Mercedes-Benz Unveils Vision V: A Luxurious Van Concept
Mercedes-Benz is known for its luxury vehicles, but the automaker is now venturing into a different form factor with its new generation of vans designed from the ground up for electric powertrains. The Vision V concept vehicle is the first glimpse into this new direction, showcasing how luxurious a van can be.
A Chauffeur-Driven Living Room on Wheels
The Vision V is essentially a chauffeur-driven living room on wheels, featuring a partition with a massive television separating the driver’s compartment from the rear. The rear section boasts two reclining thrones, numerous speakers, and a large screen, creating an immersive audiovisual experience. This concept challenges the conventional perception of vans as merely functional vehicles.
Redefining the Van Experience
Luxury minivans are popular in Japan and China, but in the United States and Europe, vehicles with sliding doors are often not considered luxurious. Mercedes aims to change this perception with its next-generation vans based on new modular architectures called Van.EA (for electric vans) and Van.CA (for combustion vehicles). The Vision V is designed as a chauffeur-driven limousine, according to Benjamin Kaehler, chief engineer for Mercedes-Benz Vans.
A Glitzed-Up Van with Futuristic Design
The Vision V’s exterior is decidedly futuristic, with a sloping roof, defined character lines, and a simple tailgate featuring a circular lighting element reminiscent of Star Trek impulse engines. It proudly displays an ostentatious grille with a mirror finish and bright 24-inch mono-block wheels, similar to those found on Mercedes’ ultra-luxury Maybach models.
Innovative Features and Luxury Interior
The Vision V incorporates several innovative features, including electrochromic glass that can switch from transparent to opaque instantly, providing maximum privacy for rear-seat passengers. The interior is designed to be cozy and luxurious, with Apple Store white and polished aluminum accents, along with color-changing ambient lighting.
The two rear seats are designed to be highly comfortable, with tube-like elements and integrated seatbelts that allow for reclining positions. A 65-inch 4K screen rises in front of a limo-like partition, offering an exceptional entertainment experience. The images can even overflow onto the ceiling and door panels, creating a unique viewing experience.
From Concept to Reality
While the Vision V is a concept car, Mercedes emphasized that it is evaluating the possibility of building a production luxury van with similar features based on its new Van.EA and Van.CA platforms. The first vans based on these platforms are scheduled to debut in 2026. Although technical details are scarce, it’s expected that the new vans will offer a greater degree of modularity to accommodate different powertrain types, including single-motor and dual-motor EV variants.
The Vision V represents an opportunity for Mercedes to make a significant impact in both the luxury and commercial van markets. If the production version lives up to the concept’s promise, it could redefine the van experience for both personal and business use.
