Mercedes-Benz Vision Iconic concept unveiled

The Mercedes-Benz Vision Iconic concept car has been unveiled and it previews what the next generation of the Mercedes-Benz S-Class could actually look like. The design of this concept car includes influences from Art Deco and iconic Mercedes-Benz cars from the past, while also featuring tech like Level 4 highly automated driving, steer-by-wire, solar point and neuromorphic computing. Read on to know more about the Mercedes-Benz Vision Iconic concept.

Mercedes-Benz Vision Iconic styling

The first thing you notice on the Mercedes-Benz Vision Iconic is the upright radiator grille that takes its inspiration from earlier Mercedes-Benz cars such as the W108, the W111 and the 600 Pullman. The chrome grille features a smoked-glass lattice structure and integrated contour lighting, while the illuminated three-pointed star on the star is unmissable. The Vision Iconic features a long bonnet and a swooping rear end, reminding you of the silhouette of the Mercedes 300SL, and the concept wears a deep black high-gloss paint finish, but more on that later.

Mercedes-Benz Vision Iconic interior and features

This concept features a lounge-like interior which gets Art Deco-inspired influences. The centrepiece of the instrument panel is a floating glass structure referred to as the ‘Zeppelin’, and the instrument cluster comes to life as the door is opened, with a cinematic, analogue animation that is inspired from high-end chronograph watches. In the centre of the Vision Iconic’s cabin are four clocks, one of them being shaped like the Mercedes brand logo and acting as an AI companion. The door handles are polished brass units and the interior includes a bench seat for the driver and passenger that has been upholstered in deep blue velvet. The driver gets a four-spoke steering wheel with the Mercedes-Benz logo in the centre, ‘floating’ inside a glass sphere which is clasped by the steering spokes like a jewel, and the Vision Iconic also features steer-by-wire tech which is claimed to reduce the effort required during parking, since it eliminates the need to grip the steering wheel again while parking again. Steer-by-wire does not require a mechanical connection between the steering wheel and the front wheels, with the inputs being transmitted electrically via control units and actuators instead. This system also works with the rear-axle steering tech. Steer-by-wire will also work with automated driving systems like ADAS.

While we’re on the subject, this Mercedes-Benz is claimed to pack in a Level 4 highly automated driving system, and the carmaker claims that after joining a freeway, the driver could use the time to relax without having to deal with traffic at all, choosing to get comfortable and stream videos or even have a nap in the lounge-like interior with its immersive sound and ambient lighting. And thanks to highly automated parking, the Vision Iconic could also utilise the cars sensor architecture and park itself.

Solar paint on the Vision Iconic concept

Like most new vehicles, the Vision Iconic concept will likely go into production as an electric car (though it is possible that ICE versions will follow), and to boost the driving range of this EV, Mercedes-Benz has an innovative solution. The carmaker has coated this concept car with photovoltaic paint, and what it does is allow the Vision Iconic to harness additional range from the sun. The photovoltaic paint generates electrical energy which can be used immediately for driving or be stored in the battery for later use if the vehicle is stationary.

In addition to this, Mercedes-Benz is also aiming to make use of neuromorphic computing, which essentially mimics the functioning of the human brain. This could make AI calculations more energy-efficient and faster than before, allowing safety systems to recognise traffic signs, lanes and road users better while also reacting faster, even in poor visibility conditions. This tech is claimed to be 10 times more efficient than current systems, and it also has potential to reduce energy requirements for data processing in autonomous driving by 90 per cent compared to current systems.

The Vision Iconic concept is a preview of what the next-generation S-Class could look like, which is expected to be offered with an electric as well as an ICE and hybrid powertrain. And while design is subjective, the tech on offer could also trickle down in time to the rest of the model line-up, making driving stress free and even more enjoyable.