Wild Mercedes-Benz Vision V previews next V-Class

The Mercedes Vision V concept is proof the German premium brand will definitely not roll out just another van with windows when it launches the 2026 Mercedes V-Class next year.

Recently unveiled at the Shanghai motor show, the bold new concept imagines an entire new genre of minivan that is far more luxurious and technologically advanced than anything currently available.

Based on Benz’s bespoke VAN.EA architecture it has created for its next generation of high-specification people carriers, the Vision V concept and subsequent 2026 V-Class introduces some of the brand’s most advanced EV tech.

That includes an 800V electrical system that sees fast DC charging in excess of 320kW, a choice of single or dual motors, and a range of at least 500km.

Other fresh tech will include an S-Class-like air suspension and agility-boosting rear-wheel steering.

From launch the state-of-the-art Vision V is expected to come with various cabin configurations that will include the usual seven-seat layout as well as more luxurious variants, like a four-seat luxury VIP shuttle with a pair of rear airline-style recliners.

When it comes to its exterior styling it’s been tipped the production people mover will carry over toned-down versions of the concept’s enlarged rounded grille and come with six LED bars within it.

The ultra-slim headlights and illuminated bonnet-mounted silver star will both be carried over while, at the rear, the huge square-shaped 450-LED-element taillights are expected to be repeated again on the production version.

Those rear lights are said to improve aerodynamic efficiency, with the new Vision V employing tricks used on the slippery and efficient EQXX concept car.

Once launched, it’s thought Benz will introduce an even more luxurious Mercedes-Maybach version for the first time, with the chrome B-pillar and huge 24-inch rims both looking like they’ve been lifted off the luxury version.

Within, the new concept carries over a development of the same dash architecture as the latest CLA sedan, packaging the instrument cluster and infotainment screen behind a single piece of glass.

In the back, designers have lavished their attention to make the Vision V among Benz’s most luxurious vehicles. Highlights include the white leather roll-style seats that fold flat, and the exposed open-pore wooden cabinets.

For greater privacy, a glass panel separating the driver and passenger compartments can be switched from transparent to opaque – tech also adopted by the side windows.

In the rear there’s an incredible 4K 65-inch cinema screen. Utilising seven projectors in the floor and roof lining, it can be expanded to utilise the side glass, providing a virtual 360-degree viewing experience.

A 42-speaker sound system and ambient lighting, meanwhile, provide one of the most immersive experiences going.

Motivating Mercedes-Benz to radically reinvent its V-Class is the huge demand for people movers in China. This has recently prompted both Volvo and Lexus to produce their own luxury minivans, despite a general decline in sales in Europe, North America and markets like Australia.

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