Mercedes-Benz has introduced the Vision Iconic, a concept car that marks a new chapter in the brand’s design and technology direction. The show car blends the timeless elegance associated with Mercedes with modern electric and digital innovations, offering a preview of how the brand envisions the future of luxury motoring.
The most distinctive feature of the Vision Iconic is its illuminated “iconic grille,” inspired by classic models such as the 600 Pullman and W108. The grille features a broad chrome frame with an intricate glass pattern and integrated lighting elements. The illuminated three-pointed star on the bonnet reinforces the car’s futuristic presence, combining tradition and technology in a single statement design.
Finished in high-gloss black, the Vision Iconic also adopts narrow, contemporary headlights and dynamic lighting animations that extend across the grille and bonnet emblem. This approach signals Mercedes-Benz’s continued exploration of light as a design language – transforming it into a medium for expression and emotion rather than mere functionality.
The interior is an equally bold reinterpretation of luxury. Inspired by Art Deco aesthetics, the cabin uses fine materials and advanced craftsmanship to create a lounge-like atmosphere.
A glass dashboard, known as the “Zeppelin,” floats across the front, while materials such as mother-of-pearl, brass, and deep blue velvet convey a sense of timeless refinement.
The steering wheel, with the Mercedes emblem suspended within a glass sphere, adds an artistic element to the space.
A particularly striking detail is the handcrafted straw marquetry flooring – a material popular in 1920s high-end design, reintroduced here as a nod to heritage craftsmanship.
Beyond aesthetics, the Vision Iconic also showcases emerging sustainable technologies. Mercedes is testing solar coatings that could be applied across a vehicle’s surface to generate energy.
Under optimal sunlight conditions, this technology could supply enough electricity to power up to 12,000 kilometres of driving annually, extending range without reliance on traditional charging.
At the core of its innovation, the Vision Iconic explores neuromorphic computing – an advanced form of artificial intelligence modelled on the human brain. This technology allows computers to process information more intuitively and with significantly lower energy consumption, potentially making future autonomous systems faster and more efficient in recognising and responding to real-world driving conditions.
The car supports Level 2 autonomous functions and is being developed with potential for Level 4 capability. This would enable the Vision Iconic to manage highway driving autonomously, allowing the driver to rest, watch entertainment, or disengage entirely. It also features a fully automated parking system requiring no driver input.
A steer-by-wire system replaces the traditional mechanical link between the steering wheel and the wheels, enabling more precise control and allowing greater flexibility in interior design.
In conjunction with the launch, Mercedes also released Iconic Design, a book detailing the philosophy behind what it calls the “New Iconic Era.” The publication includes interviews with CEO Ola Källenius and Chief Design Officer Gorden Wagener, offering insight into how Mercedes-Benz aims to preserve its heritage while redefining luxury for the electric age.
