Private & Exclusive / SME
Mercedes-Benz presents a new study in super sports cars. The Vision One-Eleven combines a highly dynamic design language with innovative technology for the ultimate electrified powertrain.
The supercar features an attractive shape that captures the hearts of sports car enthusiasts, with the distinctive Mercedes-Benz single arc design, which is a sign of the 21st century style.
The development of this design underscores the status of the Mercedes-Benz brand as ICONIC LUXURY. Its technical features include the extremely powerful and highly efficient axial flow motor developed by YASA, a specialist in electric motors. The British company has been a 100 percent subsidiary of Mercedes-Benz AG since July 2021.
The Mercedes-Benz Vision One-Eleven is inspired by the tradition of the legendary C 111 experimental vehicles from the 1960s and 1970s, which were used to test revolutionary Wankel engines and turbine engines. These were also prototypes for testing polymer bodies. The highly aerodynamic mid-engined sports cars are considered design icons of their era, partly because of the distinctive gull-wing doors and their eye-catching orange and black livery.
The Mercedes-Benz Vision One-Eleven combines stunning design with unprecedented powertrain technology. It reveals new paths for the future of performance sports. At the heart of this compact and highly efficient powertrain is the innovative, high-tech YASA axial-flow electric motor. Delivering a power output comparable to a super sports car, this makes the YASA axial flow motor ideal for high-performance electric vehicles. In combination with the liquid-cooled cylindrical battery cell with cell chemistry inspired by Formula 1, the Mercedes-Benz Vision One-Eleven is another demonstration point for the wide performance spectrum encompassed by the four-axle development strategy for electric drive.”
Markus Schäfer, Member of the Board of Management of Mercedes-Benz Group AG, Head of Technology, says: The body of the Mercedes-Benz Vision One-Eleven focuses on the skilful execution of the single-arch design. From the low front end to the powerful rear quarters, it runs in a soft curve that gives the 1,170 mm vehicle a highly sculptural feel. This harmonizes perfectly with the Alubiam’s copper and orange paintwork. It provides an unmistakable reference to the distinctive color of C 111 without endorsing it individually. The color of the Mercedes-Benz Vision One-Eleven is much stronger than that of the C 111 and also changes with the light. It conveys not only a sense of quality but also some extravagance.
Other notable side-visibility features include the drop-down gullwing doors and side windows, which are opaque on the outside and camouflaged with a split pattern. Also, we find the large-diameter wheels that are smoothly inserted into the wheel arches below the massive, flared wings. This enhances the impression of an uncompromisingly sporty and aerodynamic driving machine.
The design of the wheel incorporates robust structural elements that evoke the coils of an electric motor – a clear indication of the latest all-electric powertrain on which the Mercedes-Benz Vision One-Eleven is based. It stands in lively contrast to the vehicle’s iconic, simple and smooth surface design, which is akin to a sculptural piece of art. This contrast is typical of the X Factors that the brand applies to its design thinking and is a defining feature of Vision One-Eleven.
Another striking contrast is shown by the ultra-low front and back skirts in matte black. The two deeply swept aerodynamic elements are visually connected by two blade profiles of the same color that run along the wings below the sills. These profiles feature perforations that are backlit in blue.
The functional aerodynamic elements also serve as an additional design reference for the C 111, which is painted black on the lower part of its bodywork. The dark “bar line” of the Mercedes-Benz Vision One-Eleven creates an impression of a smooth transition between the car and the ground below that is stronger than that of the C 111. The car’s shape seems to blend with the road surface.
True creativity
And the design of the front end comes – an iconic high-tech look with a historical reference From the front side too, the Mercedes-Benz Vision One-Eleven strongly evokes the C 111. However, there are striking differences in the details: such as the distinctive front end, which in both vehicles consists of a rectangular element Low with rounded ends left and right. In the C 111, this is a closed plastic element with a honeycomb structure, which is equipped with round fog lights. The counterpart in Vision One-Eleven looks very similar at first glance. However, upon closer inspection, it reveals itself to be a high-tech feature. Also, the panel is a flexible external screen with a 3D look. Just like the distinctive round lights of the C 111 are in digital form and can also transmit messages to other road users.
Unlike the C 111, the Mercedes-Benz Vision One-Eleven sports a U-shaped and aggressively distinctive front apron. Above the slim light strip, both the father and predecessor show more similarities, most notably the black air intakes on the hood.
Interior Design
The new model is the first sports car to focus on the saloon, as the Mercedes-Benz Vision One-Eleven reflects the paradigm shift from the self-driving sports car to the autonomous electric vehicle within the super sports car segment.
In Race mode, with the backrest upright and a compact touchscreen facing the driver, the interior becomes a simple driving machine. Conversely, in lounge mode, the seats are fully integrated into the interior sculpture, which integrates the sills, central tunnel and luggage compartment into a single whole.
This creates a completely new and exceptionally airy spatial concept. Unlike previous mid-engined sports cars, it takes advantage of the electric motors’ compact proportions to extend the interior rearward. Thus, the lounge-like interior invites occupants to take their time and relax – a completely new way for the sports car of the future.
The model also provides a futuristic and luxurious ambiance with contrasting colours. The interior design of Vision One-Eleven reflects the luxury of the future based on a progressive color concept and unusual material combinations.
Dramatically contrasting colors and materials attract attention at first sight, as large surfaces such as the dashboard upholstered in white fabric showcase the technical-looking honeycomb structure. With the 100-percent recycled polyester material covering other items like the armrests on the sills and center console, as well as the rear parcel shelf under the wide rear windshield, it’s finished in bright orange leather. This creates a smooth transition from the cabin to the luggage compartment. The treated leather has been sustainably tanned using coffee.
