Mercedes-Benz Vision One-Eleven: A Glimpse Of Mercedes-Benz’ Future

The automotive industry has never been in a state of greater upheaval than it is today. Everything from drivetrain technology to connected technology to self-driving technology is shifting faster than ever before, and every global automaker is struggling to keep up. These fast-paced, tectonic shifts in automotive tech are driving future product, as reflected in Mercedes-Benz’ newest concept car, the Vision One-Eleven.

The Vision One-Eleven made its world debut this week at Mercedes-Benz’ International Design Center Carlsbad (California). It offers a bold, modern interpretation of vehicle design inspired by the brand’s forward-looking “One Bow” design language blended with Mercedes-Benz’ historic and iconic C 111 experimental vehicle from the 1970s. Both vehicles incorporate low-profile, mid-engine layouts with gullwing doors and advanced drivetrain technology.

But while the C 111 was experimenting with Wankel and turbodiesel drivetrains in the 1970s, the Vision One-Eleven incorporates the latest axial-flux electric motor technology developed by British electric motor company YASA. YASA is now a 100-percent subsidiary of Mercedes-Benz AG, and it’s electric motors are capable of generating high horsepower and torque while being extremely light and compact — about the size of a thick brake rotor.

This technology will allow Mercedes-Benz to place electric motors next to each wheel, greatly reducing energy loss and increasing battery efficiency on future electric vehicles. The Vision One-Eleven concept car incorporates this drivetrain innovation, which, according to Markus Schafer, Mercedes-Benz’ Chief Technical Officer, “…offers motorsport-like power output from a considerably smaller package. This makes the YASA axial-flux motor ideal for electric high-performance vehicles.”

While specific performance figures aren’t offered for the Vision One-Eleven, the concept car does feature advanced exterior and interior design cues beyond its gullwing doors. These include clear corner windows ahead of the doors featuring a pixelated pattern that pays homage to the C 111 experimental car that inspired the Vision One-Eleven. This pixelated theme continues on the front grille, between the rear taillights, and on the dash display within the cabin.

The Vision One-Eleven’s exterior also features substantial air management designs, with a large front splitter beneath the grill, wide rocker panels between the wheels, and an aggressive rear splitter framing the wide rear tires. This design makes it easy to spot the axial-flux motors mounted on each rear wheel, and all these lower panels are painted matte black, further connecting the Vision One-Eleven to is C 111 forefather.

The 1970s inspiration continues inside, with and orange-and-silver cabin featuring low seats and a squared-off steering wheel with large buttons and dials to control the Vision One-Eleven’s various systems. The minimalist cabin design uses seat cushions integrated into the floor, a small central touchscreen and the short dash with the aforementioned pixelated display running between the A-pllars. The four-point harness features orange belts and a polished buckle to emphasize the car’s performance capabilities.

Beyond its advanced drivetrain, the Vision One-Eleven incorporates several technologies Mercedes-Benz is exploring, including an augmented reality system that brings additional information and perspectives to the driver in real time. The concept car’s interior also features 100-percent recycled polyester material or sustainably processed leather tanned using coffee bean husks.

As with most concept cars, the Mercedes-Benz Vision One-Eleven likely won’t see production in its current form. But the design, technology, and engineering innovations it features will most assuredly be seen in future Mercedes-Benz production vehicles. For instance, we know the advantages of the axial motor technology because Mercedes-Benz is supplying these motors to supercar brands like Ferrari and Lamborghini, with impressive results.

When these axial motors make their way into high-volume Mercedes-Benz products you can expect substantial bumps in electric vehicle performance and range. While we love the bold look and feel of the Vision One-Eleven concept car, that kind of real-world technical innovation is even more exciting.