A striking concept from Mercedes-Benz has debuted at Auto Shanghai 2025, in the form of the Mercedes-Benz Vision V, the precursor to the hyper-luxurious VLS van.
Aiming to capture the same slice of the market of the Lexus LM and Zeekr 009, the Vision V features a Maybach-style chrome B-pillar and chunky 24-inch wheels. Two wheelbases, with the longest version stretching out to 5.49m in full length, will be available.
Images of the van show a full perimeter halo surrounding a transparent tailgate, presenting a hyper-futuristic aesthetic. The surface treatment on the side is clean and unperturbed, signifying its 800V electric underpinnings.
At the front, it adopts the new design language seen on the upcoming CLA sedan, but with a more intricate LED lighting pattern encompassing two three-pointed stars and front lightbar, nestled in an array of vertical strake LEDs. A novel take on the traditional Mercedes grille also makes clever use of LED matrix lighting.
The real magic is inside, with two rear buckets which recline to a lying down position, with wood, chrome and white leather cocooning passengers with a 65-inch screen for entertainment. Up front, the MBUX Superscreen takes over the dash.
Other highlights include a surround-sound system with Dolby Atmos and 42 speakers, a chessboard set, gaming facilities with an included controller, and even karaoke functions.
The debut of this car at Auto Shanghai is significant as China (and Asia more broadly) see these vans as the aspirational, captain of industry chariots of 2025. What do you think of Mercedes-Benz’s new van concept? Will it devour the S-Class as the new luxury flagship?
