Prototypes

Mercedes Vision Iconic, the concept for the future of mobility

The Stuttgart-based brand has unveiled a show car inspired by the brand's tradition as well as strongly aimed at the future of the car. Starting with the grille introduced by the new GLC

by Corrado Canali

16 October 2025

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3' min read

Translated by AI

Versione italiana

3' min read

Translated by AI

Versione italiana

It's called Vision Iconic and it's a Mercedes concept car that anticipates the future styling language of the Stuttgart-based company with regard to high-end models, the styling is in fact dense with references to iconic elements of the brand, as the name of the show car suggests.

It all starts with the huge grille introduced, for the first time, on the new electric GLC and on which the Stuttgart-based manufacturer seems to want to base its identity for the years to come. An element that, in fact, pays homage to the chrome grille found on the brand's historic models such as the W108, W11 and 600 Pullman, while at the same time, in the era of electric and digital mobility, relying on a lattice structure of smoked glass and illuminated contours. On the Vision, another typical Mercedes element of the past is illuminated: the vertical star on the bonnet.

The interior promises lounge-like comfort

If it's true that with future automated driving, the role of the passenger compartment will have to evolve, that's why the Vision Iconic anticipates a glimpse of the future with interiors that promise lounge-like comfort and a digital luxury experience. The handcrafted interior is inspired by Art Deco and impresses with a novel floating glass structure called Zeppelin: when the door is opened, the instrument panel comes to life with an analogue animation, inspired by high-end chronographs. Driver and passenger then share a spacious bench seat upholstered in blue velvet. And the four-spoke steering wheel displays a sporty yet elegant character.

Solar paint a 17th century decorative technique

The Mercedes logo on the Vision Iconic floats in a glass sphere, while the floor of the car is covered with an elaborate straw inlay, thanks to a luxurious decorative technique that dates back to the 17th century and was later revived in the 1920s. The Vision Iconic is not just design, however, but introduces innovative solutions such as solar cladding. Mercedes is, in fact, investigating how innovative solar modules can be applied to the bodywork of electric cars by adapting an active photovoltaic surface. This sophisticated technology, which is applied to the entire surface, allows the concept car to provide itself with additional autonomy thanks to sunlight.

Level 2 self-driving at the best level

Basically, on an area of 11 square metres, i.e. about the surface area of a medium-sized SUV, under ideal conditions enough energy could be produced to drive up to 12,000 km per year. Mercedes assures that this coating does not contain rare earths or silicon and can be easily recycled. On the Vision Iconic, Level 2 autonomous capabilities have also been further improved to more effectively support drivers on the world's increasingly busy city streets. The next step will be to prepare the car for fully automated Level 4 driving, the level that will ensure the driver can relax.

Vision Iconic, a concentrate of innovations for the future

The autonomous driving of the future will require much more energy than today, making efficiency an even more crucial factor in the cars of the years to come. This is why Mercedes is investing in so-called artificial neutral networks, with the aim of making artificial intelligence calculations even more energy-efficient, but also faster. For example, safety systems could recognise traffic signs, lanes and other road users in general much better and react more quickly. In short, the Mercedes Vision Iconis is not just a dream car, but a sum total of innovations.