Mercedes-Benz S-Class, GLS Vision Iconic: Suggesting a new generation

Vision Iconic sets a new aesthetic for Mercedes-Benz's electrification phase. Renders of the S-Class and GLS from Sugar Design highlight a glowing grille, aerodynamic bodywork, and a slim LED tail that could hint at the next generation.

The Mercedes-Benz Vision Iconic was unveiled at Shanghai Fashion Week as an aesthetic statement for the brand’s electrification phase. The design language combines heritage cues with a minimalist approach, emphasizing aerodynamic efficiency and a new lighting identity.

Based on the Vision Iconic, graphic designer Sugar Design has released a series of digital renderings of the S-Class and GLS. These are not commercial vehicles, but they are enough to imagine how Mercedes-Benz could bring the Vision Iconic spirit to two future flagship models, if the market accepts it.

Vision Iconic is a concept that represents Mercedes-Benz's new design direction in the electrification phase.

From the catwalk to the design studio

Vision Iconic is more than just a concept car. Mercedes-Benz clearly outlines the direction: streamlined surfaces, continuous lines and the central role of light. The illuminated radiator grille is inspired by classic cars such as the 600 Pullman, but treated with modern technology to create a powerful visual effect at night.

Sugar Design's renderings of the S-Class and GLS show that this language can be extended to flagship sedans and large SUVs, keeping the same DNA from the front end, side profile, to the slim LED taillights.

Heritage and future on one cube

On the S-Class, the body surface is flattened to the maximum, limiting the embossing, emphasizing the aerodynamic shape. The cleverly rounded tail ends with a thin LED strip reminiscent of the legendary 300 SL. At the front of the car, the illuminated radiator grille and the small star logo placed on the hood reinforce the traditional identity.

Vision Iconic styled S-Class rendering with illuminated grille.

The rounded rear end and slim LED taillights are reminiscent of the 300 SL.

The Vision Iconic GLS also pursues minimalism: the headlights feature a three-pointed star graphic, the radiator grille glows and the front bumper is aerodynamic. The aerodynamic wheels highlight the philosophy of prioritizing airflow efficiency, while the rear uses a thin LED strip and a glowing logo placed on the luggage compartment door.

GLS Vision Iconic style with minimalist 3-pointed star graphic headlights.

Illuminated logo on the luggage compartment door and distinctive aerodynamic wheels.

Cabin: what's not revealed

The renderings are currently focused on the exterior; no interior design data is available yet. If it makes it to production, we can expect Mercedes-Benz to continue its minimalist philosophy, with an emphasis on premium materials and occupant experience, but all conclusions are still hypothetical.

Performance and driving feel: aerodynamics speak

No dynamic or powertrain specifications have been released for these builds, but the smooth surfaces, minimal creases, and details like the aerodynamic wheels and airflow-optimized front bumper suggest a goal of reducing drag, which should improve efficiency and comfort depending on the driving conditions.

This philosophy fits well into the electrification phase, where every small improvement in aerodynamics can yield significant benefits in range or energy consumption, if realized.

Safety and technology: new identity, old standards

The exterior's technological highlights include an illuminated grille and a three-pointed star signature. A small hood logo appears on both versions, creating a classic visual signature. However, this option is gradually being phased out by many manufacturers due to increasingly stringent safety requirements; its application on commercial vehicles depends on regulations in each market.

There’s no word yet on driver assistance systems or connectivity features, so any speculation about safety and advanced tech will have to wait for official announcements, if these ideas ever make it to reality.

Price and positioning: signals to replace EQS with S-Class EQ

Mercedes-Benz is expected to kill the EQS and introduce the S-Class EQ, which will be similar in design to the internal combustion engine S-Class. The seventh-generation S-Class has been around since 2020 and has yet to receive a mid-life upgrade, while the third-generation GLS received a facelift in 2023. That opens up the possibility that the two flagship models will gradually adopt the Vision Iconic style, if this language is widely accepted by customers. No pricing data is available yet.

Conclude

Vision Iconic offers a clear and systematic identity, and Sugar Design's renderings of the S-Class and GLS show that the language can be adapted to both sedans and large SUVs. However, this is still a conceptual vision; commercialization depends on market feedback and safety requirements.

• Advantages: strong light recognition, aerodynamic body proportions, streamlined surfaces, high uniformity between lines.
• Limitations: Hood logo may be at risk of violating safety standards; Illuminated grille and illuminated logo are questionable for mass adoption; no data on interior, equipment and performance.

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Source: https://baonghean.vn/mercedes-benz-s-class-gls-vision-iconic-goi-mo-the-he-moi-10308511.html