Mercedes-Benz has given the first glimpse of what its new VAN.EA architecture will be used for with the reveal of a new Vision V luxury limousine show car.
The VAN.EA platform will form the basis for the new medium and large van platform for Mercedes’ vans but it will also be used by the passenger car division for upscale people carriers.
Previously the Mercedes-Benz Vito was sold as the Mercedes-Benz V-Class as well as the Mercedes-Benz eVito being sold as the Mercedes-Benz EQV electric passenger car.
The new platform will start with a medium electric van next year, with the modular platform also used for a large electric van shortly after.
The Vision V show car is a glimpse of the top-end version of the line-up that Mercedes hopes to capitalise on with the new platform. Mercedes-Benz Vans says it is a “vision of combining generous space with maximum exclusivity and an unprecedented immersive, digital experience”.
The concept gets short overhangs, a narrow waistline, and a streamlined roof flowing into a rounded rear. There's a prominent use of chrome trim as well as transparent, illuminated louvres with LED lighting to accentuate the vehicle's proportions.
Welcome screens on the chrome-plated B-pillars hint at the digital experience awaiting inside.
The front of the Vision V gets a revamped but obviously Mercedes-like chrome radiator grille, with three horizontal illuminated glass louvres, surrounded by nearly 200 additional lights. A further 190 illuminated louvres frame the three-pointed star-shaped headlights.
As you approach the Vision V, you are greeted by a dynamic light show across all the louvres, culminating in the illuminated Mercedes star on the bonnet.
It's performance abilities are hinted at by the domes on the bonnet and large wheel arches with massive 24-inch wheels. There's also anthracite metallic paint and chrome window surrounds.
At the rear, the large window is framed by over 450 three-dimensional illuminated louvres that serve as taillights and brake lights.
Inside, there's a loung style seating setup, with access through an automatically opening door and an illuminated, retractable running board for ease of access.
An intelligent, switchable glass wall that can transform from transparent to opaque, either fully or in sections, separates the passenger area from the driver.
Passengers get electrically adjustable, reclining lounge chairs, a central console, which automatically adjusts to seating positions, houses a touchpad for infotainment control and a fold-out chessboard table.
There's also integrated display cabinets with polished aluminium trim offering storage for personal items.
For entertainment, a retractable 65-inch 4K cinema screen rises from beneath the floor, offering split-screen capabilities. A 42-speaker surround-sound system with Dolby Atmos, including seat exciters for haptic feedback, provides immersive audio.
Seven projectors in the headliner and floor, along with the ability to turn side windows into additional "screens," create a 360-degree digital environment, while the ambient lighting synchronises with the music.
Mercedes says the Vision V concept car immerses passengers in seven distinct digital experiences.
For entertainment, occupants can enjoy movies or music with an immersive digital soundbar. The relax mode offers calming landscapes on the screen paired with soft music as seats recline. Gaming transforms the car into a hub for interactive play, including racing games with a dedicated controller. It also becomes a mobile work space with the cinema screen serving as a virtual display.
Shopping is reimagined with an interactive platform presenting products realistically, from event tickets to luxury goods. Discovery allows passengers to explore their surroundings through 3D navigation with augmented reality overlays on the live camera feed. Finally, karaoke mode lets occupants sing along to their favorite tunes, creating an on-the-go karaoke experience.
The switchable glass technology adds to the occupant's privacy, allowing windowpanes and the partition wall to become opaque at the touch of a button.
In the front cabin, the Vision V has a Superscreen with three screens that extend from pillar to pillar. The user interface and user experience are tailored to individual preferences, with real-time graphics provide all essential information – from the dynamic virtual instrument cluster to surround navigation.
