Mercedes-Benz has unveiled expertise developments in its Imaginative and prescient Iconic idea automobile that would tackle key challenges dealing with EV producers, together with vitality effectivity in autonomous techniques and supplementary photo voltaic charging.
The automaker is growing a photo voltaic coating that may be utilized to automobile bodywork as a skinny paste. The photovoltaic floor adapts to varied substrates and doesn’t include uncommon earths or silicon, making it recyclable. Based on Mercedes-Benz, an 11-square-meter software, equal to a mid-size SUV floor space, may generate vitality for as much as 12,000 kilometers yearly underneath preferrred circumstances. The photo voltaic cells obtain 20 per cent effectivity and generate energy constantly, even when the automobile is switched off.
“Imaginative and prescient Iconic embodies our imaginative and prescient for the way forward for mobility,” mentioned Markus Schäfer, Chief Expertise Officer at Mercedes-Benz Group AG. “With groundbreaking improvements corresponding to neuromorphic computing, steer-by-wire, photo voltaic paint, and Stage 4 extremely automated driving, together with state-of-the-art expertise, we’re setting new requirements for the electrical and digital age.”
The idea incorporates neuromorphic computing, which mimics human mind capabilities to course of synthetic intelligence calculations. Mercedes-Benz is growing this expertise with analysis and business companions to handle rising vitality calls for from autonomous driving options. The corporate claims neuromorphic computing may scale back vitality necessities for autonomous driving knowledge processing by 90 per cent in comparison with present techniques. Security techniques utilizing this expertise might be ten occasions extra environment friendly than present techniques whereas bettering recognition of site visitors indicators, lanes, and different highway customers in poor visibility circumstances.
The Imaginative and prescient Iconic encompasses a steer-by-wire system that eliminates mechanical connections between the steering wheel and entrance wheels. The expertise transmits steering inputs electronically by means of management items and actuators. Mercedes-Benz says this reduces steering effort and eliminates the necessity to re-grip the wheel throughout parking. The system additionally permits better flexibility in inside design, significantly when mixed with automated driving techniques.
The idea automobile comes with enhanced Stage 2 city driving capabilities and is designed to accommodate Stage 4 extremely automated driving techniques for freeway use. The Stage 4 system would additionally allow automated parking throughout numerous situations with out infrastructure limitations.
The Imaginative and prescient Iconic made its debut at Shanghai Style Week. Mercedes-Benz’s new grille design, that includes a chromed body with smoked-glass lattice construction and built-in lighting, was first launched on the electrical GLC in September 2025. The idea’s Artwork Deco-inspired inside contains mother-of-pearl marquetry, brass door handles, and straw marquetry flooring.
