Mercedes-Benz has built a contemporary throwback to the conversion van era of the late 1970s through 1990s. The “Viano Vision Peal” show car is based on the European Viano model, which is based on Mercedes’ Vito cargo van.
Unlike a 70s creeper –err custom van the Viano Vision Peal concept sports a full white/grey leather interior in lieu of crushed blue velvet; wood flooring instead of orange shag carpet; brushed aluminum trim replacing stick-on wood paneling; and electro-chromatically variable window tint for inducing privacy and mood without the need of curtains or an interior light dimmer knob.
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Unlike vans of yore, which often resembled bachelor pads on wheels, the Mercedes Vianio Vision Pearl is inspired by modern sporting yachts where the journey is the experience for the van’s six-passengers. Mercedes calls the interior a living space rather than just a functional space for passenger comfort. Instead of an Atari hooked to a black and white 13-inch television, the Viano offers an onboard W-LAN connectivity for, eh gaming, or conducting other important business on the road.
“We want to show what can be done with the Viano. The Viano Vision Pearl is not merely a functional van, but also a stylishly designed living space,” said Volker Mornhinweg, Head of Mercedes-Benz Vans, in a press release. “We have created a vehicle which combines generous spaciousness with an impressive design. Anybody who attaches importance to stress-free and at the same time stylish travel will find that the Viano Vision Pearl is the ideal companion. The interior design and technical features make the Viano Vision Pearl the S-Class among vans.”
When it comes to music the Viano Vision Pearl doesn’t disappoint its custom van progenitors. The Stereo8 has been upgraded with “BeoSound Viano,” a 1320 watt Bang & Olufsen sound system (the S-Class has 1200 watts) sporting 18 speakers residing in custom-built enclosures ensuring the techno music stays inside the raver van instead of bleeding outside becoming noise pollution.
The exterior of the Vianio Vision Pearl show car hasn’t been left untouched – it features Mercedes first use of “magno pearl grey,” a matte, pebble-grey color, on one of its vans. The front has been revised with integrated LED daytime running lamps as well.
Mercedes will showcase the Viano Vision Pearl at the International Motor Show (IAA) in September.
