Mercedes, if you have the guts, put this Vision One-Eleven into production!

The press release on the electric Mercedes-Benz Vision One-Eleven is very dry and technical. Doesn’t the author understand that we only want to talk about the spectacular design of the retro-fantastic supercar?

A lesson in history. In the late 1960s and early 1970s, Mercedes-Benz developed a series of study models under the name C 111. The first and second models are the most well-known, with their gullwing doors, beautiful coupe design and eye-catching orange and black paintwork.

Mercedes-Benz C 111 breaks speed records

The four “generations” of the C 111 served to test new aerodynamic and engine technology. In 1969, the first C 111 had a three-rotor Wankel engine.

For the second and third C 111, Mercedes relies on diesel engines. The streamlined C 111/III – with a drag coefficient of just 0.191 – broke a total of nine speed records for diesel and petrol engines. Eventually, Mercedes built sixteen C 111s, thirteen of which were the first and second variants.

Vision One-Eleven inspired by C 111/I and II

That’s why the designers looked to these very two to find inspiration for the new Vision One-Eleven. The similarities are clearly visible: in the silhouette, in the design details, in the gullwing doors and in the color scheme.

There are also similarities with the current Mercedes EQE and EQS. The roofline runs in a gentle arc from nose to tail. The large light-alloy wheels are beautiful, with dozens of micro-spokes reminiscent of the windings of an electric motor.

Interior with augmented reality controls

The Vision One-Eleven’s futuristic interior has a slightly 1970s vibe, with shiny “disco” materials on the seats and lots of orange accents. A lounge mode is available in which the driver and front passenger can sit back and relax. The One-Eleven then drives independently.

A modern study model cannot do without recycled materials, which is why the Vision One-Eleven contains recycled polyester. The sustainably processed leather is (as far as possible) tanned with coffee bean shells.

A typical concept car joke is the application of augmented reality. In order to see a mixture of physical interior and digital user interface, the driver has to put on a special headset. For example, elements of the navigation map are projected into the environment.