The New Mercedes-Benz Vision One-Eleven Concept is Inspired by the 60’s era C111 Prototypes

If you were an automotive enthusiast and lived during the 60’s and 70’s, undoubtedly you were aware of the Mercedes-Benz C111 prototypes. The C111’s was used by Mercedes to test emerging powertrain technologies of the time and was fitted with turbodiesel and even the Wankel rotary engine.

Image: Mercedes-Benz

That was the 60’s and 70’s era of big gas guzzling engines with carburetors. It’s 2023 and Mercedes is channeling the spirit of the C111 with its new Vision One-Eleven concept that is of course in keeping with the times; powered by an electric engine. Like its predecessor, the new One-Eleven will be used by Mercedes to gauge how the brand will adapt to the fast-evolving automotive industry.

Image: Mercedes-Benz

The Vision One-Eleven is an ultra-sleek supercar with design features taken from the C111 prototype. The One-Eleven comes fitted with gullwing doors and painted bright orange. While the design features are primarily inspired by the C111, the One-Eleven also utilizes aerodynamic features on other Mercedes EV’s such as the EQS and the EQE.

Image: Mercedes-Benz

The vehicle height profile is only 46 inches from ground to roof and the body hugs the ground with black side skirts, a front splitter, and a rear diffuser. The front and rear end features an oval panel with pixelated LED lighting capable of displaying messages. The front LED panel was used by Mercedes to mimic the fog lights on the original C111.

Image: Mercedes-Benz

Interior wise, the One-Eleven cabin transforms into a lounge, a concept that is gaining traction in future EV concepts. The spacious interior features reclining brightly colored metallic looking leather seats and a simplistic dashboard wrapped in white to contrast the orange interior. A full width LED panel that resembles an old-school news ticker graces the dashboard and displays engine information, speed and more.

Image: Mercedes-Benz

Under the hood, the One-Eleven uses an axial-flux motor built by British battery company YASA. Axial-flux motors are lighter than traditional batteries currently being used on EVs and smaller which takes up less storage space in the vehicle. The axial-flux motor used on the One-Eleven is still being refined and will form the backbone of batteries for future Mercedes EVs.

The Vison One-Eleven is an astounding concept from Mercedes and while this will not enter production, it will help to spawn a whole new generation of Mercedes EV’s that will take inspiration from its design and technology.