The Mercedes-Benz C111 prototypes from the 1960s and 1970s were used as test platforms for new powertrain technologies. These prototypes were equipped with various turbo-diesel and Wankel rotary engines. Now, as the automotive industry moves away from traditional combustion engines and towards electric power, Mercedes has introduced the Vision One-Eleven concept. This concept car, like its predecessor, offers insights into how the brand will adapt to the changing automotive landscape.
The Vision One-Eleven boasts a sleek and eye-catching design, clearly drawing inspiration from the original C111 prototype. Painted in a vibrant orange hue and featuring dramatic gullwing doors, the concept exudes a supercar aesthetic. Its silhouette showcases a single line that gracefully curves from the front to the rear, reminiscent of the aerodynamic design language seen in Mercedes's current lineup of electric vehicles such as the EQS and EQE. The roof of the Vision One-Eleven stands at a mere 46 inches in height, while the overall design is anchored by robust black side skirts, a front splitter, and a striking rear diffuser with blue backlighting. Mercedes claims that this design gives the One-Eleven a visually fused connection with the road surface, paying homage to the C111's black accents.
At the front, the One-Eleven features an oval panel in place of a traditional grille. This panel is adorned with pixelated LEDs that mimic the fog lights of the C111 and can also display messages to pedestrians and other drivers. A similar panel with a pixelated pattern is present at the rear, while the opaque windows also incorporate the same design element. This pixelated motif has been seen in other Mercedes concepts, such as the Vision AMG. The intricate design of the large wheels is intended to resemble the winding coils found inside electric motors.
While the exterior of the One-Eleven exudes high-performance supercar aesthetics, the interior can transform into a lounge-like space, a common theme among futuristic electric concepts. Despite the low-slung body, the cabin offers ample space, as there is no engine occupying the area behind the driver. This allows the seats to recline further back, providing a comfortable setting. In "race" mode, the seat backs raise to an upright position, emphasizing the car's performance-oriented nature.
The vibrant orange color scheme continues inside the One-Eleven, with brightly colored leather upholstery that Mercedes claims is tanned using coffee bean husks. The contrasting white dashboard material is made from recycled polyester, contributing to the concept's sustainability. The dashboard itself features a simplistic design, incorporating a full-width LED pixel display reminiscent of traditional news tickers. This display provides important information such as speed and also showcases QR codes that link to digital art pieces, adding an unconventional touch to the interior.
The silver seats, with their shiny finish, evoke a sense of nostalgia for retro astronaut suits. They are accompanied by polished aluminum accents on the dials, switches, accelerator, and brake pedals. The leather-wrapped steering wheel has an unusual rectangular shape and features a small touchscreen positioned at an angle toward the driver. Mercedes also mentions the presence of an augmented-reality headset, which transforms the entire interior into a user interface. This system offers 3D controls, icons, and navigation maps. Additionally, the augmented-reality technology makes the A-pillars and hood of the One-Eleven appear transparent, enhancing outward visibility.
The One-Eleven concept is propelled by an axial-flux motor, described by Mercedes as "exceptionally powerful." This motor is produced by YASA, a British battery company that Mercedes acquired fully in 2021. According to Mercedes, this technology is being developed for the brand's next generation of electric vehicles. The axial-flux motor weighs only one-third as much
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