Mercedes’ New Futuristic Show Car is Inspired by the 1930s

Mercedes-Benz has unveiled a new 1930s-inspired show car with nods to the brand's back catalogue. 

Dubbed the Vision Iconic, the three-pointed star's latest coupe showcases the brand’s new design language while “building a bridge between past and future”, according to Mercedes. 

“Inspired by the golden era of automotive design of the 1930s, this show car embodies the pure essence of Mercedes-Benz,” said Chief Design Officer at the Mercedes-Benz Group, Gorden Wagener, in a media release. 

Wagener also goes on to cite the Art Deco design movement popular in the 1920s and 1930s, as well as the Mercedes 300 SL, as further aesthetic inspirations. 

Its grille design –  which debuted last month on the new Mercedes GLC – is also a nod to the past, drawing on the front fascias of the W108, W111, and 600 Pullman. 

Inside, a glass instrument panel design – referred to as the “Zeppelin” – dominates the interior, which also features polished brass door handles, mother-of-pearl inlays, deep blue velvet-upholstered seats and a four-spoke steering wheel serves as yet another retro throwback. 

However, the Vision Iconic goes beyond aesthetic nostalgia. With the unveiling of its new show car, Mercedes has outlined some state-of-the-art tech the brand is researching, which could theoretically be used on similar vehicles in the future. 

Solar Paint – a paste-like substance containing solar modules – could be applied to the bodywork of future EV models to extend their range via solar power. 

Level 4 automated driving, steer-by-wire, and neuromorphic computing – a type of computing that mimics human thinking – are also among the possible technologies that could feature on future models, according to Mercedes. 

Alongside the new show car, Mercedes is also revealing a six-outfit capsule collection, inspired by the car and paying homage to Shanghai Fashion Week, taking place concurrently with the Vision Iconic’s reveal, as well as the ICONIC DESIGN book, which explores the new design language.