Mercedes V-Class of the future: Vision V concept is a lounge on wheels with immersive cinema screen
The Mercedes V-Class has become an aspirational and sought after people mover, both in South Africa and abroad. But its successor could take things to another level.
The German company is set to introduce its brand new VAN.EA electric architecture that was developed exclusively for battery-powered vans, and the new Vision V concept car that you see here gives us a good idea of what to expect.
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The show car points to a flagship version of the new electric van range, likely wearing the VLS badge, and it's being described as something of a 'private lounge' on wheels.
Its 'immersive' cabin includes a retractable 65-inch high-definition cinema screen as well as a Dolby Atmos surround sound system with 42 speakers. Additional projectors cover the side windows to create a 360-degree viewing experience. The cabin boasts an immersive digital experience.
'The cinema screen comes to life and transforms the interior into an immersive world of experience, the likes of which have never been seen before in a car,' Mercedes said.
Feeling like a disco? The immersive ambient lighting system also adapts its colours to the beat of the music. Front and rear cabins are separated by glass partition with variable transparency.
This rear lounge has two individual reclining chairs, separated by a centre console that doubles as a display cabinet, and which also features a fold-out chess table as well as a gaming console and a touchpad for operating the infotainment system.
To maximise the luxury vibes the cabin is finished in a combination of white Nappa leather and silk, with display elements and cabinets made of open-pore burr wood.
This vehicle was intended to be chauffeur-driven, and to that end, the cabin is separated from the 'private lounge' area by a glass partition with variable transparency. The driver's view.
This concept, of course, previews the most luxurious version of the upcoming battery-powered van range, but the model series will encompass a wide range of variants, including entry-segment family vehicles and exclusive VIP shuttles.
However, this doesn't necessarily spell the end for the existing Vito and V-Class models. The internal combustion engined (ICE) vans are expected to continue alongside their new electric counterparts for the foreseeable future.
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