Mercedes-Benz has always been at the forefront of pushing the boundaries of creativity and envisioning the future of mobility. With the introduction of the Vision One-Eleven, the German automaker once again showcases its talent by blending a beautiful retro design with futuristic possibilities. This concept car takes inspiration from the legendary C111, an experimental car from the 1960s and 1970s, and offers a glimpse into Mercedes’ future battery and motor technology.
The C111 concept car, although never produced as a full-blown production model, served as an experimental vehicle for testing and development programs. Only 16 units were made over a span of a decade. The Vision One-Eleven builds upon the legacy of the C111 and represents a progressive interpretation of a 70s brand icon.
The One-Eleven’s retro-inspired design features iconic elements such as gullwing doors and a wedge-shaped body that pays homage to the era of supercars. However, Mercedes-Benz takes a futuristic approach with this concept. The front fascia of the One-Eleven is sleek and modern, featuring a panel of pixels that replaces the traditional grille. These pixel panels serve as the car’s headlamps and can display messages to other vehicles on the road.
At the rear, the One-Eleven continues the pixelated design with customizable tail lights. The car’s profile showcases a smooth and flowing design without any prominent folds. The glass canopy sits flush on the body, and the front windshield is raked steeply at 70 degrees, seamlessly extending to form the rooftop. Pronounced wheel arches house the massive 22-inch rims, adding to the car’s bold and aggressive stance.
While specific power figures have not been disclosed by Mercedes, the One-Eleven is driven by a set of axial-flux motors powering the rear wheels. These motors utilize liquid-cooled cylindrical cells developed by Mercedes-AMG’s Formula 1 division. The motors themselves are produced by Yasa, a British firm wholly owned by Mercedes since 2021. This powertrain configuration provides insights into the drivetrain developments expected in Mercedes’ future cars. The axial-flux drivetrain offers the potential for enhanced performance and efficiency in electric mobility, thanks to its smaller packaging, lighter weight, and increased torque and power densities.
Inside the Vision One-Eleven, traditional seats have been replaced with integrated floor seating. The pedals, seatback, and F1-style steering wheel can be adjusted to the driver’s preferences. The dashboard features a large, narrow, and pixelated screen that displays essential driver information. Running on the company’s latest MBUX software, the touchscreen offers augmented-reality functions for an enhanced driving experience.
While the Vision One-Eleven may not make it to production as a standalone model, it serves as a source of inspiration for future Mercedes-Benz vehicles. The iconic gullwing doors, even as a flagship feature, could make for an exciting option in the automaker’s lineup. The Vision One-Eleven showcases Mercedes-Benz’s commitment to pushing the boundaries of design and technology, driving us towards a future of innovative and sustainable mobility.
