Mercedes-Benz has officially revealed the Vision V, a luxurious show car redefining chauffeured travel. Combining expansive interior space with elegant design and immersive digital experiences, the Vision V merges handcrafted luxury with cutting-edge technology.

Designed on the new modular Van Architecture platform launching in 2026, the Vision V is part of a fresh luxury segment under a new naming strategy. Future high-end vans will be branded as VLE and VLS, aligning with the brand’s focus on personalized mobility and elevated comfort.

• World Premiere of Mercedes-Benz Vision V, a next-gen luxury limousine concept
• CLA Long Wheelbase makes debut, exclusively designed for China
• First public drives of MB.DRIVE ASSIST PRO in Shanghai’s urban streets
• Introduction of steer-by-wire and modular EV architectures for the future
• Celebrating 20 years of Mercedes-Benz production and R&D in China

CLA Long Wheelbase: Tailored Exclusively for China

Following its global debut in Rome, the Mercedes-Benz CLA now comes in a long-wheelbase variant specifically engineered for Chinese consumers. Offering greater space, comfort, and tech features, this model debuts as the first vehicle built on the scalable Mercedes-Benz Modular Architecture (MMA).

Key Features:

• Powered by MB.OS, Mercedes-Benz’s proprietary operating system
• Rear-mounted electric motor with 800V architecture
• Up to 866 km range (CLTC) and energy use of just 10.9 kWh/100km
• First in a line of software-defined vehicles from Mercedes-Benz

MB.DRIVE ASSIST PRO: Urban Autonomy in Action

At Auto Shanghai, journalists will witness real-world demonstrations of MB. DRIVE ASSIST PRO, the brand’s latest semi-autonomous driving suite. From navigating intersections to handling U-turns and construction zones, this system offers SAE Level 2 capabilities tailored for urban complexity.

Drivers remain in control with cooperative steering, allowing light interventions without disengaging automation.

Future-Ready Technologies Previewed at Auto Shanghai 2025

Next-Gen EV Architecture and Battery Tech

Mercedes-Benz is unveiling an all-new EV drivetrain with:

• Up to 320 kW fast charging
• 10-minute recharge for up to 370 km (CLTC)
• Enhanced thermal protection and crash-integrated battery design
• Sustainability focus: reduced rare material usage

Intelligent Safety and Driver Assistance

• Expanded Level 2 features across driving scenarios
• Robust passive safety in the new CLA
• Advanced crash response and five-star C-EVFI safety rating

Steer-by-Wire Technology

From 2026, Mercedes-Benz will be the first German automaker to launch steer-by-wire technology in a production vehicle. This system:

• Eliminates the mechanical steering link
• Enhances low-speed maneuverability and comfort
• Enables dynamic steering ratio customization
• Supports future gaming and infotainment applications

MBUX Superscreen and the AI-Powered Cockpit

The CLA and Vision V feature the 4th-gen MBUX interface, built on MB.OS and fully localized for China. Features include:

• AI-powered navigation with AMAP
• Voice assistant integration via DouBao (ByteDance)
• 3D route visualization with Unity game engine

Mercedes-Benz R&D: Driving the Future of Mobility

Mercedes-Benz is investing heavily in transformative tech innovations, including:

Solar Paint

• Photovoltaic body coating providing up to 14,000 km/year of range
• 20% cell efficiency with seamless design integration

Neuromorphic Computing

• AI systems modeled after the human brain
• Potential 90% energy savings in autonomous driving tasks

Power Converter Breakthroughs

• Micro-converters integrated at the battery-cell level
• Maintains a constant 800V output regardless of charge level
• Enables greater design flexibility and range improvements

Brake of the Future

• Compact, maintenance-free system
• Integrated with electric drivetrains to reduce emissions
• Silent operation with no rust or dust emissions

Urban Futures: Planning for 2040+

Mercedes-Benz is co-developing futuristic urban mobility concepts with global experts. Cities like Shenzhen, London, and Los Angeles serve as models for integrated, smart mobility systems aligned with autonomous and electrified vehicle technology.

Final Thoughts

Auto Shanghai 2025 will be a milestone event for Mercedes-Benz, showcasing a wave of innovations that set the tone for a new era of intelligent, electric, and luxurious mobility in China and beyond. With visionary designs like the Vision V, a locally tuned CLA LWB, and next-gen driving technology, Mercedes-Benz continues to redefine premium automotive experiences in the world’s largest EV market.