Mercedes-Benz has a reputation for luxury. Now, the German automaker is taking it to another level.
The future of luxury transportation could be a Mercedes-Benz concept vehicle called Vision V — a vision of a personal limousine-type van.
"This Vision V gives you the first glimpse how that could look like," said Ralph Wagenknecht with Mercedes-Benz Technology Communications in Germany.
It's easy to imagine relaxing in the plush reclining seats surrounded by changeable ambient lighting. It's sort of a cross between a den in an upscale home and a private jet. There's an enormous screen to bring in movies or conference calls, or you can deploy a digital "fireplace" for soothing tranquility.
This vehicle is obviously an over-the-top exercise in creating something to get attention. But, Mercedes-Benz will be coming out with a new line of vans next year.
"Some show cars very often are just a work of art, and you never see anything of that in series production. With the Vision V, it's a little bit different," said Wagenknecht, confirming that there will be production vans with a similar look next year.
This Vision V is electric-powered, and Mercedes is no stranger to vans that run on battery power. Last year, they introduced a full-EV version of their legendary Sprinter.
For moving around town, an EV works just fine, but a conventional engine will still be an option.
"We also already announced that we will also have combustion engines later on that platform, but we start first with the electric one in 2026, and the combustion versions will then follow," Wagenknecht noted.
The production vans will be much more mainstream, more like a luxury sedan with a higher roof and easier entry and exit. But, making something as elaborate as this as a teaser draws attention to the idea of a high-end van.
Obviously, it's a vehicle you would want to be driven in, as it's so luxurious, you could just sit back and relax, and someone else does the driving. But someday in the future, something like this wouldn't even need a driver.
We already see driverless cars in use today, like the Waymo vehicles transporting passengers around Los Angeles and other areas. Mercedes-Benz even offers a couple of self-driving models right now, so the technology is there.
Imagine stepping outside and simply summoning your luxury van to meet you at the curb, then riding in the plush quiet. Someday, it could be possible.

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