Click for more.
Mercedes-Benz said today in a release from Shanghai and Stuttgart that its new Van Electric Architecture (VAN.EA) will appear starting in 2026. It showed the so-called Vision V concept car, err van, err MPV…
“This innovative architecture re-imagines spacious, privately positioned vehicles elevating them into the luxury segment with a focus on the ‘Private Lounge’. The future model portfolio will cater to a range of customer needs offering a versatile, spacious vehicle designed to provide exceptional space and comfort. From exclusive VIP and high-end limousine transport to luxurious family vehicles, the new model will deliver on both the flexibility customers require and the refined luxury they desire. By expanding the top-end of its model portfolio, Mercedes-Benz Vans is defining a unique segment of its own that bestows true greatness to automotive luxury,” Mercedes claimed.
“The Vision V concept car introduces an open, lounge-inspired interior that emphasizes elegance and functionality. Features such as the large, automatically opening ‘portal’ door on the right-hand side and the illuminated, retractable running board provide effortless access to the rear lounge. An intelligent, switchable glass partition separates the “Private Lounge” from the driver’s area. Offering customizable transparency for privacy or communication, the glass can be changed from transparent to opaque, either completely or in sections.
“The ‘Private Lounge’ seating area is exceptionally spacious, offering an open ambience that conveys an unprecedented feeling of freedom, security and tranquility. The aesthetics of the spacious interior seamlessly blends elegance with cutting-edge technology. Traditionally crafted materials harmonize with hyper-modern, tech-savvy elements creating a stylish and unexpected innovative environment that redefine luxury for the digital age.
“Crystal white Nappa leather and shimmering white silk create a contrast with large decorative elements crafted from open-pore burr wood. Display cabinets, similar to an exclusive sideboard, are integrated into the dark wood trim along the side walls and framed by polished aluminum trim strips. They provide elegant storage for personal accessories such as handbags, sunglasses, or smartphones. A game controller for racing games and one of 42 Dolby Atmos surround-sound speakers are also stylishly incorporated. Additional speakers, housed in round glass enclosures, are mounted on handmade design brackets that protrude stylishly from the side walls, further enhancing the elegant, open living ambience,” Mercedes said.
“A standout feature of the Private Lounge seating area is the retractable 65-inch cinema screen – with split-screen functionality -housed beneath the floor. When passengers enter and the doors close, the screen elegantly rises, as if by magic, from a console adorned with burr wood and Nappa leather. Through the transparent floor slats, passengers can observe as the display extends and partitions the Private Lounge area from the cockpit. Once activated, the cinema screen transforms the interior into an unparalleled immersive environment, offering a level of experience never seen before in a vehicle.
“The cinema screen delivers 4K resolution, displaying video and games with exceptional sharpness and detail. Complementing this is the Dolby Atmos surround-sound system with 42 loudspeakers, including exciters embedded in the seats, that turn music into a haptic experience. Seven projectors integrated into the roof liner and floor expand the visual field, while the side windows function as additional projection surfaces creating a dynamic 360-degree digital experience. This unique cocooning effect is further enhanced by integrated ambient lighting that adjusts to the rhythm of the music. The 65-inch cinema screen is operated via the touchpad in the center console, allowing it to extend and retract seamlessly from the floor,” Mercedes said.
About Ken Zino
Ken Zino, editor and publisher of AutoInformed, is a versatile auto industry participant with global experience spanning decades in print and broadcast journalism, as well as social media. He has automobile testing, marketing, public relations and communications experience. He is past president of The International Motor Press Assn, the Detroit Press Club, founding member and first President of the Automotive Press Assn. He is a member of APA, IMPA and the Midwest Automotive Press Assn.
He also brings an historical perspective while citing their contemporary relevance of the work of legendary auto writers such as Ken Purdy, Jim Dunne or Jerry Flint, or writers such as Red Smith, Mark Twain, Thomas Jefferson – all to bring perspective to a chaotic automotive universe.
Above all, decades after he first drove a car, Zino still revels in the sound of the exhaust as the throttle is blipped during a downshift and the driver’s rush that occurs when the entry, apex and exit points of a turn are smoothly and swiftly crossed. It’s the beginning of a perfect lap.
AutoInformed has an editorial philosophy that loves transportation machines of all kinds while promoting critical thinking about the future use of cars and trucks.
Zino builds AutoInformed from his background in automotive journalism starting at Hearst Publishing in New York City on Motor and MotorTech Magazines and car testing where he reviewed hundreds of vehicles in his decade-long stint as the Detroit Bureau Chief of Road & Track magazine. Zino has also worked in Europe, and Asia – now the largest automotive market in the world with China at its center.
Vision V – Mercedes- Teases Luxury Limousine
Click for more.
Mercedes-Benz said today in a release from Shanghai and Stuttgart that its new Van Electric Architecture (VAN.EA) will appear starting in 2026. It showed the so-called Vision V concept car, err van, err MPV…
“This innovative architecture re-imagines spacious, privately positioned vehicles elevating them into the luxury segment with a focus on the ‘Private Lounge’. The future model portfolio will cater to a range of customer needs offering a versatile, spacious vehicle designed to provide exceptional space and comfort. From exclusive VIP and high-end limousine transport to luxurious family vehicles, the new model will deliver on both the flexibility customers require and the refined luxury they desire. By expanding the top-end of its model portfolio, Mercedes-Benz Vans is defining a unique segment of its own that bestows true greatness to automotive luxury,” Mercedes claimed.
“The Vision V concept car introduces an open, lounge-inspired interior that emphasizes elegance and functionality. Features such as the large, automatically opening ‘portal’ door on the right-hand side and the illuminated, retractable running board provide effortless access to the rear lounge. An intelligent, switchable glass partition separates the “Private Lounge” from the driver’s area. Offering customizable transparency for privacy or communication, the glass can be changed from transparent to opaque, either completely or in sections.
“The ‘Private Lounge’ seating area is exceptionally spacious, offering an open ambience that conveys an unprecedented feeling of freedom, security and tranquility. The aesthetics of the spacious interior seamlessly blends elegance with cutting-edge technology. Traditionally crafted materials harmonize with hyper-modern, tech-savvy elements creating a stylish and unexpected innovative environment that redefine luxury for the digital age.
“Crystal white Nappa leather and shimmering white silk create a contrast with large decorative elements crafted from open-pore burr wood. Display cabinets, similar to an exclusive sideboard, are integrated into the dark wood trim along the side walls and framed by polished aluminum trim strips. They provide elegant storage for personal accessories such as handbags, sunglasses, or smartphones. A game controller for racing games and one of 42 Dolby Atmos surround-sound speakers are also stylishly incorporated. Additional speakers, housed in round glass enclosures, are mounted on handmade design brackets that protrude stylishly from the side walls, further enhancing the elegant, open living ambience,” Mercedes said.
“A standout feature of the Private Lounge seating area is the retractable 65-inch cinema screen – with split-screen functionality -housed beneath the floor. When passengers enter and the doors close, the screen elegantly rises, as if by magic, from a console adorned with burr wood and Nappa leather. Through the transparent floor slats, passengers can observe as the display extends and partitions the Private Lounge area from the cockpit. Once activated, the cinema screen transforms the interior into an unparalleled immersive environment, offering a level of experience never seen before in a vehicle.
“The cinema screen delivers 4K resolution, displaying video and games with exceptional sharpness and detail. Complementing this is the Dolby Atmos surround-sound system with 42 loudspeakers, including exciters embedded in the seats, that turn music into a haptic experience. Seven projectors integrated into the roof liner and floor expand the visual field, while the side windows function as additional projection surfaces creating a dynamic 360-degree digital experience. This unique cocooning effect is further enhanced by integrated ambient lighting that adjusts to the rhythm of the music. The 65-inch cinema screen is operated via the touchpad in the center console, allowing it to extend and retract seamlessly from the floor,” Mercedes said.
About Ken Zino
Ken Zino, editor and publisher of AutoInformed, is a versatile auto industry participant with global experience spanning decades in print and broadcast journalism, as well as social media. He has automobile testing, marketing, public relations and communications experience. He is past president of The International Motor Press Assn, the Detroit Press Club, founding member and first President of the Automotive Press Assn. He is a member of APA, IMPA and the Midwest Automotive Press Assn. He also brings an historical perspective while citing their contemporary relevance of the work of legendary auto writers such as Ken Purdy, Jim Dunne or Jerry Flint, or writers such as Red Smith, Mark Twain, Thomas Jefferson – all to bring perspective to a chaotic automotive universe. Above all, decades after he first drove a car, Zino still revels in the sound of the exhaust as the throttle is blipped during a downshift and the driver’s rush that occurs when the entry, apex and exit points of a turn are smoothly and swiftly crossed. It’s the beginning of a perfect lap. AutoInformed has an editorial philosophy that loves transportation machines of all kinds while promoting critical thinking about the future use of cars and trucks. Zino builds AutoInformed from his background in automotive journalism starting at Hearst Publishing in New York City on Motor and MotorTech Magazines and car testing where he reviewed hundreds of vehicles in his decade-long stint as the Detroit Bureau Chief of Road & Track magazine. Zino has also worked in Europe, and Asia – now the largest automotive market in the world with China at its center.