Mercedes-Benz unveils Vision Iconic with by-wire steering and revolutionary solar paint

Mercedes-Benz unveiled the Vision Iconic in Stuttgart and Shanghai, a show car that symbolizes the brand’s transition into a new era — where sculptural design, cutting-edge technology and historical heritage come together to create what the automaker describes as “a sculpture in motion”.

Inspired by the golden age of 1930s automotive design, the Vision Iconic reinterprets the classic Mercedes-Benz chrome radiator, one of the most recognized elements in the industry.

The so-called “iconic grille”, first introduced on the new electric GLC, reappears here with a wide chrome frame, smoked glass structure and integrated lighting, symbolizing the balance between tradition and modernity.

Second Gordon Wagenerthe brand’s Chief Design Officer, the model is “a tribute to timeless elegance and a statement for the future — the union of traditional craftsmanship, advanced technology and unmistakable design language”.

Technology and innovation: Solar Paint, autonomous driving and neuromorphic computing

Among the Vision Iconic innovations are technologies that redefine the concept of mobility:

Solar Paint: photovoltaic coating that transforms the body into an energy-generating surface, capable of producing enough electricity for up to 12,000 km per year in ideal conditions.

Level 4 Automated Driving: highly advanced autonomous driving system that allows the driver to relax, watch videos or even sleep while traveling on highways.

Neuromorphic Computing: technology inspired by the functioning of the human brain, designed to reduce the energy consumption of autonomous driving by up to 90%, with faster and more precise reactions in complex situations.

Steer-by-Wire: fully electric steering, without mechanical connection, which increases precision, improves maneuverability and frees up space inside.

Interior: hypersensory luxury with an Art Deco soul

Inside, the Vision Iconic blends 20th-century craftsmanship with 21st-century technology.
The highlight is the “Zeppelin” panel, a floating glass structure that houses analog and digital instruments in perfect harmony. Mother-of-pearl details, polished brass and straw marquetry evoke Art Deco refinement, while deep blue velvet benches create a lounge atmosphere.

The four-spoke steering wheel houses the Mercedes-Benz logo in a glass sphere — a touch of automotive jewelry. The entire environment is designed to offer a hyper-analogue and sensorial experience, anticipating the brand’s immersive luxury concept.

The Mercedes-Benz Vision Iconic is not just a concept car: it is an artistic and technological statement that encapsulates the brand’s glorious past and its commitment to the future of mobility.

Source and images: Mercedes-Benz. This content was created with the help of AI and reviewed by the editorial team.