2 weeks Ago
1 / 10 Luxury Van Unveiled: Mercedes-Benz introduced the Vision V, an all-electric luxury van concept, on Tuesday at an event before the Shanghai auto show. This new model previews a high-end van series, with some vehicles to be made in China. It aims to redefine luxury travel for affluent buyers seeking a unique transport option.
2 / 10 Built on VAN.EA: The Vision V is built on the Van Electric Architecture (VAN.EA), a platform Mercedes-Benz announced in 2023.
This modular system will support a range of electric vans starting in 2026. It features 800v electricals and offers front- or four-wheel-drive options, with top models exceeding 311 miles (around 500 kilometres) of range. 3 / 10 Bold Exterior Design: The Vision V maintains a boxy van shape with a modern look.
Its front has LED headlights linked by a light bar, an illuminated Mercedes logo, and a redesigned grille with chrome accents. The rear features a single taillight strip and a large glass panel, keeping the design simple yet distinctive. 4 / 10 Ultra-Luxurious Interior: Inside, the four-seat cabin is upholstered in white Nappa leather, silk, and wood trim.
A transparent centre console divides the front, while door panels have transparent pockets. The dashboard includes a Superscreen display and circular AC vents, creating a tech-focused, spacious environment. 5 / 10 Massive 65-Inch Screen: A retractable 65-inch 4K screen powers gaming, karaoke, and cinema modes, supported by a 42-speaker Dolby Atmos system.
Seven projectors create ambient visuals, and smart glass rear windows switch between transparent and opaque, enhancing privacy and immersion for passengers. 6 / 10 Flexible Rear Seats: Rear seats, made from tubular cushions, recline fully into beds. A central console includes a touchpad for infotainment, a fold-out table, and a chessboard with glass pieces stored in side compartments.
These features offer flexibility and comfort for long journeys or leisure activities. 7 / 10 Digital Environment Modes: The Vision V offers modes like Entertainment for streaming, Relax for calming visuals, Work for mobile office tasks, and Gaming for virtual driving. Discovery Mode uses AR for a 360-degree outside view.
Additional features include Karaoke and Shopping modes for a versatile cabin experience. 8 / 10 China Market Focus: Mercedes-Benz targets China’s growing luxury van market, despite challenges. The company's car sales in China dropped 7% last year and 10% in the first quarter, while van sales fell 20% last year and 39% in the first quarter.
The Vision V aims to tap into the demand for premium, privately owned vans. 9 / 10 Production in 2026: A production version of the Vision V, closely resembling the concept, will launch in 2026. It will compete with luxury vans like the Lexus LM and Volvo EM90, targeting buyers seeking alternatives to SUVs like the Cadillac Escalade, with a focus on electric mobility and luxury.
10 / 10 Setting New Standards: CEO Ola Källenius described the Vision V as a “private lounge on wheels.” Mercedes-Benz aims to set a benchmark for luxury travel with its tech-laden, comfort-focused design. The concept signals a new era for the V-Class, blending innovation and practicality for global markets.
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