- Mercedes just unveiled the Vision Iconic EV in Shanghai
- The concept is equipped with the computing power of Solar Paint and Neuromorphic.
- A high level of autonomous driving is expected.
Mercedes-Benz has been on a design spree lately and is keen to flaunt the idea that it is changing its styling for an increasingly electric future.
The latest Vision Iconic EV is perhaps its boldest statement and could inspire future S-Class models, but it also wants to showcase the brand's latest technology.
Long, low and with a very large front grille, the luxury coupe is inspired by classic Benz cars of the past, including the W 108, W 111 and 600 Pullman, but has a similar appearance to that of the model. recently launched GLC.
However, that massive illuminated grille doesn't look all that out of place on the German marque's long two-door coupe. In addition, the deep black color experiment with photovoltaic active surface, which could add a range using the energy of the Sun.
Inside the car, Mercedes' Shanghai design team took inspiration from the Art Deco era, using a mix of analogue and digital displays.
The instrument clusters come to life like a luxury chronograph watch when the door is opened, and one of the four clocks houses an artificial intelligence assistant that takes care of the car's operation without the driver's assistance.
Mercedes says the sweeping design, which is about more than just the Batmobile, will also house the company's latest innovation in neuromorphic computing power, which appears to mimic the functions of the human brain for much faster decision making.
Tesla is using something similar to train its self-driving models, and Mercedes suggests its technology could be ten times more efficient than current systems.
This would allow the company to hypothetically implement Level 4 autonomous driving, which would allow drivers to take their hands and eyes off the road, for example when driving on a highway.
“It would also be possible and acceptable to take a nap or relax while streaming the latest popular videos, including immersive sound and ambient lighting,” says Mercedes.
Hands-free parking as standard
While the Vision Iconic concept is just a design study at this point, it showcases a number of technologies that Mercedes-Benz is working on.
Solid State Battery technology can provide the monster with range while remote control systemfor example, is due to appear on the upcoming S-Class and will remove any physical connection between the steering column and the wheels.
Combined with rear axle steering, this makes large vehicles easier to maneuver in tight urban environments.
But hey, you don't have to worry about that, because the concept also sees the German brand pushing ahead with higher levels of autonomous driving, saying a highly automated parking feature that uses the car's sophisticated sensor architecture will allow the vehicle to find its own way to a free space.
Probably best considering the size of the thing.
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