The Mercedes Vision V is an eye-catching concept that gives a glimpse of a luxury van expected to begin production in 2026. The Vision V showcases a chrome-rich exterior with sleek lines and a glowing Mercedes-Benz hood ornament. There is a big 65-inch screen, 42-speaker stereo sound, and chairs that can be folded down into beds inside. In 2023, Mercedes-Benz launched a new platform called VAN. Beginning in 2019, EA will be the foundation for a line of electric cars. We got a sneak peek at this new generation of vans when we drove a prototype in March. That’s when we learned that Mercedes plans to bring a luxury van designed for private ownership to the US market, which is a niche market that’s often filled by Asian markets. We now have a better idea of what the luxury van will look like thanks to the Vision V design. A Stylish and Classy Cabin The Vision V remains a large vehicle, but Mercedes is aiming for it to serve as both a luxury family car and an upscale limousine for celebrities. It’s also a major visual upgrade compared to the white Chevy Express vans that are a familiar sight on American roads. With its short overhangs and illuminated 24-inch wheels, the Vision V has a confident, bold presence. Its sleek body is accented by sharp lines and chrome trim that add a refined touch. In the front, the complex LED headlights are joined by a light bar that goes under a bright three-pointed star hood ornament. A single taillight unit surrounds a large piece of glass that defines the edges of the back fascia. This design is based on the nearly round shape of the Mercedes grille, which has been updated with chrome and LED accents. Over the last 20 years, many designs have had “lounge-inspired” interiors, and Vision V is a great example of this style. When the huge doors are opened, they show a roomy interior trimmed in fine wood, white silk, and white Nappa leather. There are glass cabinets with clean metal frames on both sides of the cabin. The Vision V’s Dolby Atmos surround sound system has 42 speakers. Four of them are housed in glass enclosures that look delicate and are held up by poles that stick out from each wall. The middle bench between the seats looks like a first-class airplane seat and has a touchpad for controlling the entertainment system and a table that can be folded out. In the same way, the back chairs, which are made up of many flexible tube cushions, can be fully flattened to make a bed. Beautiful glass pieces can be kept in one of the side closets, and the table can be stretched to make a chessboard. The glass wall between the driver’s area and the back passenger area could be fully clear or partly cloudy. A Fascinating Digital Environment That the huge 65-inch movable 4K screen rises from the floor in front of the wall shows that the Vision V is meant to be ridden in rather than driven is clear. People can see the screen stretch up when they get into the car because the floor is made of clear slats. Seven projectors hidden in the floor and ceiling liner, along with side windows that can be made dark like the wall, can be used as extra projection surfaces to let people see what’s going on in all directions. Mercedes has designed multiple “digital environments” for its infotainment system and large display screen. These environments offer different forms of entertainment and engagement. There are three main modes: Work, Entertainment, and Relax. The Work mode enables video conferencing and other productivity-related features. The Entertainment mode provides access to audio and video content. In Relax mode, the seats recline and a calming visual scene is displayed, accompanied by soothing music. In one setup, a virtual driving game is projected onto a glass table, allowing passengers to “drive” a simulated car while actually being driven though this might be a quick route to feeling car sick. The Shopping mode features a virtual storefront, showcasing items ranging from golf event tickets to tangible goods like rings. Meanwhile, the 65-inch screen in the Discovery setting employs 3D visuals and augmented reality to display the vehicle’s surroundings, creating the illusion of being immersed in the outside world while still inside a luxury van. Finally, Karaoke is just what you’d expect simple and fun. Ambient lights, a ceiling lamp, and a perfume diffuser complete the experience. The background lighting can be set to move to the beat of the music played on the speakers. The front dashboard has a lot of white leather and a big “Superscreen,” but the back seats really make this car stand out. It wouldn’t be surprising if the production van also featured a bold and polished design when it debuts in 2026. That said, the futuristic-looking Vision V concept isn’t expected to reach production in its current form. The Vision V highlights Mercedes’ intent to bring a blend of glamour and elegance to its luxury lineup. Still, the production model will need to make a strong impression to lure buyers away from established luxury SUVs like the Lincoln Navigator and Cadillac Escalade.
