New van dubbed luxury ‘private lounge’ on wheels thanks to 65-inch cinema screen, ‘karaoke mode’ & leather recliners
MERCEDES has revealed the ultimate in luxury travel with a new MPV that’s been likened to a “private lounge”.
The new-look V-Class concept isn’t just an ordinary-looking van with extra bells and whistles – it’s potentially the king of all people carriers.
The German giants, who showcased the VIP shuttle at the Shanghai Motor Show, claim they have “set a benchmark” for the future of premium driving.
The new V-Class line-up promises a range of practical family vehicles that scale all the way up to “luxurious limousines” – with the first model set to arrive in 2026.
While the exterior might resemble a slightly more futuristic-looking van, Mercedes says it “marks the next step” in their design language, with aerodynamics playing a significant role in its appearance.
Autocar notes that it features a new grille, similar to that found on the EQS, as well as a tweaked headlamp design and an illuminated standing star logo.
Sadly, it seems that the sleek rear light bar will likely be toned down before it enters mass production.
But the best features can be found inside the four-seat cabin, which has been dubbed a “private lounge” for the vehicle’s rear passengers.
These include white Nappa leather upholstery and a retractable 65-inch cinema screen, along with a 42-speaker sound system and two airline-style seats that are fully reclinable.
If that isn’t enough, there are seven projectors fitted to create different ambiences, while the rear windows can be switched from transparent to opaque to give passengers a “unique cocooning effect”.
For those who don’t just want to relax, the MPV can transform into a gaming hub, offering, for example, racing games that can be controlled with a fully integrated controller.
There’s even a karaoke feature – for those who do their best singing behind the wheel.
At this stage, it’s hard to determine which features will carry over to the production model – although it’s safe to assume the production-spec steering wheel, the three-screen Superscreen, and crystal-look air vents will be included.
So too is the extensive interior space – made possible by Mercedes’ VAN.EA platform.
This follows last year’s unveiling by iconic tuning company Brabus – renowned for their long-standing partnership with Mercedes – of the ultimate home on wheels.
Dubbed the Big Boy 1200, the mighty motorhome comes equipped with a full kitchen, a luxury living room, and even heated flooring, all wrapped up in a staggering £1 million price tag.
The 12-metre-long, 26-tonne motorhome is based on the Mercedes Actros truck and has been expertly converted by Belgian specialist STX Motorhomes.
Packed with high-end features, the Big Boy 1200 offers a 30-square-metre living space – comparable in size to a small one-bedroom flat.
This impressive space is made possible by four electrically powered slide-out modules, which expand the bedroom and living areas when the vehicle is stationary.