the Vision Iconic show car, a concept that bridges the past and future, delivering an “opulent yet timeless presence”.
“Vision Iconic embodies our vision for the future of mobility. With groundbreaking innovations such as neuromorphic computing, steer-by-wire, solar paint and Level 4 highly automated driving, along with state-of-the-art technology, we are setting new standards for the electric and digital age. This beautiful vehicle is a testament to our commitment to making the mobility of tomorrow a reality today,” said Markus Schäfer, member of the board of management and chief technology officer, development and procurement, at Mercedes‑Benz Group.
Exterior reimagining
The Vision Iconic features Mercedes-Benz’s ‘iconic grille,’ with a modern take on the brand’s classic design that combines a chrome frame, smoked-glass lattice and contour lighting, merging heritage with digital styling, and featuring an illuminated star on the hood.
Hyper-analog
“Our Vision Iconic is more than just an automobile – it is a sculpture in motion, a homage to timeless elegance and a statement for the future. The symbiosis of traditional craftsmanship, state-of-the-art technology and an unmistakable design language makes it the ultimate expression of value, prestige and grace: the most beautiful, most prestigious kind of thing,” commented Gorden Wagener, chief design officer at Mercedes-Benz Group.
The Vision Iconic’s interior blends art deco elegance with modern craftsmanship. Its centerpiece, a floating glass ‘zeppelin’, which the auto maker says, showcases intricate detailing and a seamless mix of analog and digital design.
The instrument cluster features a cinematic, entirely analog animation inspired by high-end chronographs and the pillar-to-pillar screen concept blends technology seamlessly into the interior. At the center, one of the four clocks is shaped like the brand logo and doubles up as an AI companion.
Behind the zeppelin, a mother-of-pearl inlay extends across the cabin and doors around the brass handles. A deep blue velvet bench seat is fitted for the driver and passenger, enhancing the sense of shared comfort and understated luxury.
A four-spoke steering wheel combines sportiness and elegance, featuring a glass-encased Mercedes-Benz logo. The floor’s handcrafted straw marquetry, in a fan-shaped art deco motif, has been produced using a decorative art process that dates back to the 17th century.
Neuromorphic computing and ADAS tech
Future Mercedes-Benz models like the Vision Iconic will feature more and more autonomous driving capabilities and increasing energy demands that make efficiency critical. Mercedes-Benz is exploring neuromorphic computing, which mimics the human brain to process AI tasks up to 10 times more efficiently and in a manner that is 90% less energy-intensive than current systems. This technology could enhance safety features by improving the recognition of traffic signs, lanes and other road users, even in low-visibility conditions.
The Vision Iconic comes standard with Level 2 point-to-point urban driving capabilities, enabling precise handling of complex city traffic with cooperative steering and acceleration. Mercedes-Benz says the next step will be to equip future models with Level 4 highly automated driving technology.
Solar coating for more range
Mercedes-Benz is also developing ultra-thin solar modules that can be applied directly to a vehicle’s body like a coating. The photovoltaic-active surface adapts to different materials and the company says that this could generate enough energy for up to 12,000km per year under ideal conditions on a car the size of a mid-size SUV (11m2 ). Free of rare earths and silicon, the recyclable coating achieves 20% efficiency and continues producing power even when the vehicle is switched off.
In related news, GM to launch eyes-off driving and conversational AI
