While concept cars don’t always turn into production cars, they serve a crucial role in automotive history – years ahead of their time, they give drivers a glimpse of what might be possible in the future. 

Mercedes-Benz regularly develops concept cars to give the world a preview of the technical innovations that could become mainstream in the next 10 or 20 years – and they never fail to create awe and wonder.

Here are five of the most iconic and groundbreaking Mercedes-Benz concept cars.

Mercedes-Benz VISION AVTR 

Unveiled in 2020 at the global technology exhibition CES in Las Vegas, the Mercedes-Benz VISION AVTR was inspired by James Cameron’s Avatar. Like the futuristic world portrayed in the film, the VISION AVTR is a unique blend of nature and technology, centred around the idea of a biometric connection between the car and its occupants.

The exterior features 33 multifunctional bionic flaps (like scales) that alter their shape depending on the driving mode, improving aerodynamics and communication. 

The equally unique interior features a one-bow design – eliminating the traditional dashboard and steering wheel, and instead opting for a curved, 3D user interface that responds to hand gestures and even the driver's breathing. 

The car's seats are made from sustainable materials – such as vegan DINAMICA leather produced from recycled PET bottles – while the floor is covered with a material derived from the root-like structure of mushrooms.

Under the hood, the VISION AVTR boasts an advanced electric powertrain and revolutionary battery technology that consists of organic cells derived from compostable, plant-based materials. The concept car also embraces autonomous driving capabilities and an artificial intelligence (AI) system that can anticipate the driver's needs – something that is bound to influence the way future vehicles adapt to and enhance the driver’s experience on the road.

Mercedes-Benz VISION EQS

The Mercedes-Benz VISION EQS concept car was unveiled at the 2019 International Motor Show in Frankfurt as an example of our vision for the future of all-electric luxury sedans. 

A milestone in our commitment to electric mobility, the VISION EQS offers a glimpse into the aesthetic and technological advancements of our all-electric product line. It also takes the Progressive Luxury design philosophy of our all-electric models into a new dimension; its sleek silhouette, smooth contours and one-bow design make it one of the most aerodynamically efficient vehicles in its class. 

The VISION EQS is powered by a 100kW battery and two electric motors that produce a combined output of 350kW of power and 760Nm of torque, allowing the car to sprint from 0-100km/h in 4.5 seconds. It also boasts a WLTP-certified driving range of 700km, and the ability to charge up to 80 per cent capacity in under 20 minutes on a 350kW rapid charger.

The interior of the VISION EQS is opulent and futuristic, composed of high-quality, eco-friendly materials and an MBUX Hyperscreen display that spans the entire dashboard. Integrating infotainment, climate control, and driver instrumentation in one seamless unit, the Hyperscreen uses AI to anticipate and cater to passengers’ needs.

Several elements of this concept vehicle have already made their way into production models, including the Mercedes-Benz EQS Sedan, which features a similarly striking exterior design and the MBUX Hyperscreen.

Mercedes-Benz VISION EQXX 

Revealed at CES in 2022, the Mercedes-Benz VISION EQXX embodies a new design philosophy focused on efficiency, sustainability and luxury. The aerodynamic form is characterised by a streamlined body and low drag coefficient, featuring seamless transitions, smooth surfaces, and an advanced lighting system that not only enhances visibility but also communicates with other road users.

The car pushes boundaries under the bonnet, too – the electric powertrain using a highly efficient  battery pack that offers a remarkable estimated range of over 1000km on a single charge. That feat is achieved via the car's lightweight construction, advanced thermal management, optimised powertrain that can achieve 95 per cent efficiency, and solar panels integrated into the roof and hood (which can provide an additional 25km of range).

The concept car’s minimalist yet luxurious cabin uses sustainable materials such as vegan leather and recycled plastics. The dashboard is a single piece of curved glass that houses the infotainment system and driver's display. Its autonomous driving capabilities allow for hands-free driving on the highway, while advanced AI integration means the car can learn from the driver's habits to optimise energy consumption and route planning. 

The VISION EQXX may be a concept car, but the advanced battery technology, aerodynamic design and sustainable interior materials are expected to feature in future Mercedes-Benz models, particularly our all-electric range.

Mercedes-Benz Vision One-Eleven 

The sleek Mercedes-Benz Vision One-Eleven concept car was revealed in 2023. As with Mercedes-Benz Maybach Haute Voiture, the design philosophy is based on the Sensual Purity aesthetic: minimalist forms combined with emotional and intelligent design elements. But with its distinctive gullwing doors and eye-catching orange-and-black paintwork, it was clearly inspired by the tradition of the legendary C 111 experimental vehicles from the 1960s and 70s.

The car's exterior is characterised by smooth, flowing lines; the large, curved panoramic windshield extends into the side windows, offering an unobstructed view for the passengers and emphasising the vehicle's futuristic silhouette. 

The DIGITAL LIGHT system uses a series of tiny, high-definition lights to communicate with other road users and project information onto the road ahead. Inside, the luxurious cabin consists of sustainable materials and features an advanced AI-driven infotainment system.

Under the hood, the Vision One-Eleven is powered by a new battery concept featuring high-performance liquid-cooled cylindrical cells with a novel cell chemistry, plus two exceptionally powerful and advanced axial-flux motors.

Several innovations from the Vision One-Eleven have been adapted for Mercedes-Benz production models, including the electric drive system and battery technology. The advanced lighting and AI-integrated user interface have also inspired the design of subsequent models, the concept car serving as a blueprint for the future of luxury electric vehicles.

Mercedes-Benz Concept CLA-Class

The Mercedes-Benz Concept CLA-Class showcases a sleek and aerodynamic design philosophy. The exterior naturally references the CLA’s iconic silhouette with its smooth contours, long hood, and dramatically sloped roofline. 

The interior is a picture of minimalist elegance, featuring high-quality materials and a cutting-edge user interface that blends seamlessly with the dashboard to create a floating cockpit effect.

Design elements include a new interpretation of the brand's signature diamond grille, slim LED headlamps, and a full-width tail-light strip that creates a striking visual presence on the road. Flush door handles and cameras instead of traditional side mirrors also enhance the vehicle's aerodynamic efficiency. 

Powered by an advanced electric powertrain, the vehicle’s technological innovations extend to AI integration, which includes an intelligent voice-activated assistant and a state-of-the-art infotainment system. This AI can learn the driver's preferences, anticipate needs, and provide personalised experiences, such as adjusting the climate control and playing preferred music. 

Learn more about Future and Concept Vehicles from Mercedes-Benz.