LEGO Technic recreates working Mercedes-Benz G500 to the minutest of details

LEGO Technic is on a roll this year with back-to-back impressive releases that are a treat to the eye for motorheads. I was utterly impressed with the detailing of the McLaren P1 LEGO set released a few days ago and now the Mercedes-Benz G 500 joins the ranks. This one is also part of the Ultimate Car Concept Series, poised to be one of the best sports car collectibles in a 1:8 scale.

The G 500 celebrates the 45th anniversary this year and LEGO Technic wasn’t going to let this opportunity slip. The result is a G 500 PROFESSIONAL Line model that is a 2,891-piece set for passionate builders. This set will also begin shipping from August 1 for a price tag of $250. Almost half the price of the P1 set and an absolute steal if you are into the off-roading SUV from the house of Mercedes-Benz. The good news is you can pre-order it right now.

Designer: LEGO Technic

LEGO has again delivered its promise of authentic details and recreation of even the most intricate sections of the 4×4 behemoth measuring 8.5 inches high, 16.5 inches long, and 8 inches wide. Under the hood is a replicated 6-cylinder inline engine mated to a 7-speed gearbox having drive, neutral and reverse settings. The internal mechanics are further hones in the form of a working steering wheel and raised suspension. The opening doors come with working locks, along with an opening tailgate and hood to reveal even the finer interior details. Off-road enthusiasts will appreciate the addition of a ladder, spare wheel and roof rack to the mix.

Although the G Wagon has been around for more than four decades, the LEGO team decided to create this Impressive LEGO iteration on the 2017 model. That makes sense when it comes to visual presence as the 2018 version had smaller wheels and a bit lower ground clearance.

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Modified Mercedes-Benz Sprinter van doubles into a 5-Person Camper with Bunk Beds

If you have been wanting a custom-built van home for your journeys around the US, Beachside Custom Vans has delivered 2024 AWD Mercedes-Benz Sprinter-based Fam Van: a van home for a family of five to travel together. A van that can accommodate five people seems a cramped-up idea that no one would want to invest in. At least, that was my perception in the beginning. But the way the Mercedes-Benz Sprinter, comprising a 170″ wheelbase, has been configured, I have a different take. When you reach the end of this article, I’m sure you will have a revised perception as well.

Atlantic Beach, Florida-based Beachside Custom Vans is known for designing van homes that rival tiny houses. The vans are custom-built for people, in a manner they want, to make life on the road smooth, comfortable, and feature-packed. These Mercedes-Benz Sprinter-based vans, including the Fam Van, are designed with accessories inside and an exterior that catches the eye at first glimpse.

Designer: Beachside Custom Vans

Offering seating and sleeping space for five people, along with a full kitchen, toilet, and enough storage sections; the Beachside Custom Vans’ Fam Van is a superior option for any adventure family. The exterior of the van is delivered in ceramic-coated gray and blue dual-tone. Its suspensions and wheel rims along with all-terrain tires facilitate off-the-road travel.

Even when the Sprinter is custom-designed for adventures off the road. It is not entirely off-grid. The van home is provided with 200 Ah batteries, a 3,000 W inverter, but there are no solar panels (presumably you should get it as an addon, if you may). Inside, the Fam Van is pretty spacious and open with oak plywood cabinetry marine vinyl flooring, grey upholstered wall paneling, and white ceiling with strip LED lights.

The front portion of the van home has seating for the family comprising the driving seat and a bench for other passengers. Overhead is a shelf featuring the van’s heater control panel and a touchscreen monitor. Moving back on the passenger side is the kitchen that features a white countertop, white subway-tiled backsplash, a countertop with a fold-away table, sink, fridge compartment, a pull-out pantry, and under-sink and overhead cabinets for storage.

The water of the Beachside Custom Vans family van home is managed by a 28-gallon freshwater tank and a 5-gallon graywater storage, which can be emptied appropriately on the press of a button. Opposite the kitchen are two large closets for storage along with a slide-out section for the dry-flush toilet. If you’re thinking of how to wash up and bathe; opening the two rear doors you can access an outdoor shower. Here a large drawer also slides out which you can use for various requirements, including keeping your gear.

When the day is over and the family wants to dine and retire, there is a dinette with a pair of benches and tables that can transform into a bed. The main queen-size bed hangs down from the ceiling, leaving good headroom for the sleepers on the couch below. The entire van home conversion is possible for $75,000.

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Mercedes-Benz supercar concept is the first automobile to have a music instrument built into its exterior

Mercedes-Benz as an automotive icon has set the tone for the 21st century with supercars like AMG GT and the CLA concept. The German marque has pushed the limits of automotive technology, design aesthetics and luxurious comfort for purists who desire nothing but the best with the least strings attached.

Lately, we had a fancy for wild concepts like the Dresscode which is inspired by the smooth silhouettes of a classy suit and now we’ve tripped over another Mercedes-Benz supercar concept that derives inspiration from the beauty of silent luxury. This core idea is combined with the shapes of musical instruments (a Harp to be precise) to create a concept that harmonizes the pure and geometric form. Thus the namesake, Mercedes-Benz Harp!

Designer: ByeongIn Oh

The front of the concept Mercedes car is inspired by the W196R Formula-1 racing car developed for the 1954 and 1955 seasons. Of course, the front grille is not that open and is streamlined along the front seam for a more modern aesthetic look. This is combined with the asymmetric windshield panel to the rear which has a polygon and pure sculpture shape. The contrast between the contoured front and the sharp rear gives the HARP a distinct persona. It’s just like a god-like figure draped in the most beautiful costume.

The way those strings are aligned with the rear explains the asymmetric shape of the rear which when viewed from the top looks like a Harp in motion. Even the rear lights are shaped like strings which I think should trickle down to a real car coming from Mercedes Benz. Moving on to the interiors, they have two contrasting sections – a silent compartment for people who seek solitude and an open compartment for people who want to socialize.

The Mercedes-Benz Harp concept is an interesting take on silent luxury, artist forms and the pleasure of driving. And yes, I almost forgot to mention the contrasting color hues of matte silver and glossy black!

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This tailored Mercedes-Benz concept hypercar adapts the volumes of a classy suit for its dynamic shape

Mercedes-Benz has been a name synonym for panache and luxury ever since it was first established in 1926. Headquartered in Stuttgart, Germany, the automotive giant has set the bar high for four-wheelers of the present and the future world. The AMG GT introduced in 2014 is still one of the most liked supercars in the industry and Concept VISION AVTR is setting the precedence for electric cars of the future already.

While the brand is one of the few big names inclined towards electric concept designs, it is understandable how many concept designers gravitate towards the Mercedes name for building their imaginative four wheels that could someday actually land them at one of the renowned brand’s design nests. The Mercedes-Benz Dresscode is one such iteration that has a unique take on what a British hypercar of the future could be like.

Designer: Jeongtae Lee

The design direction of the car interprets iconic luxury through the shapes of collar and rich volumes of a formal dress. If you look closely the hypercar adapts the form of a white shirt with a tie on top and a black jacket layered over it. Yes, the white sections represent the shirt with edged surfaces while the black body wraps the entire car in a large volume reminiscent of a jacket. The rear of the vehicle is like the back of a person wearing a suit – simple and chic. Unlike other supercars having luxurious gull-winged doors (or scissor doors) which can be tricky to get in and out, the Dresscode concept has doors designed to feel like the process of taking off a suit which is elegant and easy.

The side profile of the car is inspired by the seam lines on the shoulder of a jacket, wherein the lines flow from the front to the rear. Those wheel parts are rotatable through these lines. Also, the seam stitches on the shoulder of a suit jacket are reinterpreted as Mercedes patterns on the hypercar. In a true sense, this is a tailored Mercedes concept maintaining an aggressive yet elegant stance with its dynamic shape.

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Mercedes Benz Vision iMobility combines style and functionality for ultra-relaxed commutes in urban landscape

The future of level 5 autonomous mobility is largely going to revolve around relaxation and the whole experience of getting from point A to B.  Inspired by the protective shell of turtles, the Mercedes Benz Vision iMobility concept emphasises efficiency and resilience in a smooth curvy design. The form factor in particular is a combination of style and functionality, creating a bridge between cutting-edge automotive technology and the organic beauty of nature.

The designer imagines this vehicle to dot the landscape of four-wheelers in the year 2050 where cars communicate with the traffic systems, other vehicles and urban environment to optimize routes and bump-up safety. A time when autonomy, connectivity and sustainability are the driving force of innovation. Richard states, “Vision iMobility isn’t just a means of reaching a destination; it’s a dynamic and adaptive space that caters to individual needs.”

Designer: Richard Huang

The nature-inspired details don’t end there as the headlights get the reminiscence of a dwarf arrowhead flower. The front-open design of the vehicle makes it easy for the occupant to enter the cozy relaxing interiors and the compact shape gives the iMobility flexibility in tight urban spaces. Running out of juice in this electric vehicle is out of the question as it can be charged wirelessly just by parking on the readily available charging junctions.

Since we are talking about complete autonomy, there’s no need for driving hardware like a steering wheel, brakes or accelerator. The interior space is rather a personalized oasis for laying back, gaming in VR or simply exploring different realities in metaverse worlds. The small size no a limitation as there is enough tactically designed space for sleeping in comfort. In fact the interior is flexible enough to be arranged for different scenarios. Mercedes Benz Vision iMobility truly becomes an extension of the personal space for self-expression and fulfillment of the rider.

Richard has mustered up the idea of this compact autonomous vehicle for east Asian workforce who have to deal with demanding work cultures, long working hours and intense competition. I believe this EV could be the perfect personal transportation for individuals living in any urban space.

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California Regulators approve ‘Turquoise Blue’ car lights to indicate ‘Self-driving modes’

Even though it’s been nearly a decade since self-driving tech made it to our cultural forefront, we’re still in the process of figuring out how to make the technology safer, how to implement it in current urban setups, and more importantly, how to successfully legislate it. There’s always a moral conundrum with who is to blame if a self-driving car hits a pedestrian (the driver or the algorithm), but Mercedes-Benz approached this problem laterally by asking the question: How can pedestrians tell if a car is driven by a human or an algorithm? The answer comes in the form of a colored light. Regulators in California and Nevada have approved Mercedes’ use of a turquoise blue indicator (on the front, sides, and back) to help pedestrians and other cars know when the vehicle is being controlled autonomously.

Designer: Mercedes-Benz

Let’s paint the picture: currently, U.S. cars typically sport three light colors – white for headlights and reverse lights, red for brake and rear lights, and amber for turn signals. Enter Mercedes-Benz, breaking the mold with its turquoise blue lights, a feature that will activate when their cars are driving autonomously.

The lights are part of Mercedes’ “Drive Pilot” system, a conditionally autonomous technology. It’s legal only in California and Nevada for now, where it’s been tested. The system allows drivers to relax a bit more in traffic jams on certain highways, even letting them take their eyes off the road when the vehicle is moving at speeds below 65 km/h. This is a leap from other driver assistance systems, like Tesla’s Full Self Driving or GM’s Super Cruise, which require drivers to remain vigilant.

The choice of turquoise blue is no accident. It’s distinctive, ensuring no confusion with existing car light colors, and it’s different enough from the darker blue used by police and emergency vehicles. This selection is backed by the Society of Automotive Engineers, though Mercedes is the first to receive approval for its use. This innovative color will make its appearance around the taillights and headlights of the vehicles equipped with it.

But why go to all this trouble for a color? It’s all about clarity and safety. The turquoise blue lights serve as a clear signal to other road users and law enforcement that the vehicle is under full automated control. This is crucial in situations where the driver might not be looking at the road, ensuring that onlookers don’t mistakenly think something’s amiss. Starting early 2024, this system will be available in Mercedes S-Class and EQS models in Nevada and California, but not beyond these states just yet​.

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Check out this modern, electrified version of the iconic Mercedes-Benz 280SL

Known for its distinct style – especially the ‘Pagoda’ concave roof, the 280SL still remains one of Mercedes-Benz’s most memorable cars, arguably the most memorable in its SL or Sports Leicht range. The 280SL was revered for its elegant design, with sleek lines and a timeless aesthetic… which is why its design language carries over so beautifully into this contemporary remake of a classic. Designed by concept artist Shane Baxley, the TWO8eSL (pronounced two-eighty-SL) is a modern reinterpretation of its predecessor with a retrofuturistic touch and an electric drivetrain underneath. Baxley’s concept art has found itself in various movies, including The Transformers, Suicide Squad, and even Alita: Battle Angel. While it’s safe to say that this particular concept is more rooted in reality than any of his work from The Transformers franchise, it still captivates with a sense of ‘what could have been’ if Mercedes had decided to electrify its old classics.

Designer: Shane Baxley

The original 280SL was designed by Friedrich Geiger, who was also responsible for the iconic Mercedes 300SL “Gullwing” coupe. Rather than reinterpreting the entire aesthetic, Baxley stayed true to Geiger’s original vision, relying on a slightly modernized touch-up of the body-work, and doing away with those overtly-retro chrome bumpers for something a little more contemporary.

To any enthusiast, the redesign looks absolutely unmistakable, it has the same Pagoda-style roof on the top, the vertical capsule-shaped headlights, conventional-looking taillights, and the unmistakable Mercedes-Benz logo on both the front and the back. However, given the car’s electric make, Baxley ditches the grill on the front for a flat surface, which some would argue would sacrifice aerodynamics for visual accuracy. However, the massive tri-tip star that would otherwise be on the grill makes its way to the hood of the car, giving it a premium touch.

“My intention was to maintain this original funk in a slightly modernized proportion. [The car was] Modeled from the ground up in Maya, rendered in OTOY,” Baxley reveals.

Skirting around the front and sides gives the car a low-riding appeal.

The first thing that you really notice with the TWO80eSL is the headlight. Ditching the reflector-based lamp for something much more modern, Baxley uses two powerful LEDs with a halftone graphic on the front to diffuse the glare. The capsule-shaped headlight also has LED strips around the edges, reinforcing its shape.

Baxley’s concept follows a running trend of ‘cyberpunking’ classic cars with a more modern makeover. The Chevrolet Camaro got a pretty dazzling revamp last year, as did the Dodge Charger RT… although our hot favorite remains this gorgeous fan-made remake of the Lamborghini Countach.

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How Mercedes-Benz wants to shape-up the future of performance EVs with the One-Eleven Concept

Mercedes-Benz has revived the experimental fiberglass-bodied C111-II from the 70s as a flashy new electric concept. Stunning to the core, this two-seat hypercar has a very dramatic look on the outside and inside. Just like the ultra-futuristic Vision AVTR, this one christened Vision One-Eleven has the modernized version of the wedged profile in the form of a rounded roofline and rounded flared fenders.

The concept was revealed at the Mercedes’ “Design No.5” creative event, bearing the same bright orange hues sported by the 12 experimental C111 vehicles. One look at this four-wheeled damsel and it comes as no surprise the mind behind this creation is none other than Andrea Bruno, Lead Exterior Designer at Maserati.

Designer: Mercedes-Benz and Andrea Bruno

The front and the rear of the One-Eleven have a sci-fi feel with an array of LED headlights that illuminate the road ahead and the middle section beams custom messages for other drivers to see. Move to the back of the vehicle and you’ll see similar panels. The side profile is nailed down with a cool dual-ridge diffuser and ambient blue lighting along the rear wheels.

Aerodynamic tuning is at the heart of this machine by the German automotive giant. There are three air intakes behind the headlamps, windshield at an angle of 70 degrees and dual air vents to optimize the aerodynamic performance at high speeds and on tight curves. Additionally, the electric motor housed at the rear is intelligently fed by the cool air directed via the vents behind the doors. Downforce is achieved with the large spoiler that further optimizes how the car sticks to the tarmac.

Just like the half-a-century-old predecessor, One-Eleven has swanky gull-winged doors. On opening them, the retro-inspired interior reveals itself. There’s an ultra-wide digital display just like on the front grille, topped by an F1-styled yoke steering wheel and the spacecraft-inspired bucket seats trimmed in silver diamond quilting and orange leather crafted from recycled material. According to Mercedes, the concept can drive forward in two different modes – Race and Lounge. The former has a better HUD view for clear vision while the latter reconfigures for a laid-back arrangement for driving comfort.

One-Eleven comes is propelled forward with a fully electric powertrain employing a single axial-flux motor. Yes, that’s the same technology used in Koenigsegg’s Quark electric motor. This motor is better than the radial-flux motor since they have way better tech for peak performance and efficiency without compromising the mechanical operation. Although Mercedes hasn’t revealed any tech specs of the concept, still loaded with this advanced electric motor, the ride should outperform most competitors. As an added perk, the compact size of the motor frees up space for storing luggage.

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Mercedes concept influenced by WW2 fighter planes missed out on wings – obviously!

Back in the 1930s Mercedes-Benz introduced T80, a crazy six-wheeled concept vehicle that had the DB-601 aircraft engine derivative powering the Messerschmitt Bf 109 fighter jet. The iconic vehicle proudly makes its deserving place on display at the Mercedes-Benz Museum in Stuttgart-Bad Cannstatt.

It’s been unheard of vehicle-powered by a warplane by the German automotive marque since then but a concept by the creative digital artist known for his cool designs, now demands attention. Color it in matte black and a Batmobile version for Matt Reeves to derive inspiration for The Batman – Part II slated for 2025 release is not out of the question.

Designer: Al Yasid

I’ve always appreciated what this designer manages to put on the digital drawing board with attention to detail matched with a sense of realism. With this Mercedes concept design philosophy follows suit as Yasid unearthes memories of the super stretchy T80. Since he’s a fanatic of World War 2 planes, the Mercedes was the right vehicle to experiment with a fusion.

A car being inspired by a WW2 plane (minus the wings) is not very common especially when not a single plane, rather quite a few of them are the influence. Yasid in a very short Instagram post says that this concept has the clear looks of a vintage fighter plane with “the canopy style greenhouse, the very elongated front end, the rear wing, and the front side exhausts.”

The V12 engine of this Mercedes protrudes from the hood much like a dragster or a muscle car, lending it a very intimidating stance. That bubble canopy-like door offers all-around visibility and fluid aerodynamics while at high speeds. This canopy stays properly sealed at all times during the drive, something that a claustrophobic rider won’t fancy any given day. The tailfin acts as a rudder for keeping the car on the track and not going off the balance if somehow the traction control system malfunctions.

All of this is topped off by the muscular body that curves around the middle and then again opens going to the rear. The anatomy is complemented by the silver and yellow skin, adding a dynamic character to the concept design. However, the yellow inserts on the front grille could have a more subtle fade out to go with the concept body’s fluidic nature.

 

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Saul Nash x Mercedes-Benz collaborate for a gaming centric sportswear collection

Gaming is largely a static activity that lacks any major muscle flexing like in real-life sporting regimes. Breaking this notion, British menswear designer Saul Nash has invested his skill in envisioning a world of movement – amalgamating fashion and Esports for a unique collection to celebrate the 25th anniversary of E-Sports team SK Gaming.

The third spearhead in this exclusive partnership is Mercedes-Benz to bring together a rare collaboration of three contrasting worlds. The final creation is a collection of garments clad in E-Sports influence with the “sleek design and exquisite heritage of the German automotive giant.

Designer: Saul Nash

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This limited-edition capsule collection premiered at SK Gaming’s 25th-anniversary event in Cologne, Germany. There are two striking pieces in this fashion-forward collection that’ll make gamers look sexier than ever. A long-sleeve compression shirt (half-zipped and high-closing collared) Saul calls The Digital Gradient Top. The second one dubbed The Dashboard Jacket is a reversible sports jacket drenched in a lilac-blue mesh pattern. It has a recycled polyester inside lining and the back shows off both the big brands’ logos. The jacket gets mesh inserts on the sides and inside of the sleeve to address perspiration. Both these garments are tightly fitted without compromising the performance capabilities thanks to the lycra material.

As per Julia Hofmann, Mercedes-Benz AG Head of Brand Collaborations, the collection is not only aimed at E-sports fanatics but fitness-obsessed individuals who want functional sportswear that’s high on modern looks. Nash, resonated with the view and added that the project was an “exciting space to explore three worlds that at first instance may not fit together.” The talented designer is a perfect fit for the Mercedes-Benz approach who has a vision of reaching new audiences with its refreshing approach.

The Gradient Top can be bought for approximately $94 while the Dashboard Jacket will cost around $157 right away from the SK Gaming website.

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