Mercedes-Benz Vision Iconic
Inspired by the classic coupe of the 1930s
Mercedes-Benz held the world premiere of its 1930s-inspired fully electric coupe, the Vision Iconic, in Shanghai, China.
Mercedes-Benz unveiled the Vision Iconic, a show car that showcases the new design language “Iconic Design,” for the first time in Shanghai. The Vision Iconic serves as a bridge between the past and the future, opening up a new perspective for the Mercedes-Benz lineup.
Vision Iconic reinterprets one of the most iconic design elements in automotive history: the Mercedes-Benz front grille. This “Iconic Grille” was first used on the new “GLC” announced in 2025. By combining emotion and intelligence, it shows that Mercedes-Benz stands out from its rivals.
Markus Schäfer, Chief Technology Officer (CTO) of Mercedes-Benz, commented on the Vision Iconic:
“The Vision Iconic combines groundbreaking cutting-edge technologies such as neuromorphic computing (technology that mimics the human brain), steer-by-wire, solar paint and Level 4 highly automated driving. We believe this sets a new standard in the era of electrification and digitalization. This beautiful car is a testament to our determination to make the future of mobility a reality.”
Gordon Wagner, Chief Design Officer of Mercedes-Benz, added the following about the beautiful design:
“Inspired by the golden age of automotive design in the 1930s, the Vision Iconic embodies the essence of Mercedes-Benz. Its imposing nose, flowing curves and Art Deco flair are elevated to a form of sheer beauty.”
“The cabin features a one-piece bench seat and an elegant rear design that evokes the legendary 300 SL. The Vision Iconic is more than just a car; it is a moving sculpture, a tribute to timeless elegance and a statement for the future.”
The shining “iconic grill”
Mercedes-Benz’s next-generation design, the Iconic Grille, was first introduced on the previously announced GLC. The Vision Iconic shines with the three-pointed star on the hood.
The focal point of the front design is the “Iconic Grille,” designed as a future-oriented homage to the traditional chrome grille that has defined the face of Mercedes-Benz for over 100 years, drawing inspiration from the grilles of classic cars such as the W108, W111 and Mercedes-Benz 600 Pullman.
The chrome frame, smoked glass lattice structure, and beautiful lighting framing the contours combine tradition with digital modernity, highlighting the presence, prestige, and unmistakable Mercedes-Benz brand identity. This new brand face will be first introduced on the new GLC, unveiled in September 2025, and the Vision Iconic will also feature a three-pointed star on the hood.
Animated lighting features on the grille and three-pointed star add a touch of digital emotion, and these, combined with sharply shaped headlights, further enhance the sculpted gloss black bodywork.
Art Deco-inspired interior space
The Art Deco-inspired interior combines sophisticated digital functionality with classical beauty.
With the evolution of autonomous driving, the role of the interior is changing, and Vision Iconic offers a new level of luxury, combining lounge-like comfort with the analog and digital worlds.
The interior is inspired by Art Deco, with luxurious design and the finest materials. A floating glass structure called “Zeppelin” is laid out in the center of the instrument panel, creating a beautiful living space where analog and digital harmonize. When you open the door, an analog animation reminiscent of a luxury watch unfolds. The clock, modeled after the Mercedes brand logo, functions as an AI companion.
The door panels are inlaid with pearls and feature gleaming silver-gold brass handles. A spacious bench seat wrapped in deep blue velvet cradles passengers in elegance. The floor is finished in straw marquetry, a design that dates back to the 17th century, with an Art Deco-inspired fan pattern.
Solar paint extends driving range
The Vision Iconic will feature a solar-powered coating that Mercedes-Benz is currently researching, which could generate enough energy to travel up to 12,000 km per year under ideal conditions.
Mercedes-Benz is currently developing a new solar-powered coating called “Solar Paint” that can be applied to the surface of a vehicle. When applied to the entire body of the Vision Iconic, it can generate enough energy to travel up to 12,000 km per year under ideal conditions. This coating does not contain rare earths or silicon and is easily reusable. It also has a high conversion efficiency of 20%, allowing it to continue generating electricity even when the vehicle is stopped.
In response to the increasing power consumption of onboard computers due to the expansion of functions such as autonomous driving, Mercedes-Benz is collaborating with research institutes to study “neuromorphic computing,” which mimics the workings of the human brain. This will make AI calculations faster and more energy-efficient, achieving a 10-fold increase in efficiency compared to current systems. It is also said that energy consumption for data processing could be reduced by up to 90%.
The Vision Iconic will come standard with Level 2 autonomous driving in urban areas, with Level 4 autonomous driving planned for the future. On highways, the car will be fully autonomous, allowing passengers to relax and enjoy videos and music. Once at their destination, the car will also be equipped with an autonomous parking function to support the driver.
