Mercedes-Benz Vision EQ Silver Arrow revealed at Pebble Beach – all-electric, single-seat, 738 hp concept

Mercedes-Benz has revealed a new concept car during Monterey Car Week, which is inspired by the record-breaking W125 race car from eight decades ago. Called the Vision EQ Silver Arrow, the concept takes the form of a single-seat car that features an electric powertrain.

“Over 80 years ago, the historic Silver Arrows demonstrated that Mercedes-Benz was a pioneer when it came to speed thanks, among other things, to their streamlined shape,” said Gorden Wagener, chief design officer at Daimler AG.

“The Vision EQ Silver Arrow draws on that legacy. Intended for acceleration and driving pleasure, it embodies progressive luxury and provides an insight into the future of our design. As a result, the show car drives the design idiom of our new EQ product and technology brand to the top,” he added.

The concept features a clear, seamless design that also embodies the company’s Sensual Purity philosophy, resulting in a sleek shape that stretches 5.3 metres long. While the body is made from carbon-fibre, considerable efforts have been made to cover it with multiple layers of alubeam silver paint to give the illusion of “liquid metal.”

Certain areas like the front splitter showcase the material nakedly, while a generous amount of lighting strips and displays with blue illumination add to the concept’s visual presence.

Those bulges over the wheels are to ensure the large 24-inch front and 26-inch rear units fit appropriately. The aluminium wheels themselves are partially covered, feature 168 spokes each, are painted rose gold and comes wrapped with Pirelli rubber.

Other highlights of the exterior are the rear diffuser and two extendible rear spoilers that double as an air brake when needed. We then come to the driver’s cockpit, which can be folded forwards to allow access into the plush cabin.

While inside, you’re surrounded by high-quality materials like polished aluminium and solid walnut with pinstripes for the flooring. Meanwhile, brown genuine leather is used for the steering wheel and seats, with the latter featuring three-pointed stars laser engraved on them.

Of course, there’s plenty of tech on show too, starting with a large panoramic screen on which a 3D image of the surroundings is projected from behind. Various information like the availability of inductive charging on roadways can also be superimposed on the screen.

If that doesn’t sound exciting, how about a real-life “ghost mode” like in racing video games? The company calls this a ‘virtual race’ feature, and it allows you to go up against historic or present Silver Arrow racing cars. A “ghost” of the car is projected onto the screen while a coach provides instructions on how to be a better driver.

The other screen is touch enabled and found on the steering wheel, whereby drivers can choose different drive modes. They’ll also be able to fiddle with the sound settings, allowing the sound of a current Formula 1 Silver Arrow or a Mercedes-AMG V8 engine to be piped into the cabin.

The reason for this is because the Vision EQ Silver Arrow is an electric vehicle with an output of 738 hp (550 kW), so it could be rather quiet. A rechargeable battery with an approximate capacity of 80 kWh in the car’s underbody keeps the systems fed with power, and the claimed range is 400 km (WLTP).

Looking to sell your car? Sell it with Carro.