The Vision Iconic concept blends 1930s-inspired elegance with future tech, showing Benz still knows how to do glamour
Mercedes has unveiled the Vision Iconic concept, a stunning two-door coupe that shows the brand still knows how to do glamour. Besides the elegant proportions and the illuminated grille, the grand coupe features a retro-inspired cabin and comes with advanced autonomous driving capabilities.
The exterior blends styling cues from Mercedes’ past fused with futuristic details. The “Iconic Grille”, first shown in the production GLC EV, proves that a large illuminated panel can look good on a vehicle if the stars align properly. It’s shape is inspired by classics like the W108, W111 and the 600 Pullman. Here, it is combined with the classic Merc hood ornament and aggressive headlights.
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The profile is reminiscent of the Vision Mercedes-Maybach 6 Coupé and Cabriolet concepts from 2016 and 2017, although the overhangs are shorter. The long hood is emphasized by the side gills on the fenders, continuing the lines of the short windshield. The sloping roofline leads to a curved tail, with clear references to the iconic 300 SL Gullwing.
According to Mercedes design chief Gorden Wagener, the show car draws inspiration from “the golden era of automotive design of the 1930s.” He describes it as “a sculpture in motion, a homage to timeless elegance, and a statement for the future.”
Art Deco Interior
The interior of the Vision Iconic is equally as impressive as the exterior. The company chose the Art Deco movement as an inspiration, targeting “lounge-like comfort and an entirely new experience of hyper-analogue and digital luxury”.
A round (yes, it sounds redundant until you’ve seen how many squared ones exist today) four-spoke steering wheel fronts a transparent Zeppelin-shaped dashboard, while the instrument cluster features animated analogue-style displays reminiscent of fine chronographs.
At the center of the concept’s dash, four traditional-style clocks include one that doubles as an AI companion, adding a futuristic twist to the retro aesthetic.
Seating takes the form of a plush bench trimmed in deep blue velvet, complemented by mother-of-pearl accents and a handcrafted straw marquetry floor bringing us back to the 17th century. Mercedes has also introduced a collection of six outfits for men and women, matching the interior of the concept with a dark blue shade and silver-gold accents.
Technology From The Future
Despite the nostalgic touches, the Vision Iconic packs some serious technology. It targets Level 4 autonomy powered by “neuromorphic computing,” a system modeled on human brain function. Mercedes claims it’s ten times more efficient than current setups at interpreting surroundings and can cut AI processing energy use by up to 90 percent.
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The Vision Iconic also has a steer-by-wire system combined with rear-axle steering for improved handling and agility. The automaker didn’t reveal the specifications of the fully electric powertrain.
Another standout feature is the solar coating that covers the entire body. This finish not only charges the battery but can also deliver up to 12,000 km (7,500 miles) of annual range purely from sunlight, depending on weather and location. With 20 percent efficiency, the coating is adaptable to any color and designed for easy recycling, hinting at a sustainable edge beneath the glamour.
Will It Make Production?
Rumors about the return of a flagship coupe in the Mercedes lineup first sparked earlier this year when the company trademarked a pair of two-door S-Class models in Maybach and AMG forms.
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However, those designs were based on the current generation of the S-Class sedan, which is expected to undergo a facelift next year. The next generation that’s expected towards the decade’s end should offer both internal-combustion and battery-electric powertrains.
Whether this new concept is merely a design study or a genuine preview of what’s to come remains uncertain. Still, it is an indication that Mercedes isn’t done exploring the art of the grand coupe just yet.
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Thanos Pappas, a product design engineer by trade, has been wading through automotive journalism for… Read full bio
