Mercedes-Benz Vision V previews future luxury MPV

In recent years, the Chinese automakers have been rolling out large and luxurious MPVs that are attracting buyers and giving the Toyota Alphard some challenge. Next year, Mercedes-Benz will also come out with a totally new MPV which it says will ‘redefine the privately positioned van and take it higher into the luxury segment’.

While the future model portfolio will range from practical, entry-segment family vehicles and exclusive VIP shuttles to luxurious limousines with an enormous amount of space, the automaker expects its top end models to be in a segment of their own.

To provide a glimpse of what this future luxury MPV will be like is the Vision V showcar at Auto Shanghai 2025 this week. Presented as a luxurious and elegant chauffeur-driven limousine, it combines generous space with maximum exclusivity and an unprecedented immersive, digital experience. Analogue craftsmanship merges with an immersive user experience to create a holistic experience with a cocooning effect.

New era for Mercedes-Benz vans
“The Vision V is the beginning of a new era for Mercedes-Benz Vans. It demonstrates, in the truest sense of the word, how we bring luxury to a spacious cabin and define a new segment. With that, we set standards in design, comfort and an immersive user experience – while meeting the highest demands of our customers,” said Thomas Klein, Head of Mercedes-Benz Vans.

Measuring 5486 mm long and 2100 mm wide, with a generous 3530 mm wheelbase, the Vision V is certainly an imposing vehicle.  It’s larger than most of the other luxury Japanese and Chinese MPVs while its design marks the next step of the Mercedes-Benz design language of sensual purity.

The sculptural appearance is characterised by short overhangs and a particularly narrow waistline. The tautly stretched roofline flows into the smoothly rounded rear, with the streamlined silhouette signifying power and dynamic lightness.

The Vision V emphasises its sporty proportions with two pronounced powerdomes on the short bonnet, which extend into the cockpit, as well as large wheelarches and an expressive moulded edge.

The 24-inch wheels feature illuminated louvres. The interplay of light and movement continues at the rear. The large rear window is framed by over 450 3D illuminated louvres which serve as taillights and brake lights.

The striking front is characterised by a newly interpreted chrome radiator grille. It has 3 horizontal illuminated glass louvres. Almost 200 of these technical-looking light elements also surround the chrome frame. In a pronounced open body gap below the bonnet, there are a further 190 or so illuminated louvres. They frame the headlights on the sides, which have the iconic shape of the Mercedes star.

“The Mercedes-Benz Vans have been iconic for decades. With the Vision V, we take that heritage and transform it into a completely new context of highest luxury transportation. This show car embodies the perfect harmony between luxury and van design, setting a new benchmark for the future,” said Gorden Wagener, Chief Design Officer, Mercedes-Benz Group AG.

Redefining luxurious space
The introduction of the modular, flexible and scalable Van Electric Architecture (VAN.EA) will usher in a new era starting in 2026. The aesthetics of the spacious interior exude an elegance infused with technology. Traditionally crafted materials blend with hyper-modern, tech-savvy design elements that are as stylish as they are unexpected.

In spite of the long cabin, the ‘Private Lounge’ seating area has only 2 seats, like the top version of the Lexus LM. This conveys an unprecedented feeling of space and freedom, as well as that of security and tranquillity.

The seats are reminiscent of elegant lounge chairs and rest on polished aluminium bases. Made from highly flexible tubular cushions, they have a unique futuristic design. Shiny clasps made of polished aluminium hold the individual cushion tubes together.

The all-round ambient lighting with strip lighting and a ceiling lamp create an individualised and cosy living-room atmosphere. The fragrance, housed in an elegant, polished aluminium bottle behind the centre console, provides a further sensual experience.

The large, automatically opening ‘portal’ door on the right side and the illuminated, retractable running board ensure comfort and easy access to the luxurious rear lounge area. An intelligent, switchable glass wall separates the ‘Private Lounge’ from the driver’s area. If desired, the glass can be changed from transparent to opaque, either completely or in sections.

Immersive digital experiences
One of the highlights of the ‘Private Lounge’ is the retractable, 65-inch cinema screen – with split-screen functions – located under the floor. As soon as the passengers are inside and the doors are closed, it glides up as if by magic from a console. Through the transparent slats in the floor, passengers can watch as the display extends and separates the area from the cockpit.

The cinema screen comes to life and transforms the interior into an immersive world of experience with 4K resolution providing exceptional clarity and detail. The 42-speaker surround-sound system with Dolby Atmos gives perfect spatial sound enjoyment and exciters in the seats, music turns into a haptic experience.

Seven projectors in the headliner and floor expand the field of vision. The side windows become additional ‘screens’ and create a digital 360-degree experience. This unique cocooning effect is further enhanced by the integration of ambient lighting when listening to music. The lighting adapts its colours to the beat of the music.

The Vision V, being a showcar, shows the ultimate in luxurious appointments but these could also be offered under personalisation programmes in future. Though the Chinese brands are slowly catching up in this luxury van segment, Mercedes-Benz is positioning its topmost models way ahead and will designate them VLS, complemented by a portfolio of Grand Limousines – the  VLE and VLS.

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