Mercedes Vision V is an electric private lounge on wheels

Mercedes has shared a glimpse of its next generation of ultra-luxurious electric people carriers with the Vision V concept.

The Mercedes Vision V was unveiled at the Shanghai motor show and previews the brand’s vision for its flagship electric van, feature everything from 65-inch cinema screen to a fold-out chess board.

The Vision V is built on Mercedes’ new scalable Van Electric Architecture (VAN.EA) which will underpin an entire range of V-Class EVs ranging from entry-level family MPVs to VIP shuttles for hotels and chauffeur companies, and the flagship limo aimed at the ultra-wealthy private client.

Set to compete with high-end private transport such as the Volvo EM90, Lexus LM and LEVC L380, the Vision V is an exercise in opulence and, says Mercedes, provides “generous space with maximum exclusivity and an unprecedented immersive, digital experience”.

Central to that experience is a 65-inch 4K screen, which rises up from a burr wood cabinet to separate passengers from the driver. This is supported by a 42-speaker Dolby Atmos sound system including in-seat “exciters”. Gaming controllers and a split screen function enhance the system’s offering, along with a karaoke mode.

Passengers can switch the rear windows from clear to opaque for maximum privacy and seven projectors can then turn the windows into a 360-degree video display.

At the heart of the exclusive rear ‘private lounge’ are two airline-style reclining seats featuring a tubular cushion design, polished aluminium frames, and crystal white Nappa leather and white silk upholstery. Between them, the centre console acts as a display cabinet and houses a fold-out table which doubles as a chess board. Further sideboard-style “display cabinets” made of burr wood run down the sides of the van to provide space for personal accessories such as a handbag, sunglasses or a phone.

Of far less importance to those buying one, the Vision V’s driver area features the same full-width Superscreen featured on the upcoming CLA EV, which provides customisable layouts and which can display the vehicle’s surroundings on the map in real time.

Externally, Mercedes says the Vision V marks the next step in the brand’s design language. The front is dominated by an enormous illuminated grille area and deep, angular front air splitter and angular multi-segment lights. Illuminated louvres draw attention to the 24-inch alloy wheels while, at the rear, a taillight array appears to surround the massive rear glass panel in one continuous line.

There are no technical details for the VAN.EA platform yet, but we do know it will use 800V architecture for ultra-rapid charging, and can accommodate two- and four-wheel-drive powertrains.

Thomas Klein, head of Mercedes-Benz Vans, commented: “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.”