Mercedes-Benz Unveils Vision V and Long-Wheelbase CLA in Shanghai

Mercedes-Benz debuts the Vision V concept and CLA Long Wheelbase at Auto Shanghai 2025, highlighting innovations in electric luxury and China-focused technology.

At Auto Shanghai 2025, Mercedes-Benz unveiled a bold vision for the future of mobility, putting the spotlight on a suite of innovations tailored specifically for its most vital market — China. With multiple world premieres, locally adapted technology, and strengthened R&D ties, the German brand is doubling down on its commitment to the East.

Headlining the event was the Vision V concept — a sleek luxury minivan built on the new VAN.EA architecture. Featuring a lounge-like interior, a 65-inch rear display, and immersive digital integration, Vision V reimagines what a limousine can be. The production version, VLS, is set to begin assembly in Vitoria, Spain, in 2026.

Another major debut was the China-exclusive long-wheelbase CLA. Built on the new MMA platform and powered by the in-house MB.OS operating system, it offers up to 866 km of electric range (CLTC). As Mercedes-Benz’s first software-defined car, it marks a major step in the brand’s transition to digital-first vehicle development.

Driver assistance also took a leap forward with the launch of MB.DRIVE ASSIST PRO. Operating at SAE Level 2, it delivers robust support in dense city traffic while keeping the driver in control. Meanwhile, MBUX — the brand’s user experience system — has been enhanced for Chinese customers with localized features, including integration with DouBao, a voice assistant developed by ByteDance. This addition aims to make in-car interactions more natural and conversational.

Looking further ahead, Mercedes-Benz shared insights into forward-looking innovations currently in research and development. These include solar-powered paintwork that could potentially add thousands of kilometers to annual range under ideal conditions, neuromorphic computing that mimics the human brain to improve AI efficiency, and low-maintenance braking systems designed for electric vehicles. While these technologies remain experimental, they reflect the company’s ambition to shape the next era of sustainable and intelligent mobility.

Despite the optimistic showcase, Mercedes-Benz faces increasing challenges in the Chinese market, including a noticeable sales decline through 2024 and early 2025, intensified by domestic competition and cautious consumer sentiment. In response, the automaker is doubling down on localization — offering market-specific vehicles, deepening tech partnerships, and expanding R&D efforts in China — signaling its long-term strategy for success in one of the world’s most advanced automotive ecosystems.

Source: mercedes-benz.com