With the Mercedes Vision Simplex, Mercedes-Benz not only pays homage to what could be termed the birth of the brand—the unveiling of Emil Jellinek’s visionary Mercedes 35 PS at Race Week in Nice (1901)—but also symbolises a transition into the new era of digital luxury. With the same pioneering spirit that saw the advent of a revolutionary vehicle architecture (one that established the technical basis for all cars) 120 years ago, the German automobile marque has created yet another design and engineering masterpiece.
The concept car draws inspiration from the legendary Simplex by incorporating the two-seater design with freestanding wheels, a dominant horizontal alignment that acts as a monocoque and vertical colour separation that see’s a predominantly white front section (which housed the engine of the 35 PS) and a black rear. Detailing like the rose gold radiator grill (bronze in the original), transparent rims on the wheels and a 3D display that features the vintage Mercedes logo provide a unique aesthetic that definitively showcases the artistry that accompanies the mechanics in this car.
The decentralised wheel location, a seamless transition between the interior and exterior of the vehicle due to the omission of a windscreen, and a leather bag that rounds off the tail are only a few elements that exhibit the craftsmanship in the Mercedes Vision Simplex. The switches and clock on the instrument panel were inspired by luxury nautical design, while the handmade Chesterfield quilting and azure blue upholstery reference the French Riviera.
Showcasing the brand’s vision for digital luxury, the heart of the instrument panel displays precise information at the optimum time. Speed, navigation instructions, vehicle information and more are projected onto a large surface with a star pattern in an incredibly concise format, thereby enabling the driver to take in all the information without being distracted from the road.
The designers at Mercedes-Benz describe this combination of mechanical beauty and intelligent digital content as ‘hyper analogue,’ and we’re absolutely certain that the Mercedes Vision Simplex is an icon for both the heritage and the future of their brand.
