Mercedes has just showcased its bold new Vision Iconic concept. If you weren’t a fan of where Mercedes was heading with its all-electric EQ line with the bean-shaped aesthetic to maximize efficiency, this changes everything.
The Vision Iconic marks a clean break from that overly digital, blue-accented design language. We first saw hints of this new direction at last month’s IAA Mobility show in Munich, when the German automaker unveiled the latest all-electric GLC featuring a new grille, which is one of the most iconic and recognizable elements of a Mercedes-Benz. The Vision Iconic takes that idea further, introducing a face that redefines what the German brand’s future will look like.
"Inspired by the golden era of automotive design of the 1930s, this show car embodies the pure essence of Mercedes-Benz. Our Vision Iconic is more than just an automobile – it is a sculpture in motion, an homage to timeless elegance and a statement for the future." - Gorden Wagener, Chief Design Officer Mercedes-Benz Group AG.
A traditional upright chrome grille dominates the front end, a direct nod to classics like the 600 Pullman, the Ponton, and W108 sedans, but it’s now enclosed in smoked glass, ringed with light, and topped by an illuminated standing star. The side profile reveals a long hood along with a coupe-like profile, similar to what we've seen on previous concepts like the Vision Mercedes-Maybach 6 concept and the Mercedes-AMG Vision Gran Turismo.
Inside, you won’t find bucket seats or minimalist screens here. Instead, a deep-blue velvet bench and brass-trimmed details lend an Art Deco lounge-like atmosphere reminiscent of 1930s streamliners. The “Zeppelin” glass dashboard comes to life upon opening the door and houses analog chronograph-style dials with subtle digital displays and a vintage-style four-spoke steering wheel. Another highlight is the elaborate straw marquetry on the floor, which is a decorative technique that dates back to the 17th century and was revived in the 1920s.
An innovative feature worth highlighting is the car’s solar paint, a photovoltaic coating that can add up to 7,450 miles of extra range per year under ideal conditions. It’s part of a larger research effort into sustainable materials and renewable-energy integration.
Then there’s neuromorphic computing, a system modeled after the human brain that processes data up to ten times more efficiently than current AI chips. It can power Level 4 automated driving, allowing Vision Iconic to handle everything from city traffic, highway cruising, and even autonomous parking at the end of your journey.
"Vision Iconic embodies our vision for the future of mobility. With groundbreaking innovations, this beautiful vehicle is a testament to our commitment to making the mobility of tomorrow a reality today." - Markus Schäfer, Member of the Board of Management of Mercedes‑Benz Group AG.
As for handling, steer-by-wire replaces the mechanical link between wheel and tires, will help improve agility on a long-wheelbase luxury platform while freeing up space inside. The tech pairs with rear-axle steering to make this large grand tourer surprisingly nimble. To complete the concept, Mercedes revealed a capsule fashion collection in silver-gold tones made up of six carefully designed outfits for men and women. This collection mirrors the car’s design cues and pays homage to the ongoing Shanghai Fashion Week, emphasizing its role as a lifestyle statement rather than just a mobility experiment.
With the Vision Iconic coupe, Mercedes is finally stepping away from the EQ line’s design language and embracing a richer, more emotional identity that is in line with its heritage. It’s the brand’s clearest signal yet that the next era of electric mobility with the three-pointed star can still feel timeless, glamorous, and unmistakably Mercedes-Benz.
Images: Mercedes-Benz
