Mercedes-Benz has unveiled know-how developments in its Imaginative and prescient Iconic idea automobile that might handle key challenges going through EV producers, together with power effectivity in autonomous techniques and supplementary photo voltaic charging.
The automaker is creating a photo voltaic coating that may be utilized to car bodywork as a skinny paste. The photovoltaic floor adapts to varied substrates and doesn’t include uncommon earths or silicon, making it recyclable. In line with Mercedes-Benz, an 11-square-meter utility, equal to a mid-size SUV floor space, might generate power for as much as 12,000 kilometers yearly underneath perfect situations. The photo voltaic cells obtain 20 per cent effectivity and generate energy repeatedly, even when the car 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 equivalent to neuromorphic computing, steer-by-wire, photo voltaic paint, and Degree 4 extremely automated driving, together with state-of-the-art know-how, 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 creating this know-how with analysis and trade companions to deal with rising power calls for from autonomous driving options. The corporate claims neuromorphic computing might scale back power necessities for autonomous driving information processing by 90 per cent in comparison with present techniques. Security techniques utilizing this know-how might be ten occasions extra environment friendly than current techniques whereas enhancing recognition of visitors indicators, lanes, and different highway customers in poor visibility situations.
The Imaginative and prescient Iconic contains a steer-by-wire system that eliminates mechanical connections between the steering wheel and entrance wheels. The know-how transmits steering inputs electronically by management models and actuators. Mercedes-Benz says this reduces steering effort and eliminates the necessity to re-grip the wheel throughout parking. The system additionally permits higher flexibility in inside design, notably when mixed with automated driving techniques.
The idea car comes with enhanced Degree 2 city driving capabilities and is designed to accommodate Degree 4 extremely automated driving techniques for freeway use. The Degree 4 system would additionally allow automated parking throughout varied situations with out infrastructure limitations.
The Imaginative and prescient Iconic made its debut at Shanghai Trend 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 consists of mother-of-pearl marquetry, brass door handles, and straw marquetry flooring.
