Mercedes-Benz Vision Iconic Unveiled as Tuxedo-Clad, Batmobile-Like EV
Mercedes-Benz is entering a new era of design. We've seen it with the reimagined 2026 CLA and the upcoming 2027 GLC EQ (both electric), but also with recent concepts. The latest is called Vision Iconic and once again reinterprets the German luxury brand's iconic grille, notably the vertical one on legendary models like the W 108, W 111 and 600 Pullman.
With its wide chrome frame, smoked-glass lattice structure and integrated contour lighting, the grille serves as a digital face and even illuminates the standing star on the hood. Animations further demonstrate the importance of light as a means to generate emotions, according to Mercedes-Benz chief design officer Gorden Wagener.
- Also: 2027 Mercedes-Benz GLC EQ Debuts as Show-Stopping Electric Crossover
- Also: 2026 Mercedes-Benz CLA: A Complete Transformation
Art Deco Brought to the Future
Inspiration for the Vision Iconic concept comes from the so-called golden era of automotive design of the 1930s, with a long and majestic hood, sculptural flowing lines and a touch of Art Deco. The interior with its continuous bench seat and elegant rear evokes memories of the legendary 300 SL.
The deep, high-gloss black paint finish not only emphasizes the car’s monolithic appearance, but it is also coated with a wafer-thin paste comprising innovative solar modules that can charge the battery and maximize range. The automaker claims that a photovoltaic-active surface of 11 square metres (equivalent to the body of a midsize SUV) could produce energy for up to approximately 12,000 km of range per year under ideal conditions. Amazing.
Hyper-Analog and Lounge Comfort
The interior of the Vision Iconic concept is designed with automated driving in mind, resulting in lounge-like comfort and an entirely new experience of hyper-analog and digital luxury, as Mercedes-Benz puts it. The centerpiece of the dashboard is the "Zeppelin" floating glass structure.
As the door is opened, the instrument cluster comes to life with a cinematic, entirely analog animation inspired by high-end chronographs. In the middle, one of the four clocks is shaped like the brand’s logo, acting as an AI companion. And don’t miss the four-spoke steering wheel with a Mercedes-Benz logo floating inside a glass sphere, clasped by the spokes like a jewel.
Behind the Zeppelin, a decorative surface unfolds into a superb inlay of mother-of-pearl style, also encircling the polished brass door handles in silver-gold tones before flowing into a radiant star pattern that frames the rear seat. The driver and passenger share the spacious front bench seat upholstered in deep blue velvet. Meanwhile, the floor is clad in elaborate straw marquetry, a decorative technique dating back to the 17th century and revived in the 1920s.
No Powertrain Details
Unfortunately, very little is known about the Vision Iconic's specs and performance. We don’t know anything about output, acceleration or battery capacity, for example. This is primarily a design and technology study.
Mercedes-Benz did say that steer-by-wire combines with rear-axle steering for reduced steering effort, improved handling and easier parking manoeuvres. Considering the extremely long wheelbase, that’s a good thing, for sure.