The Mercedes-Benz Vision V concept unveiled in Shanghai previews the next-generation V-Class people mover that’s due to go on sale from 2026.
While the overall silhouette doesn’t stray too far from people mover norms — a big, tall box that prioritises interior space over everything else — Mercedes-Benz has dressed up the shell to make it a little sleeker, and more attractive.
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There’s plenty of scalloped body surfacing to break up from slabby profile, a wagon-like side window design, and super-thick chromed pieces around the B-pillar to give it a bit of Maybach flavour.
Up front there’s a slim set of headlights — inspired, it seems, by the controversial set attached to the CLA — flanking the large illuminated fake grille, underneath which is an oversized lower lip spoiler bedecked in chrome.
At the back there’s a lighting ring with 450 LED elements surrounding the tailgate. The concept rides on 24-inch alloy wheels with illuminated louvres.
Inside, a glass wall divides the front passengers from those in the rear, and can be switched from transparent to opaque as required. The side windows are also electrochromatic, and can be changed from transparent to opaque as desired.
In the “private lounge” area at the back there’s just two “first class” seats that can lie completely flat. The seats rest of polished aluminium bases, and have tubular cushions held in place by shiny polished aluminium clasps.
A 65-inch 4K cinematic screen rises up from the floor, and is paired to a 42-speaker surround sound system. The immersive experience is enhanced by an adaptive ambient lighting system, seven projectors around the cabin, and side windows capable of functioning as extra screens.
In a throwback to the early days of people movers, there’s a singular sliding door on the passenger’s side.
The driver and front passenger aren’t left to feel like they’re sitting in steerage, with plenty of leather and metal for all the touch surfaces, seats similarly constructed to those in the rear, and a three-screen “Superscreen” setup embedded into the dashboard.
While people movers are a shrinking segment in Europe, North America, and Australia, they continue to be popular throughout Asia, especially in China. Thanks to the Middle Kingdom, Volvo and Lexus have entered the fray with the EM90 and LM, the latter of which is available as a hyper-opulent four-seat variant.
The Vision V, and subsequent V-Class, are the first models to ride on the Van Electric Architecture (VAN.EA).
Unfortunately no details about the concept’s drivetrain have been released, but Mercedes-Benz has previously stated VAN.EA will be available in front- or all-wheel drive setups, have a 800V electrical system, and up to 500km of range.
