Mercedes Vision V previews luxury V-Class successors

Mercedes-Benz has unveiled its Vision V concept car, an electric van that showcases the future of the V-Class, which will be electrified and split into several models. The Vision V showcases the high-end option of the range, with a luxury interior filled to the brim with tech and comfort features.

To recall, Mercedes-Benz is preparing to launch its new generation of passenger vans, built on the modular VAN.EA (for electric models) and VAN.CA (for combustion models) architecture. These platforms will spawn a wide range of new models, from compact family vehicles to luxurious van-shaped ‘limousines’.

Luxury MPV for passengers, not drivers

And now, the German manufacturer indicates what we might expect from the latter category with the Vision V concept car, an electric MPV in the top-end segment. The design study debuted at the Auto Shanghai 2025 show, which has seen many world premieres, not limited to China-only models.

The Mercedes Vision V is meant to be driven by a chauffeur. While the cockpit does get treated with the latest Superscreen, which debuted in the all-new CLA, most of the attention has gone to the rear. There, the occupants are separated from the driver through an electrochromic glass wall, which can be made opaque to create the ‘Private Lounge’.

65-inch cinema display with 360-degree visual effects

There, passengers are spoiled by crystal white Nappa leather seats with a futuristic design, which can be electrically adjusted and even reclined to create a bed. But there’s enough entertainment on board to stay awake, courtesy of a retractable 65-inch 4K cinema display, a 42-speaker Dolby Atmos surround-sound system, and projectors to create a 360-degree visual experience.

There are seven interactive modes for the passenger compartment: Entertainment, Relaxation, Gaming, Work, Shopping, Discovery (which projects the surround navigation in 3D graphics on the cinema screen), and karaoke.

In terms of design, we don’t expect much of Vision V to be transferred over to the production models. Some elements will be retained, like the slim headlamps and the closed grille with light elements inside. However, the wraparound rear lights with over 450 3D illuminated louvres will likely remain limited to the concept car.

Coming in 2026

But to be sure, we’ll have to wait until 2026, when Mercedes will introduce the first of its new generation of passenger vans on the VAN.EA architecture. The models will be called VLE and VLS, emulating the rest of the range, where the VLS will offer S-Class-like levels of luxury and comfort, as previewed with the Vision V concept car.

What we know for sure is that the electric models will use an 800-V architecture for super-fast charging, while dual-motor 4Matic drivetrains will also be part of the range. Mercedes announced a driving range of up to 500 km when presenting the new VAN.EA architecture.