Mercedes-Benz has just unveiled the Vision V, a groundbreaking concept that sets the stage for a new era of luxury multipurpose vehicles (MPVs).
Slated to debut on the innovative Van Electric Architecture (VAN.EA) platform in 2026, the Vision V elevates the MPV segment to unprecedented levels of sophistication, space, and digital immersion. This visionary limousine concept combines traditional craftsmanship with futuristic technology, creating a unique “Private Lounge” experience that redefines automotive luxury.
Revolutionary Architecture and Design
The Vision V is built on the modular and scalable VAN.EA platform, which underpins Mercedes-Benz’s future electric MPVs. This architecture allows for a spacious, open interior that prioritizes passenger comfort and versatility. The exterior design embodies “sensual purity” with a sleek, aerodynamic silhouette characterized by short overhangs, a taut roofline, and a narrow waistline.
Signature Mercedes elements are reimagined with a futuristic twist: the front grille features three horizontal illuminated glass louvres surrounded by nearly 200 technical light elements, complemented by 190 illuminated louvres below the bonnet. These light elements create a dynamic welcome light show culminating in a brightly illuminated three-pointed star on the bonnet. The sporty stance is further emphasized by large wheel arches housing 24-inch wheels with illuminated louvres, while the rear boasts over 450 three-dimensional illuminated louvres serving as taillights and brake lights, seamlessly blending tradition with innovation.
Lounge-Inspired Interior: The Ultimate “Private Lounge”
Inside, the Vision V offers a lounge-like environment designed for maximum relaxation and exclusivity. Access is effortless through a large, automatically opening “portal” door on the right side, complemented by an illuminated retractable running board. A switchable glass partition separates the driver’s area from the rear “Private Lounge,” allowing customizable transparency for privacy or communication.
The interior showcases a harmonious blend of crystal white Nappa leather and shimmering white silk contrasted with open-pore burr wood and polished aluminum trim. Integrated display cabinets along the side walls provide elegant storage for personal items, while 42 Dolby Atmos surround-sound speakers—including exciters embedded in the seats—deliver an immersive audio experience. The center console between the two individual seats doubles as a display cabinet and features a touchpad for infotainment control and a fold-out table that transforms into a chessboard, marrying traditional craftsmanship with modern technology.
The first-class seats resemble lounge chairs with polished aluminum bases and tubular cushions secured by polished aluminum clasps. Fully electric and ergonomically optimized, the seats recline into flatbed positions, ensuring supreme comfort. Ambient lighting and a refined fragrance system housed in a polished aluminum bottle enhance the sensory environment, creating a cozy, personalized atmosphere.
Immersive Digital Experience
A highlight of the Vision V’s rear lounge is the retractable 65-inch 4K cinema screen, which rises seamlessly from beneath the floor upon door closure. This screen offers split-screen functionality and transforms the interior into a digital cocoon, supported by seven projectors integrated into the roof liner and floor. The side windows serve as additional projection surfaces, creating a 360-degree immersive visual experience.
The Dolby Atmos system’s 42 speakers, including seat exciters, convert sound into a tactile sensation, while ambient lighting synchronizes with the music’s rhythm. The cinema screen is controlled via the center console touchpad, ensuring intuitive operation.
Switchable glass technology enhances privacy and functionality, allowing the partition wall, floor slats, and windowpanes to transition from transparent to opaque within milliseconds. This liquid crystal-based glass can also display dynamic digital content, tailoring the environment to passenger preferences.
Seven Interactive Worlds of Experience
The Vision V offers seven curated digital “worlds” to personalize luxury travel:
- Entertainment: Watch films or enjoy immersive music with a digital soundbar.
- Relax: Recline and unwind with soothing landscapes and soft music.
- Gaming: Engage in racing games using a dedicated controller.
- Work: Access office tools, video calls, and a personal assistant for productivity.
- Shopping: Browse virtual storefronts for events or luxury items.
- Discovery: Experience augmented reality navigation with 3D graphics.
- Karaoke: Perform favorite songs in a private, high-quality karaoke setup.
Cutting-Edge Cockpit Technology
The driver’s cockpit features the Mercedes-Benz Superscreen, a three-screen digital display stretching from pillar to pillar. This system provides real-time graphics, a dynamic virtual instrument cluster, and surround navigation that visualizes the vehicle’s surroundings in conjunction with assistance systems, delivering an intuitive and personalized driving experience.
The Mercedes Vision V concept heralds a new segment of luxury MPVs, combining expansive space, exquisite craftsmanship, and state-of-the-art digital technology. Its lounge-inspired interior, immersive multimedia environment, and innovative design elements create a cocoon of comfort and sophistication rarely seen in the automotive world. As Mercedes-Benz prepares to launch production models based on the VAN.EA platform in 2026, the Vision V sets a new benchmark for luxury, technology, and passenger experience in the evolving landscape of premium vehicles.