Mercedes-Benz Concept Cars

1. 2023 Mercedes-Benz Vision One-Eleven

An all-electric car with an eye to future hypercars from Mercedes-AMG.

The Mercedes-Benz Vision One-Eleven, unveiled in 2023, is a stunning reimagining of the brand's experimental legacy, drawing heavy inspiration from the iconic C111 prototypes of the 1970s. This all-electric concept car blends retro-futuristic design with cutting-edge technology, offering a glimpse into the future of performance and sustainable luxury. Its low-slung, wedge-shaped silhouette, finished in a striking shade of orange, evokes the spirit of its predecessors while showcasing a modern interpretation of Mercedes-Benz's design language.

Beyond its captivating exterior, the Vision One-Eleven pushes the boundaries of electric propulsion. It features revolutionary axial-flux electric motors developed by YASA, a British company acquired by Mercedes-Benz. These compact and lightweight motors deliver exceptional power and efficiency, promising exhilarating performance. The concept car also boasts a sleek, minimalist interior with a focus on driver engagement. A pixelated dashboard display and a rectangular steering wheel hint at a digitalized driving experience, while luxurious silver upholstery adds a touch of opulence.  

While the Vision One-Eleven is purely a concept car, it serves as a powerful statement of intent for Mercedes-Benz. It showcases the brand's commitment to innovation in the electric era, exploring new possibilities for performance, design, and sustainable mobility. By paying homage to its experimental past while embracing the future, the Vision One-Eleven captures the imagination and reinforces Mercedes-Benz's position as a leader in automotive technology.

2. 1969 Mercedes-Benz C111-II

Fun experiments with differing powerplants and suspension layouts.

Not strictly a concept in the modern sense, the C-111 series of cars were test beds for Mercedes’ experiments with differing powerplants and suspension layouts. The original C111 of 1969 was equipped with a mid-mounted, three-rotor Wankel rotary engine, upped the following year to a four-rotor with an output of 350PS (257kW) and capable of 186mph. Mercedes then, probably wisely, that rotary power was not for them and pivoted to DERV-drinkers for the C111s II and III.

The Mercedes-Benz C111-II, unveiled in 1970, was a captivating concept car that pushed the boundaries of automotive design and technology. Its futuristic wedge-shaped body, adorned in vibrant orange paint and featuring iconic gullwing doors, turned heads wherever it went. This aerodynamic design, coupled with a powerful four-rotor Wankel engine, enabled the C111-II to achieve impressive performance figures, boasting a top speed of 186 mph and a 0-60 mph time of under 5 seconds.

Beyond its striking appearance, the C111-II showcased innovative construction with a lightweight fiberglass body and an advanced suspension system for superior handling. It served as a rolling laboratory for Mercedes-Benz, allowing engineers to experiment with new technologies like the Wankel rotary engine. Despite its potential, the C111-II never reached production due to concerns about the Wankel engine's fuel consumption and emissions.

However, its legacy lives on. The C111-II remains an iconic symbol of automotive innovation, influencing future Mercedes-Benz designs and captivating car enthusiasts to this day. It stands as a testament to the company's commitment to pushing the boundaries of automotive technology and design, even if some creations remain tantalizing "what ifs" in the history book

3. 2016 Mercedes-Benz Vision Maybach 6

The coupé reinterprets classic, emotional design principles in an extreme way

The Mercedes-Benz Vision Maybach 6, unveiled in 2016, was a breathtaking concept car that redefined automotive luxury and elegance. This stunning coupe, stretching over 18 feet long, embodied a neo-classical design philosophy, blending classic proportions with futuristic elements. Its flowing lines, long hood, and boat-tail rear evoked the golden age of grand touring cars, while the sleek, aerodynamic shape and 24-inch wheels hinted at its cutting-edge technology. Finished in a deep red metallic paint, the Vision Maybach 6 exuded an aura of sophistication and exclusivity.

The interior of the Vision Maybach 6 was equally opulent, featuring a wraparound dashboard display, luxurious white leather upholstery, and a transparent center tunnel showcasing the car's electric drivetrain. This 2+2 coupe seamlessly integrated advanced technology with traditional craftsmanship. The seats featured body sensors that could monitor the passengers' vital signs and adjust the climate control accordingly, while the windshield served as a massive augmented reality display, providing navigation and entertainment information.  

Underneath its breathtaking exterior, the Vision Maybach 6 was an all-electric vehicle. Four compact electric motors, one at each wheel, delivered a combined output of 750 horsepower, enabling a 0-60 mph time of under four seconds and a range of over 200 miles. With its combination of exquisite design, cutting-edge technology, and electric performance, the Vision Maybach 6 captured the essence of ultimate luxury and provided a glimpse into the future of the Maybach brand.  

4. 1991 Mercedes C112

Intended as a road going counterpart to the Sauber C11 racer.

The Mercedes-Benz C112, unveiled in 1991, was a technological tour de force disguised as a sleek, mid-engined supercar. Born from the racing DNA of the Sauber-Mercedes C11 Group C prototype, the C112 was intended to be a road-going showcase of cutting-edge innovations. Its aerodynamically sculpted body, crafted by Italian coachbuilder Carrozzeria Coggiola, housed a potent 6.0-liter V12 engine producing a formidable 408 horsepower. This powerplant, later made famous in the Pagani Zonda, propelled the C112 to a top speed exceeding 186 mph.  

But the C112 was more than just brute force. It pioneered groundbreaking technologies like Active Body Control (ABC), an active suspension system that virtually eliminated body roll and provided unparalleled stability. It also featured active rear-wheel steering, enhancing agility and responsiveness. These advancements, coupled with advanced aerodynamics including active spoilers, made the C112 a technological marvel far ahead of its time.

Despite generating significant interest and showcasing the future of automotive technology, the C112 ultimately remained a concept car. Mercedes-Benz decided against production, likely due to the high cost and complexity of its advanced systems. However, its legacy endures. The C112 served as a testbed for innovations that would later appear in production Mercedes-Benz models, shaping the future of the brand and leaving a lasting impression on the automotive world.

5. 1991 Mercedes-Benz F100

A sexy minivan? This futuristic people mover that was ahead of its time

The Mercedes-Benz F100, unveiled in 1991, was a radical research vehicle that served as a window into the future of automotive technology. More than just a concept car, it was a rolling laboratory packed with experimental features that would later shape the automotive landscape. Its futuristic, one-box design maximized interior space while minimizing aerodynamic drag, resulting in a unique and somewhat unconventional aesthetic. The F100 prioritized functionality and innovation, showcasing Mercedes-Benz's commitment to pushing the boundaries of automotive engineering.  

One of the most striking features of the F100 was its revolutionary "drive-by-wire" system, which replaced traditional mechanical linkages with electronic controls for steering, braking, and acceleration. This technology, considered cutting-edge at the time, paved the way for modern driver-assistance systems and autonomous driving technology. The F100 also incorporated numerous other innovations, including a voice recognition system, a solar-powered roof, and a tire-pressure monitoring system – features that were ahead of their time and later became commonplace in production vehicles.  

The F100's impact extended beyond its technological advancements. Its focus on safety led to the development of new crash structures and restraint systems, influencing future Mercedes-Benz vehicle designs. While the F100 never made it to production, its legacy lives on. Many of its groundbreaking features, once considered futuristic, have become integral components of modern automobiles, demonstrating the profound influence of this visionary research vehicle on the automotive industry.