The Mercedes Vision EQS concept revealed at the Frankfurt motor show today isn’t all about previewing the brand’s first dedicated EV saloon, or even about showcasing its all-new platform that demonstrates the very best of the three-pointed star brand’s engineering prowess.
It also showcases the next big step for Mercedes-Benz interior design, headlined by a dashboard layout that’s unashamedly inspired by luxury yachts.
But unlike the expensive teak we’ve seen decorating the rear bulkhead of Rolls-Royce and Bentley convertibles in recent times, Mercedes is packing a whole lot of function within its form, with a healthy dash of sustainability to boot.
Look beyond the floating seats and rear parcel shelf that doesn’t exist, and you’ll likely see a lot of that wrap-around dashboard and overall material choices in the production EQS electric saloon when it arrives in around 2022, and other models beyond it like the next S-Class.
Those white seats are clad in DINAMICA microfiber made from recycled PET bottles instead of wool or other animal-sourced fabric, and the side panels are wrapped in an artificial leather with a surface created to closely replicate fine nappa genuine leather.
The material lining the roof is partly made of ocean waste plastic, which Mercedes says is the first time recycled plastics have been used in visible, high-quality areas. This is not to be confused with the Climatex trim introduced with the EQC, which is designed to manage interior temperatures while being durable and recyclable.
Even the maple used in the dash woodgrain is grown in ecologically managed German forests near the production facility to minimise the CO2 footprint.
But its biggest party piece is the ability to display information beyond the centre and armrest displays, with Advanced MBUX touch-controlled information able to be displayed throughout the wooden dash surface. Yes, a woodgrain information screen.
Individual passenger preferences can also be dialled up by entering your Mercedes ‘me’ app ID for your corresponding seating position, and a Connected Light system expands on ambient interior lighting by being able to project information in space, like a hologram.
We’re pretty sure not all of these features and materials will make it to production, but there’s a good chance more will than your average concept car daydreams. There’s not too much longer to wait either, with production expected in as little as two years.
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