SHANGHAI: MERCEDES-Benz took the wraps off its Vision Iconic show car, underlying its entry into a new era of iconic design.
Said to be "the most beautiful, most prestigious kind of thing," the Vision Iconic embodies the thinking beyond convention as a creative impulse that opens new perspectives and builds a bridge between past and future.
Aside from 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 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.
Defined by the iconic grille, the Vision Iconic's front is a striking, forward-looking homage to the traditional chrome grille, which as a key design element has shaped the face of Mercedes-Benz for over 100 years.
The iconic grille draws inspiration from the upright grilles of legendary models such as the W 108, W 111 and the Mercedes-Benz 600 Pullman.
Radiating presence, status and strong presence, the wide chromed frame with a smoked-glass lattice structure and integrated contour lighting merges heritage with digital modernity.
The distinctive front is also enriched through slim, modern and self-confident headlights infused with the latest lighting technology.
Meanwhile, the deep black high-gloss paint finish emphasises the sculptural exterior design of the show car.
Innovative solar coating will generate energy continuously, even when the vehicle is switched off.
Vision Iconic offers a glimpse into a future with automated driving, featuring a lounge-like comfort and an entirely new experience of hyper-analogue and digital luxury.
Automotive elegance is also redefined through an opulent Art Deco-inspired composition of finest craftsmanship and exclusive materials with a floating glass structure, the "Zeppelin," as the centrepiece of the instrument panel.
Door panels are inlaid with intricate mother-of-Pearl marquetry for added refinement.
The driver gets a four-spoke steering wheel highlights a sporty yet elegant character.
With the highly automated parking feature utilising the car’s sophisticated sensor architecture, no driver is needed for parking.
Its neuromorphic computing revolutionises energy efficiency and latency in autonomous driving.
With Mercedes-Benz's forefront at the development of assisted and automated driving systems, enhanced Level 2 point-to-point urban capabilities come standard in Vision Iconic.
The logical next development step would be to prepare the Vision Iconic with a Level 4 highly automated driving system.
By combining steer-by-wire and rear-axle steering for a long car like the Vision Iconic, handling would improve with easier manoeuvring and parking as well.
Mercedes‑Benz Group AG board of management member and chief technology officer (development and procurement) Markus Schafer said Vision Iconic embodied the brand's 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," he said.
Mercedes-Benz chief design officer Gorden Wagener said the show car embodies the pure essence of Mercedes-Benz and inspired by the golden era of automotive design of the 1930s.
"With its seemingly hood giving it a majestic presence, sculptural flowing lines, and a touch of Art Deco, it rises to become a true icon of automotive beauty.
"The interior with its continuous bench seat and the elegant rear, evoking memories of the legendary 300 SL.
"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.
Wagener said the symbiosis of traditional craftsmanship, state-of-the-art technology, and an unmistakable design language made it the ultimate expression of value, prestige, and grace.
