At Design Essentials 2019, Mercedes-Benz Design is presenting the 'Vision Mercedes Simplex' a sculpture, which embodies the heritage and future of Mercedes-Benz. The design shows the company's transition into the future, it also looks back and pays homage to the historical legacy and the birth of the brand. The Mercedes 35 PS, named after Jellinek's daughter Mercedes, appeared with a completely new vehicle architecture and dominated the competitions in Race Week, which took place on the famous racetrack from Nice to La Turbie.
Mercedes-Benz is continuing to drive forward the transformation of the car.
The sculpture 'Vision Mercedes Simplex' recalls this historic event and at the same time the sculpture shows that Mercedes-Benz is continuing to drive forward the transformation of the car.
"Only a brand that is as strong as Mercedes-Benz is capable of the physical symbiosis of history and future. The "Vision Mercedes Simplex" symbolises the transformation of the brand-specific luxury of Mercedes-Benz", says Chief Design Officer Gorden Wagener.
The vertical colour separation into a white front section and a black rear section follows the historic example.
The 'Vision Mercedes Simplex' reinterprets the historic Simplex as a two-seater with freestanding wheels, an alternative drive, User Interface and big on design. Its vehicle body with the dominant horizontal alignment sits as a monocoque amid the four large wheels, which form the outer points of the vehicle. The vertical colour separation into a white front section and a black rear section follows the historic example. The transparent trims on the wheels reflect lightness and efficiency, as do the aerodynamic surface areas between the front wheels and the vehicle body. The entire sculpture lives from the interplay between clearly and powerfully drawn surfaces and precise technical details.
The radiator blends a dominant frame in rosé gold - reminiscent of the bronze radiator grille of the historic example - with an opening in the form of a large lens-shaped Black Panel/3D display. This is where the famous "Mercedes" lettering is digitally superimposed, as are animations which provide information on the vehicle status. This detail, too, is a symbol of the transformation of the luxury brand Mercedes-Benz into the digital world.
The decentralised wheel location components unite aesthetics and engineering artistry in a unique way. The omission of a windscreen - as on the historic role model - reinforces the uncompromisingly sporty character and allows a seamless transition from the front-end flap to the instrument panel. The slim reversing lamps which are horizontally integrated into the rear section separate the upper section from the lower section of the exterior shell, which envelopes the occupants like a protective cocoon.
The entire interior is an homage to the history of Mercedes-Benz and the DNA of the Simplex racing car - systematically reduced and nevertheless highly emotively appealing. A seamless transition between the exterior, interior and User Experience reflects the holistic approach of the Mercedes-Benz design philosophy. This is particularly evident in the flowing, flute-like transition between the bonnet and instrument panel with its reduced interface which works with projections. The seamless look continues into the footwell.
The design of the steering column and the switches on the instrument panel were inspired both by motorcycles and by nautical design. Luxury is evident in the numerous, jewel-like details with their high-quality finish, for example the clock in the instrument panel, the precision screws and the belt design. Strong contrasts are made between the sensuous sculpture and product-like, refined details in the colour scheme - such as the black/white contrast between the front and rear section and the azure blue upholstery.
The fashion world is reflected in the interior with exclusive accessories like the high-quality openers for the stowage compartments. The bench seat is inspired by stylish furniture, the hand-made Chesterfield quilting denotes a contemporary interpretation of classically luxurious handcraftsmanship. The colour-and-trim concept, including the azure blue upholstery cover which transitions seamlessly into the footwell, is inspired by the colours of the Cote d'Azur.
The UI/UX design demonstrates a Mercedes-Benz vision of digital luxury. The driver is only shown precisely the information they actually require in the specific driving situation. The heart of the instrument panel is a physical rosé-gold-coloured instrument on which dynamic digital content is projected.
This combination of mechanical beauty and intelligent digital content is described by the Mercedes-Benz designers as "hyper analogue". The right information is shown on the display at the right time, e.g. the speed, navigation instructions or vehicle information. Other information is displayed on the instrument panel depending on the situation. A star pattern fused with the material of the instrument panel creates a large surface onto which information can be projected for a certain amount of time.
