mercedes-benz turns vision V van into a mobile theater

Mercedes-Benz Vision V van doubles as a mobile theater

Mercedes-Benz unveils Vision V, a concept van that doubles as a mobile theater with a cinema screen and lounge-like interior. The reveal of the vehicle marks the 2026 era of the car manufacturer. It also foresees the lineup of the modular, flexible, and scalable Van Electric Architecture (VAN.EA). Inside Mercedes-Benz’s Vision V, there’s a private lounge seating area, the one behind the driver. Here, a retractable 65-inch cinema screen with split-screen functionality entertains the passengers. The screen is under the floor and rises from a console when the doors close. Looking at the console design, it shines with its burr wood and Nappa leather finishes.

Once deployed, the cinema screen separates the private lounge area from the front user’s cockpit. The setup then resembles a mobile movie theater, and the passengers can even play video games through the 4K-resolution screen. Surrounding the cabin is a set of Dolby Atmos surround-sound system with 42 loudspeakers. It includes the exciters embedded in the seats to provide haptic audio feedback. Then, there are seven projectors integrated into the roof liner and floor. They extend the visual field to the side windows, which double as screens for a 360-degree display.

all images courtesy of Mercedes-Benz

switchable glass partition that becomes opaque

The Mercedes-Benz Vision V brings over an open, lounge-inspired interior. There’s a large opening portal door on the right-hand side that automatically opens before the users step into the vehicle. Then, the inside resembles a light show as soon as the illuminated, retractable running board for rear lounge access lights up. Another feature in the Mercedes-Benz Vision V is the switchable glass partition. It divides the private lounge from the driver’s area on top of the rollable cinema screen. Here, the glass changes from transparent to opaque using liquid-crystal technology.

The Mercedes-Benz Vision V interior uses crystal white Nappa leather and white silk for the seating surfaces. The other decorative elements employ open-pore burr wood. Display cabinets are integrated into the dark wood trim along the side walls, framed with polished aluminum trim strips. There’s also a game controller for video games included in the cabin. The center console between the two seats functions as both a display cabinet and a control station. It has a touchpad for operating the infotainment system. The console also includes a fold-out table that converts into a chessboard. The center console automatically adjusts to the seating position of the occupants.

Mercedes-Benz unveils Vision V, a concept van that doubles as a mobile theater

roofline extends to the rear for a continuous surface

Outside, the Mercedes-Benz Vision V bears a streamlined silhouette. It has short front overhangs and a narrow waistline along the sides. Then, the roofline extends into the rounded rear, creating a continuous surface. The design team also adds chrome trim elements and transparent illuminated louvers across the exterior. The LED lighting, integrated around the vehicle, further accentuates the shape and proportions of the van. The front even includes a chrome radiator grille with three horizontal illuminated glass louvers.

Around the grille, 200 technical-style light elements are positioned within the chrome frame. An additional 190 illuminated louvers are placed in an open body gap below the bonnet. These extend to the side headlights, which display the Mercedes-Benz three-pointed star. The lighting system performs a dynamic light sequence when the vehicle detects an approaching passenger. It ends with the illumination of the Mercedes star on the bonnet. So far, the Mercedes-Benz Vision V is yet to go into production, but it already marks the company’s 2026 lineup.

the vehicle features short front overhangs and a narrow waistline along the sides