Mercedes-Benz unveils Vision Iconic show car with big illuminated grille

Mercedes-Benz unveils Vision Iconic show car with big illuminated grille

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  • Mercedes-Benz's Vision Iconic blends Art Deco design with futuristic technology, including an illuminated grille, solar paint, steer-by-wire and Level 4 automation for the next generation of electric luxury.

The recently introduced Mercedes-Benz Vision Iconic has been painted completely black.

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Mercedes-Benz has unveiled the Vision Iconic, a show car that reinterprets the brand's iconic radiator grille for the electric and digital age. First seen on the electric GLC, the illuminated “iconic grille” symbolizes the company's shift toward sustainable luxury and intelligent design.

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The Vision represents Mercedes-Benz's next step in iconic design and innovation. Equipped with modern technologies such as neuromorphic computing, steer-by-wire and Level 4 autonomous driving, it shows how traditional craftsmanship and futuristic engineering can co-exist. Chief technology officer Markus Schaefer called it “a testament to our vision of making tomorrow's mobility a reality today.”

How has the grill evolved?

The front features a wide chrome frame, smoked-glass grille and integrated contour lighting, paying homage to classic Mercedes models such as the W108, W111 and 600 Pullman. An illuminated upright star and animated lighting effects bring emotional appeal and digital sophistication to what Mercedes calls “the new face of the brand.”

What defines its design?

Chief designer Gordon Wagner describes the Vision Iconic as “a sculpture in motion”, inspired by 1930s Art Deco aesthetics. The deep black, high-gloss exterior highlights its flowing lines, while the hyper-analogue interior merges luxury craftsmanship with digital elements.

mercedes benz vision iconic
The Vision has the iconic sleek but almost retro bad-boy styling.

What's inside Vision Iconic?

The interior exudes lounge-like comfort and intricate details.

Main characteristics:

  • Floating 'zeppelin' instrument panel that combines analog and digital elements.
  • Mother-of-pearl and brass mercury on the doors and dashboard.
  • Bench-style velvet seating in deep blue tones.
  • The glass-circular steering wheel is emblazoned with the Mercedes logo.
  • Handmade straw marquetry flooring inspired by 1920s Art Deco design.

What innovative technologies power the Vision Iconic?

technology Purpose/Benefit
neuromorphic computing Mimics human brain processing to make AI-powered tasks up to 10 times more efficient and responsive.
solar paint coating Wafer-thin photovoltaic layer can generate energy up to 12,000 km Annual range under ideal conditions.
run-by-wire Replaces mechanical steering with electronic control for improved precision and internal design flexibility.
Level 4 Automated Driving Enables hands-free, highly automated driving on highways, including self-parking and rest modes.

How does it redefine the driving experience?

With Level 4 autonomy, the Vision Iconic turns travel into relaxation, allowing occupants to relax or stream content while driving and parking the car. The steer-by-wire system, paired with rear-axle steering, improves agility and makes urban driving easier.

iconic design book

Mercedes-Benz has also launched the ICONIC DESIGN book, documenting its “New ICONIC Era”. The publication also features interviews with CEOs Ola Källenius and Gordon Wagner, as well as behind-the-scenes footage exploring the brand's evolving design identity.

What does this mean for India?

Although it is still a concept, the Vision Iconic previews the technologies that will influence future Mercedes-Benz EVs in India. Solar-based range benefits and advanced automation could mesh well with India's emerging EV ecosystem.

Check out upcoming EV cars in India.

First publication date: 14 October 2025, 15:17 PM IST

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This Canadian province bans all cars equipped with Level 3 ADAS. Here’s why

This Canadian province bans all cars equipped with Level 3 ADAS. Here’s why

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By: HT Auto Desk
| Updated on: 16 Apr 2024, 07:14 AM

  • British Columbia has banned all cars with Level 3 ADAS in the province, directly impacting the new Mercedes-Benz S-Class and Mercedes-Benz EQS.
British Columbia has banned all cars with Level 3 ADAS in the province, directly impacting the new Mercedes-Benz S-Class and Mercedes-Benz EQS.

At a time when the global automobile industry is thriving towards adopting ADAS in an increasingly wide range of cars, the Canadian province of British Columbia has banned all cars with Level 3 ADAS. The province has recently updated its Motor Vehicle Act, prohibiting the use of vehicles with the Level 3 systems, which comes as a major clampdown on using such systems. The updated law makes it illegal to merely drive any Level 3 driving assist-equipped vehicle, even if the technology is not used.

The British Columbia government introduced the new rule on 18th March and enforced it into effect on 15th April. With this rule, driving a car in the province that comes equipped with Level 3 or above becomes illegal. However, currently, there are only two cars that come with Level 3 ADAS, which include the new Mercedes-Benz S-Class and Mercedes-BVenz EQS. This technology allows the drivers to go hands-off and eyes-off at a speed of less than 64 kmph.

This means if a person owns the new Mercedes-Benz S-Class or the Mercedes-Benz EQS, he or she will have to think twice before visiting the province. If caught, the person will be fined with a hefty amount ranging between CAD 368 and CAD 2,000 or even six months in jail as well.

Interestingly, while the British Columbia government has banned the cars equipped with Level 3 ADAS, future use of the technology is not ruled out. In a statement, the government has stated that new and emerging transportation technology needs further testing and policy adjustments before widespread use. The government also said that these new regulations will keep people safer on the roads and encourage even more use of active transportation, which is another step in modernizing the rules to keep up with new technologies that are changing how people are getting around.

First Published Date: 16 Apr 2024, 07:14 AM IST


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