mercedes-benz 'vision one-eleven' imagines the future of speed from a 1970s icon

Introducing the Mercedes-Benz Vision One-Eleven

Mercedes-Benz has once again pushed the boundaries of automotive innovation with its latest unveiling — the Vision One-Eleven. This electric sports car study combines a highly dynamic design language with groundbreaking all-electric powertrain technology, setting new standards in the world of supercars. Inspired by the legendary C 111 experimental vehicles, the Vision One-Eleven pays homage to the past while embracing a futuristic vision of luxury.

‘Our goal at Mercedes-Benz is not to do styling — our goal is to create icons,’ says Gorden Wagener, Chief Design Officer, Mercedes-Benz Group AG. ‘To me, that makes the difference between mainstream design and luxury. Design icons like the Type 300 SL and C 111 — both with gullwing doors — are part of our DNA. These legendary vehicles were major inspirations for the iconic design of the Mercedes-Benz Vision One-Eleven.’

images © Mercedes-Benz

an athletic one-bow exterior

The body of the Mercedes-Benz Vision One-Eleven showcases the artistry of the One-Bow design. From the sleek front end to the muscular hindquarters, its smooth bow-shaped silhouette exudes a sculptural feel that captivates the eye. The striking copper-orange alubeam paintwork pays homage to the iconic C 111, exuding power and extravagance. With a color that changes with the light, it adds a touch of opulence and sets the Vision One-Eleven apart from its predecessors.

Innovative Powertrain: Performance Meets Sustainability

The Vision One-Eleven is powered by an innovative electric powertrain, featuring high-performance axial-flux motors developed in collaboration with YASA. These advanced motors, combined with a new battery concept, deliver unrivaled performance and efficiency. The liquid-cooled cylindrical cells with a novel cell chemistry, derived from the expertise of Mercedes-AMG High Performance Powertrain, ensure the Vision One-Eleven remains at the forefront of cutting-edge battery technology. With this technological prowess, Mercedes-Benz is poised to take electric mobility to new heights.

Gullwing Doors and Aerodynamic Finesse

The Vision One-Eleven includes flush-fit gullwing doors and pixelated patterned side windows that give it an enigmatic appeal. The large-diameter wheels, seamlessly integrated into the voluminous flared wings, accentuate the car’s sportiness and aerodynamic refinement. The wheel design, inspired by electric motor windings, is a clear testament to the cutting-edge, all-electric powertrain technology driving the Vision One-Eleven. This juxtaposition of bold elements against a minimalist surface design adds an element of intrigue and embodies the essence of the Mercedes-Benz brand.

The Mercedes-Benz Vision One-Eleven commands attention with its low-slung front and rear skirts finished in matte black. These deeply scooped aerodynamic elements, visually connected by blade profiles, create a powerful and seamless transition between the car and the ground beneath it. The dark “keel line” further emphasizes this impression, leaving a lasting impact on the viewer. Inspired by the C 111’s black lower body-shell, this design feature sets the Vision One-Eleven apart, exuding an unmatched sense of unity with the road.

Iconic High-Tech Look: A Glimpse into the Future

The front-end design of the Vision One-Eleven pays tribute to the C 111 while embracing technological advancements. A flexible external display with a 3D pixelated look takes center stage, interpreting the C 111’s characteristic round lights in a digitized form. This high-tech feature serves both as an homage and a means to convey messages to other road users, adding a touch of innovation to the Vision One-Eleven’s already mesmerizing appearance. The U-shaped and strongly profiled front apron, along with black air intakes on the bonnet, further accentuate the car’s futuristic aesthetic.

At the rear, the Vision One-Eleven features a powerfully profiled diffuser and a display that mirrors the shape of the front-end display. The pixelated structure in the red taillights and the blue lighting effects create a mesmerizing visual experience. Circular lighting elements on the inner face of the wheels add an extra touch of sophistication and showcase the car’s attention to detail. The Vision One-Eleven seamlessly combines aerodynamic features with digital elements, leaving spectators in awe of its harmonious design.

step inside the vision one-eleven

Inside the Mercedes-Benz Vision One-Eleven, you’ll discover the first sports car interior with a lounge concept. This forward-thinking approach reflects the shift from self-driven sports cars to autonomous electric vehicles, offering a seamless transition between two different states of being. In race mode, the interior transforms into a minimalist driving machine, with a compact driver-oriented touchscreen and an upright backrest. Switch to lounge mode, and the seats become fully integrated into the interior sculpture, creating a spacious and relaxed ambiance.

The interior design of the Vision One-Eleven embraces a progressive color concept and extraordinary material combinations, epitomizing future luxury. The juxtaposition of richly contrasting colors and materials immediately catches the eye. Large surfaces, such as the dashboard, feature white fabric with a tech-look honeycomb structure, made from 100-percent recycled polyester. Bright orange leather adorns the armrests, sills, and center console, seamlessly transitioning from the interior to the luggage compartment. The sustainable leather, tanned using coffee bean husks, adds a touch of elegance. Polished aluminum elements throughout the interior, including the steering-wheel spokes and armrest straps, reinforce the tech-inspired aesthetic.

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‘Our all-electric vision show car is the modern-day interpretation of the C 111, which was avant-garde at the time. The element of surprise comes from its exceptionally clean, purist and, at the same time, extremely muscular proportions. This iconic clarity is also reflected in the interior. The equally sensual but minimalist design language stands for ICONIC LUXURY by Mercedes-Benz.’