Mercedes-Benz has revealed designs for its latest concept car - and it looks like something straight out of Gotham City. The German automaker describes the Vision Iconic as a bridge between its legendary 1930s models and the futuristic generation of vehicles that will define its next era. Finished in a deep, mirror-like black, the Vision Iconic features a long, sculpted bonnet and sweeping proportions reminiscent of the grand tourers of the pre-war years. Its illuminated three-pointed star and upright grille nod to classics such as the W108, W111 and 600 Pullman, combining heritage and innovation in a design that feels both timeless and unmistakably modern. At the rear, the concept draws inspiration from the 300 SL, regarded by many as the world's first supercar. The design is clean and powerful, projecting a quiet confidence rather than ostentation. Despite its traditional proportions, the Vision Iconic is fully electric - an unapologetic expression of luxury rather than a study in efficiency. The body is coated in a solar-reactive black paint that Mercedes says can generate electricity. The innovative wafer-thin coating could, in ideal conditions, provide up to 7,450 miles of additional range per year for a mid-size SUV. Inside, the Vision Iconic is described as "hyper-analog," combining craftsmanship with advanced engineering. A floating glass "Zeppelin" dashboard dominates the cabin, with a cinematic, mechanical animation that activates when a door opens. Four analogue clocks sit at the centre, one shaped like the Mercedes logo and functioning as an AI companion. The four-spoke steering wheel, inspired by 1930s limousines, is suspended inside a glass sphere. Because the car uses steer-by-wire technology, there is no physical connection between the wheel and the front axle, giving designers complete freedom to shape the interior. The Vision Iconic is engineered with Level 4 autonomous capability, allowing hands-free, eyes-free driving. It can also park itself after dropping off its passengers. Mercedes says its neuromorphic computing system, which mimics the human brain, could cut energy use for automated driving by up to 90 per cent. Although much of the Vision Iconic will remain conceptual, its design language is expected to influence future Mercedes-Benz models. Elements such as the illuminated grille are already appearing on new electric models, including the GLC.