Mercedes-Benz says the Vision Iconic concept is “the reinterpretation of one of the most recognisable elements in automotive history”, but you could be forgiven for thinking you’ve seen it somewhere before.
Mercedes-Benz has unveiled a new concept car that looks like it would be right at home on the set of Tim Burton’s Batman.
Dubbed the Vision Iconic, the new concept car joins Mercedes-Benz’s Vision series in previewing design elements from upcoming production cars for the German brand.
This time, however, the production car has beaten the concept to the punch – sort of.
The Vision Iconic concept is intended to showcase Mercedes-Benz’s reinterpreted grille design – revealed on the electric 2026 GLC SUV last month – with a look that harks back to the full-height grilles seen on iconic models from the brand, such as the W128 and W111 model lines.
The massive two-door coupe design also includes echoes of the W128’s pontoon guards, although Mercedes-Benz says the Vision Iconic takes its inspiration from Mercedes-Benz models of the 1930s.
The German car giant did produce evocative and inspiring models like the 500K and 540K roadsters during that period, alongside more conservative models such as the staid 770 sedan.
In the case of the Vision Iconic, the concept shows one take on the redesigned Mercedes-Benz grille, which has been a key styling element for the brand across its models for decades.
In this case, however, the focus of the Vision Iconic has been seen before, as a feature of the GLC with EQ Technology electric SUV, and on the Vision V concept shown earlier this year, previewing the next V-Class people mover.
Mercedes-Benz says the grille of the Vision Iconic merges the brand’s traditional styling elements, such as the chrome frame and lattice structure, with the digital era, through lighting elements used throughout.
The Mercedes-Benz star atop the bonnet also comes in for the illuminated treatment, and is echoed by tri-pointed running lights, in a headlight treatment not unlike the new CLA sedan.
The rest of the exterior blends vintage design themes with a shaved and smoothed aesthetic that borrows heavily from hot-rod culture.
Inside, the Vision Iconic carries a strong steampunk look, with an art deco twist.
Mercedes-Benz calls the floating curved glass instrument panel the “Zeppelin”, in reference to its shape, and includes a chronograph-inspired analog ‘animation’ as the doors are opened.
The interior design comprises mother-of-pearl marquetry, polished brass, and, surprisingly, digital elements like an integrated AI assistant, interacted with via the Mercedes-Benz logo in the centre of the dash.
The flooring is covered in deep blue straw marquetry, while the front bench seat is trimmed in a plush-pile velour in a matching blue hue.
The retro design makes a sharp U-turn when it comes to technology integrated into the Vision Iconic.
Steer-by-wire technology is fitted – removing the physical connection between the steering wheels and the front tyres – which works with rear-axle steering, and ties in with advanced driver assist systems to allow the car a degree of autonomous operation.
While Mercedes-Benz says the car is equipped with 'Level 2' autonomy for hands-off – but eyes-on-the-road – urban driving, the potential exists for 'Level 4' autonomy, which would allow the driver to take their attention away from the road in most situations.
Mercedes-Benz will also show a range of six outfits for men and women alongside, and inspired by, the Vision Iconic concept.
Once again, the art-deco style of the 1920s and 1930s is a key inspiration, and is designed as a tie-in with Shanghai Fashion Week, which is where the Vision Iconic will make its international debut.
Max is the News Publishing Coordinator for Drive. He enjoys creating engaging digital content, including videos, podcasts, interactive maps, and graphs. Prior to Drive, he studied at Monash University and gained experience working for various publications. He grew up playing Burnout 3: Takedown on the PS2 and was disappointed when real life car races didn’t have the same physics.
