Overview
The Mercedes-Benz Vision 111 is a high-performance, fully electric concept car created as a modern interpretation of the legendary C 111 experimental prototypes from the 1960s and 1970s. Designed as a testbed for future technologies, it showcases radical aerodynamic styling alongside cutting-edge electric powertrain technology. Positioned as an iconic luxury concept, it demonstrates how Mercedes-Benz intends to merge heritage design with futuristic, high-performance electric driving.
Key Features
- Dual axial-flux electric motors developed by YASA, delivering high power density in an exceptionally lightweight and compact casing.
- High-performance, liquid-cooled cylindrical battery cells utilizing Formula 1-inspired cell chemistry engineered in collaboration with Mercedes-AMG High Performance Powertrains.
- Iconic gullwing doors paired with an ultra-low, 1,170 mm high One-Bow silhouette.
- A dual-mode Lounge and Race interior concept that transitions between an autonomous relaxation lounge and a minimalist driving machine.
- Full-width retro-futuristic 3D pixelated LED exterior panels and interior dashboard displays.
- Augmented reality integration utilizing Magic Leap 2 spatial headsets.
Design & Interior
The exterior painted in a striking Copper-Orange Alubeam finish, pays homage to the original C 111 while keeping the signature Mercedes-Benz One-Bow design. The front features a low-slung, rectangular pixelated display in place of a traditional grille, housing rounded LED headlights. Flush-fit gullwing doors dominate the profile, accompanied by opaque side windows printed with a pixelated pattern. Huge wheels with a design inspired by electric motor windings are sunken deeply beneath prominent, flared wheel arches, while the rear is anchored by a massive diffuser and a matching 3D pixelated LED lighting display.
Inside, the cabin introduces a lounge concept wrapped in white 100% recycled polyester fabric, orange leather, and polished aluminium trim. The seats are integrated flush into the floor. In Lounge mode, the backrests recline into the sills and centre tunnel to create a relaxation space suitable for autonomous travel. In Race mode, the backrests tilt upright to position the driver in an authentic Formula 1-style seating position. A rectangular, F1-inspired steering wheel sits ahead of a compact touchscreen, complemented by a full-width pixel-matrix display spanning the entire dashboard to convey telemetry in a bold, 8-bit style.
Other Technical Specifications
The advanced YASA axial-flux electric motors, which are one-third of the weight and volume of traditional radial-flux motors, offer the same power output. The battery system uses liquid-cooled cylindrical cells developed with Mercedes-AMG High Performance Powertrain in Brixworth. This concept has a dual-motor, all-wheel-drive arrangement and a vehicle height of approximately 1,170 mm.
Production Plans
The Mercedes-Benz Vision One-Eleven is strictly a design and technology showcase and will not be produced as a standalone road car. However, the technologies debuted within the concept are planned for series production. The YASA axial-flux motor technology is being developed for large-scale production maturity and will be manufactured at the Mercedes-Benz Berlin-Marienfelde plant to power future production performance vehicles from AMG like the Mercedes-AMG GT 4-Door Coupe.