Mercedes-Benz Vision Iconic Concept Previews Next-Generation S-Class Design

Mercedes-Benz has unveiled the Vision Iconic concept at its design facility in Shanghai, China, providing the first indication of the design direction for the next-generation S-Class flagship sedan. The two-door concept showcases a design language inspired by automotive styling from the 1930s and features technologies that the brand plans to implement in future production models. 

The Vision Iconic features the brand's illuminated grille design, which first appeared on the electric GLC in September 2025. The concept presents a five-slat version of this grille with a wide chromed frame, smoked-glass lattice structure and integrated contour lighting. The grille draws design references from models including the W 108, W 111 and the Mercedes-Benz 600 Pullman. The design includes an illuminated three-pointed star positioned on the bonnet.

The concept presents proportions associated with traditional S-Class sedans, including an extended bonnet that establishes the vehicle's frontal presence. Gorden Wagener, Chief Design Officer at Mercedes-Benz Group AG, stated the show car embodies elements from the brand's design history, specifically referencing vehicles from the 1930s. The concept features sculptural body lines and incorporates Art Deco design elements throughout its exterior. 

The exterior design includes slim headlights with integrated lighting technology and a deep black high-gloss paint finish. The sides feature seven-spoke wheels, curved fender vents and brass door handles. The rear design takes reference from the 1954 300 SL, with a sloping roofline, slim LED tail-lights and a chrome strip beneath the bumper.

The eighth-generation S-Class will launch as an electric vehicle on the MB.EA platform, with a revised version of the current combustion-engine S-Class following shortly after on the MRA platform. Both versions will feature identical exterior and interior designs, and the EQS nameplate will be discontinued as Mercedes-Benz unifies its electric and combustion model nomenclature. The production S-Class is scheduled for introduction in 2028. 

The Vision Iconic incorporates Level 4 autonomous driving capability, steer-by-wire technology and rear-axle steering. The vehicle features neuromorphic computing, which Mercedes-Benz states can reduce energy requirements for data processing by 90 per cent compared to current systems. The concept also includes solar paint technology, a nanoparticle-based coating that can be applied to the vehicle body and could generate energy equivalent to 12,000 kilometres of range annually under optimal conditions.

The interior features a continuous bench seat upholstered in blue velvet and a floating glass instrument panel structure. The cabin incorporates mother-of-pearl marquetry on door panels, brass door handles and straw marquetry flooring. The design includes a pillar-to-pillar screen configuration with four clock displays, one shaped as the brand logo functioning as an artificial intelligence companion.

The Vision Iconic concept indicates Mercedes-Benz may reintroduce two-door coupe and convertible variants to the S-Class range. The concept was presented alongside a six-piece capsule fashion collection that incorporates design elements from the vehicle.