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Auto Shanghai 2025: Mercedes-Benz’s Vision V shows us the future of celebrity transport

It has the face of an emoji and a cinema inside
Front quarter view of the Mercedes-Benz Vision V electric van
PHOTO: Mercedes-Benz

The extra-posh Mercedes-Benz Vision V van has landed in concept/prototype form at Auto Shanghai 2025. Presumably, the paparazzi aren’t far behind.

The all-electric (duh) luxury people carrier showcases some futuristic smarts that Merc reckons will ‘revolutionize the segment’. To make it make sense, we’ve momentarily suspended all memory of the Lexus LM and the Volvo EM90. Ahem.

Side view of the Mercedes-Benz Vision V electric van with the doors open

So, what has Merc dreamt up for its celeb-tastic limo? Aesthetically, the V (that’s the letter, not ‘five’ auf Roman) gets an open-mouthed expression and sits on massive 24-inch wheels, with a futuristic tailgate that’s entirely framed by 450 3D lights.

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The ‘portal’ door (essentially a sliding door) automatically opens to reveal a lounge-like cabin. Cue much white leather, a smattering of silk, some polished chrome, and a few elegant accents in real wood.

Interior of the Mercedes-Benz Vision V electric van

Interior of the Mercedes-Benz Vision V electric van

Interior of the Mercedes-Benz Vision V electric van

The many screens and much tech were to be expected. For entertainment, there’s a gaming controller (specifically for racing games), and a 65-inch retractable 4K cinematic display with a 42-speaker Dolby Atmos audio system ready for whatever you need. Relaxing? Play some calming landscapes or a fireside crackle. Working? Enjoy seeing the faces of your whole team appear virtually in the back of your luxury mobile office.

Merc says you can shop, swot up on local history, and even enjoy a spot of karaoke with the V’s fancy devices. Something you’ll be able to do in private, thanks to an ‘intelligent glass’ partition that switches from transparent to opaque at a button click. That sound you can hear is the driver breathing a sigh of relief.

Cockpit of the Mercedes-Benz Vision V electric van

Speaking of, front occupants have their own displays, extending the full width of the dash and complete with augmented reality for practical things, such as parking.

No mention of a production timescale at this stage, but if push comes to shove, the Mercedes-Benz Vision V could one day relegate the current V-Class to minicab duties...

More photos of the Mercedes-Benz Vision V concept:

Front view of the Mercedes-Benz Vision V electric van

Headlight of the Mercedes-Benz Vision V electric van

Badge of the Mercedes-Benz Vision V electric van

Middle row of the Mercedes-Benz Vision V electric van

Interior trim of the Mercedes-Benz Vision V electric van

Interior of the Mercedes-Benz Vision V electric van

Interior of the Mercedes-Benz Vision V electric van

Interior of the Mercedes-Benz Vision V electric van

Interior of the Mercedes-Benz Vision V electric van

Side view of the Mercedes-Benz Vision V electric van

Rear view of the Mercedes-Benz Vision V electric van

Front quarter view of the Mercedes-Benz Vision V electric van

NOTE: This article first appeared on TopGear.com. Minor edits have been made.

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PHOTO: Mercedes-Benz
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