Mercedes Vision One-Eleven revealed as tribute to 1970’s C111 prototype

The concept has two rear-mounted axial-flux electric motors, but their power outputs are not yet defined.

Published On Jun 16, 2023 01:57:00 PM

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Mercedes Benz Vision One Eleven interior

Mercedes-Benz has revealed the Vision One-Eleven concept, which, according to the manufacturer, is a "progressive interpretation of a '70s brand icon".

Mercedes Vision One-Eleven's axial-flux motors are developed by Yasa
Yasa is a wholly-owned subsidiary of Mercedes since 2021
One-Eleven uses battery developed by Mercedes' Formula 1 division

The new two-seat hypercar, sporting a dramatic monolithic exterior design, gullwing doors and a flamboyant cockpit with silver upholstery, has been created as a one-off tribute to the firm’s experimental C111, of which 16 examples were produced over two generations for various tests and development programmes during the late 1960s and early '70s.

To celebrate the new concept, Mercedes has created a series of One-Eleven accessories, including a weekend bag, sunglasses, a hoodie, a cap and a smartphone case, all bearing ‘Limited Edition 1 of 111’ lettering.

Mercedes Benz Vision One-Eleven powertrain

The Vision One-Eleven uses two rear-mounted axial-flux electric motors from British firm Yasa and a battery with liquid-cooled cylindrical cells and novel cell chemistry developed for use by Mercedes-AMG’s UK-based Formula 1 division. The concept also provides clues to the EV drivetrain developments that Mercedes has earmarked for its upcoming electric sports cars.

The German company hasn't released power or range figures for its latest design-led concept, but has said that its uniquely configured drivetrain has “the potential to take electric mobility to a new level of performance and efficiency”.

Chief technology officer Markus Schafer said: “The Mercedes-Benz Vision One-Eleven explores new paths for the future of performance. It offers a motorsport-like power output.”

Axial-flux motors are being developed for large-scale production by Mercedes and Yasa, and, along with boasting superior power and torque density than existing radial-flux motors, they give major packaging advantages, due to their narrow design.

Yasa says the weight of its axial-flux motor is just one-third that of the radial-flux motors used by Mercedes in its current EQ EVs. Based in Oxford, Yasa has been a 100 percent subsidiary of Mercedes since 2021.

Mercedes-Benz Vision One-Eleven design

The styling of the One-Eleven combines clean surfaced body forms and a flush-fitting glass canopy with a series of advanced aerodynamic functions and details that draw heavily on the C111 series. A low-set front end mimics the look of the old C111 prototypes, with a bluff nose section that incorporates a pixelated grille with round headlamps, underscored by a large carbon-fibre splitter.

The One-Eleven’s overt focus on aerodynamic efficiency has resulted in three air intakes right behind the headlamps. Along with this are twin air vents and a steeply raked windshield – 70 degrees – that extends to form the front section of the roof.

Meanwhile, wide carbon-fibre sills housed within the wheelbase combine with wind-cheating ‘blade’ elements and vents behind the doors to channel cool air towards the motors at the rear.

The smooth surfacing of the car's body is combined with heavily rounded forms, including heavily swollen wheel arches which house 275/35 R22 and 315/30 R22 wheels at the front and rear, respectively. The prominent curved side panels, which are integrated into the lengthy gullwing doors, lift high to provide easy access to the interior.

The rear of the One-Eleven is dominated by a large spoiler that extends out to increase downforce. A pixelated section mirrors the look at the front, and there's an extravagant diffuser lower down.

Mercedes' chief design officer, Gorden Wagener, likened the arched silhouette of the 4.6m-long supercar to the one-bow design of the road-going EQE and EQS electric sedans.

Mercedes-Benz Vision One-Eleven interior

Inside, the squabs of the two seats are integrated into the floor, with the pedals, leather-bound F1-style steering wheel and seatbacks adjusting to allow the driver to strike a suitable driving position – similar to that in the F1-engined Mercedes-AMG One hypercar.

The pixelated motif is carried over into the interiors too, with the dashboard getting brushed aluminium surrounds, while driver information is housed within a central touchscreen display that runs Mercedes' latest MBUX software and can be extended with augmented-reality functions.

The silver upholstery of the seats is combined with white fabric and orange leather to give the One-Eleven a distinctive colour combination.

The compact housing of the electric motors at the rear also frees up space for a sizeable luggage shelf – hinting at the potential duality of future AMG EV flagships.

Mercedes-Benz EVs in India

Currently, Mercedes-Benz sells two EVs in India – the EQS and the EQB. The former is available in two variants – the locally assembled EQS 580 and the fully-imported EQS 53 AMG.

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