Looking ahead, the freshly unveiled Vision Iconic concept (October 2025) hints at Mercedes' bolder EV playbook: a stunning two-door coupe channeling 1930s Art Deco vibes—flowing fenders, a lit-up hood ornament, and sculptural chrome—with tech like solar-integrated paint for extra range (up to 7,450 miles annually in sunny climes) and Level 4 autonomy. It's not "different for difference's sake" anymore; it's luxurious evolution.

Conclusion? The original designs were a bold swing that prioritized physics over familiarity, and while they nailed the engineering (quiet cabins, 350+ mile ranges), they flopped on emotional appeal—Mercedes is a heritage brand, not a disruptor like Tesla. The pivot to blended aesthetics is smart; it broadens the tent without diluting the luxury. If executed well, it'll make EVs feel like a natural Mercedes upgrade, not a sci-fi detour. I'd take the Vision Iconic's retro-futurism in a heartbeat—proof that "different" can still mean desirable. What draws you to (or away from) the current crop?