Whenever an automaker unveils a concept that captures the spotlight, you can almost hear the styluses hitting tablets as rendering artists get to work, grafting the new look onto everything else in the range. And of course, the Mercedes Vision Iconic hasn’t dodged that creative frenzy.

More: Mercedes’ Vision Iconic Grand Coupe Looks Like It Time-Traveled From The 1930s

Digital artist Sugar Design has already dreamed up what a next-generation S-Class might look like if it borrowed the coupe concept’s styling playbook. The result feels sharp and believable, though anyone expecting it to reach production anytime soon might want to take a seat.

Still, considering that many suspect the Vision Iconic could evolve into a future S-Class Coupe, the styling exercise isn’t entirely without merit.

Vision-Inspired Sedan

Sugar Design’s take on the S-Class borrows the illuminated grille, aggressive headlights, and bumper intakes from the Vision Iconic concept, infusing them into a sedan silhouette. The profile features clean surfacing with pronounced front and rear fenders, framing the seven-spoke alloy wheels.

Illustrations Sugar Design

The rear treatment leans toward grand tourer territory, with flowing curves, an aerodynamic roofline, slim LED taillights, and a subtle diffuser. Altogether, it reads as a thoroughly modern luxury sedan that could pass for a Maybach with different badging and a two-tone finish.

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The cabin remains speculative, but it’s easy to imagine a softened version of the concept’s Art Deco-inspired interior, blending rich materials with cutting-edge technology.

What’s Next For The S-Class?

The current W223 generation of the S-Class was introduced in 2020, and a mid-lifecycle update is scheduled for 2026. This means that the debut of an all-new model has been pushed back closer to the end of the decade.

Earlier spy shots suggest that the facelifted S-Class won’t undergo a radical redesign. Instead, Mercedes designers will focus on tweaking the lighting units and bumpers, while retaining most of the sheet metal on the profile.

Based on how the GLC EV gained its illuminated grille late in development, it’s likely the S-Class facelift will receive similar treatment. Expect interior updates too, possibly including a yoke-style steering wheel and expanded autonomous driving features.

So what does this mean for the Vision Iconic’s design language? It’s reasonable to assume an evolved version of its styling will influence future S-Class models and other Mercedes flagships arriving in the 2030s. The overwhelmingly positive reception to the concept will only strengthen that direction.

Mercedes Vision Iconic Concept

Mercedes has already confirmed that the next S-Class will offer both ICE and EV powertrain options, signalling the death of the unpopular EQS. Its competition may thin out as well, with the Audi A8 and Lexus LS expected to exit or morph into entirely new formats, possibly even something as unconventional as a three-row luxury van.

More: This BMW M7 Super Sedan Is Too Good To Be Real

This leaves the upcoming Neue Klasse facelift of the BMW 7-Series / i7 as the only European rival, although there are many flagship sedans from China that want a piece of the sales pie. In any case, the sinister looks of the Vision Iconic concept and the expected technological innovation that might come with it could help Mercedes to remain at the top of the segment.

That leaves BMW’s upcoming Neue Klasse iteration of the 7-Series and i7 as the S-Class’s main European rival, though several ambitious Chinese luxury sedans are vying for attention. Still, the Vision Iconic’s darkly elegant styling and the technological advances likely to accompany it could help Mercedes maintain its grip at the top of the luxury sedan hierarchy.

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Mercedes has unveiled the Vision Iconic concept, a stunning two-door coupe that shows the brand still knows how to do glamour. Besides the elegant proportions and the illuminated grille, the grand coupe features a retro-inspired cabin and comes with advanced autonomous driving capabilities.

The exterior blends styling cues from Mercedes’ past fused with futuristic details. The “Iconic Grille”, first shown in the production GLC EV, proves that a large illuminated panel can look good on a vehicle if the stars align properly. It’s shape is inspired by classics like the W108, W111 and the 600 Pullman. Here, it is combined with the classic Merc hood ornament and aggressive headlights.

More: Have the Germans Finally Got Their Design Act Together Or Are They Still Lost?

The profile is reminiscent of the Vision Mercedes-Maybach 6 Coupé and Cabriolet concepts from 2016 and 2017, although the overhangs are shorter. The long hood is emphasized by the side gills on the fenders, continuing the lines of the short windshield. The sloping roofline leads to a curved tail, with clear references to the iconic 300 SL Gullwing.

According to Mercedes design chief Gorden Wagener, the show car draws inspiration from “the golden era of automotive design of the 1930s.” He describes it as “a sculpture in motion, a homage to timeless elegance, and a statement for the future.”

Art Deco Interior

The interior of the Vision Iconic is equally as impressive as the exterior. The company chose the Art Deco movement as an inspiration, targeting “lounge-like comfort and an entirely new experience of hyper-analogue and digital luxury”.

A round (yes, it sounds redundant until you’ve seen how many squared ones exist today) four-spoke steering wheel fronts a transparent Zeppelin-shaped dashboard, while the instrument cluster features animated analogue-style displays reminiscent of fine chronographs.

At the center of the concept’s dash, four traditional-style clocks include one that doubles as an AI companion, adding a futuristic twist to the retro aesthetic.

Seating takes the form of a plush bench trimmed in deep blue velvet, complemented by mother-of-pearl accents and a handcrafted straw marquetry floor bringing us back to the 17th century. Mercedes has also introduced a collection of six outfits for men and women, matching the interior of the concept with a dark blue shade and silver-gold accents.

Technology From The Future

Despite the nostalgic touches, the Vision Iconic packs some serious technology. It targets Level 4 autonomy powered by “neuromorphic computing,” a system modeled on human brain function. Mercedes claims it’s ten times more efficient than current setups at interpreting surroundings and can cut AI processing energy use by up to 90 percent.

More: The EQS Wasn’t Ugly by Accident, But Mercedes Thinks It Knows Better Now

The Vision Iconic also has a steer-by-wire system combined with rear-axle steering for improved handling and agility. The automaker didn’t reveal the specifications of the fully electric powertrain.

Another standout feature is the solar coating that covers the entire body. This finish not only charges the battery but can also deliver up to 12,000 km (7,500 miles) of annual range purely from sunlight, depending on weather and location. With 20 percent efficiency, the coating is adaptable to any color and designed for easy recycling, hinting at a sustainable edge beneath the glamour.

Will It Make Production?

Rumors about the return of a flagship coupe in the Mercedes lineup first sparked earlier this year when the company trademarked a pair of two-door S-Class models in Maybach and AMG forms.

More: This Concept EV Will Morph Into An AMG Super Sedan You Can Buy

However, those designs were based on the current generation of the S-Class sedan, which is expected to undergo a facelift next year. The next generation that’s expected towards the decade’s end should offer both internal-combustion and battery-electric powertrains.

Whether this new concept is merely a design study or a genuine preview of what’s to come remains uncertain. Still, it is an indication that Mercedes isn’t done exploring the art of the grand coupe just yet.

Mercedes and Hot Wheels have joined forces to unveil a one-off CLA. It’s the latest in a Class of Creators series, which also includes the “molten chrome” CLA that was made in collaboration with Ice Spice.

Thankfully, the latest concept is far better as it pays tribute to the “boundless imagination of childhood, when cars were not just a means of transport but also an invitation to dream.” The model also celebrates automotive passion, which tends to be sparked at a young age by 1:64-scale diecast cars.

More: Starry But Soulless 2026 Mercedes CLA Leans On AI And Electric Power

As a result, the CLA has been Hot Wheels-ified as it features pink glass, a widebody kit, and a massive diffuser. They’re joined by a sizable rear wing, mismatched wheels, and a colorful livery.

According to Mercedes, the color scheme draws from the classic Hot Wheels aesthetic, mixing bright orange, pink, and blue tones. The company added the “oversized flames lend a retro-futuristic look reminiscent of 1980s pop culture.”

Road-Going Model Arrives Later This Year

The concept was shown at the Hot Wheels Legends Tour in El Segundo over the weekend and it will be transformed into a diecast toy next spring. As for the road-going model, the CLA 250+ and CLA 350 4MATIC EVs are scheduled to land in America later this year.

The former has a rear-mounted motor developing 268 hp (200 kW / 272 PS) and 247 lb-ft (335 Nm) of torque. This enables the car to accelerate from 0-60 mph (0-96 km/h) in approximately 6.6 seconds, before hitting a limited top speed of 130 mph (209 km/h).

Likewise, the CLA 350 4MATIC with EQ Technology has a dual-motor all-wheel drive system with 349 hp (260 kW / 354 PS) and 380 lb-ft (515 Nm) of torque. Thanks to the extra power and traction, 60 mph (96 km/h) comes in 4.8 seconds.

Of course, you’ll probably want to avoid the launch model as it won’t work with 400-volt DC fast chargers. Vehicles with that capability won’t arrive until the spring of 2026 and the company is already warning consumers to “contact your dealer to confirm [compatibility] before purchase.”

Photos Mercedes