Mercedes-Benz revealed its new VAN.EA platform in 2023, a dedicated architecture designed to support a new wave of electric vans. We sampled an early prototype earlier this year, where Mercedes outlined plans to bring a premium-oriented people hauler to the U.S.—a segment usually dominated by Asian manufacturers. That vision takes shape in the glimmering, head-turning Vision V concept previewed this month.
Conceptualized as both a celebrity cruiser and an upscale family hauler, the Vision V aims to shake up perceptions of what a van can be. It ditches utilitarian looks in favor of sculpted lines, 24-inch light-up wheels, and sleek proportions. Chrome accents trace its contours, giving the monobox silhouette a luxury aesthetic far removed from typical cargo haulers found on American streets.
Designers infused drama into the front with intricate LED headlamps flanking a full-width light bar and a glowing tri-star emblem. Instead of a standard grille, there’s a luminous chrome centerpiece, mirrored by a unified rear light bar arching across a vast rear glass panel. Its symmetry and detailing deliver a futuristic vibe that blends form and function with unmistakable flair.
Rather than just hinting at luxury, the Vision V’s interior leans all the way in. Power-sliding doors and retractable running boards welcome passengers into a white-and-wood sanctuary. Inside, polished aluminum frames twin glass cabinets, while plush Nappa leather, silk accents, and rich natural wood provide a setting more akin to a high-end lounge than a people mover.
A 42-speaker Dolby Atmos system dominates the cabin, its crystal-housed speakers suspended like modern art. Between the recliners lies a console with a retractable table and infotainment controls. Rear seats flatten into a bed, and the center table converts into a chessboard, complete with glass pieces stored neatly nearby. A smart glass divider adds privacy, going opaque with a touch.
Entertainment takes center stage with a 65-inch 4K screen that rises from the floor, turning the van into a personal theater. Transparent floor panels let occupants watch the screen emerge, while seven projectors and smart-glass windows support an immersive, 360-degree multimedia setup. This isn’t a minivan—it’s a mobile experience hub wrapped in opulence.
Multiple digital modes transform the ride depending on the mood. Entertainment mode offers classic audio-visual thrills, while Relax shifts the vibe with ambient visuals and chill music. Work mode turns the cabin into a mobile office. In Gaming mode, passengers can simulate driving while riding—though it’s best done on an empty stomach.
There’s even a Shopping mode for browsing goods mid-transit and a Discovery mode that overlays real-time surroundings with augmented visuals. For the bold, a Karaoke setting ensures no note goes unsung. The multi-sensory vibe is rounded off with rhythm-responsive lighting, ambient scents, and a ceiling lamp, making each ride a fully tailored experience.
Up front, Mercedes didn’t neglect the driver. A sweeping Superscreen spans the dash, with plush white trim matching the rear lounge. While the Vision V is still a concept, it’s a clear signal of where Mercedes is heading—blurring the lines between transport and experience. Expect a production version to drop by 2026, ready to tempt buyers away from the likes of the Escalade and Navigator.
