The Mercedes-Benz Vision One-Eleven Is a Modern C111

• This Mercedes-Benz Vision One-Eleven design study shows that outlandish sports car styling can exist in an era of battery-electric powertrains.
• The Vision One-Eleven uses an axial-flux motor made by the Mercedes-Benz subsidiary Yasa.
• The concept might not become a production car, but the company is spinning off the design as part of a clothing and accessory collection.

Meet the Modern Mercedes-Benz C111. Dubbed the Mercedes-Benz Vision One-Eleven, this modern styling exercise isn’t shying away from its antiquated inspiration. Instead, the team at Mercedes is leaning into the wild C111’s styling and is using it to showcase a modern powertrain. Like the weird engine choices powering various C111 models, the One-Eleven is looking at the future for its powertrain. Though, unlike the classic C111 models, the One-Eleven is battery-electric.

The One-Eleven sports what could be the future of performance ‘Benz powertrains. That means this concept features a lightweight axial-flux motor, made by Yasa and reportedly a third of the weight of a similarly powerful electric motor. Powering that single axial-flux motor is also a new battery system that features liquid-cooled cylindrical cells with reportedly novel chemistry.

Of course, it’s hard to say if this is actually good chemistry until it finally hits the production lines and makes its way to your local Mercedes-Benz dealer. Even though we don’t know about this new battery, Mercedes-Benz does say the axial-flux motor will “be at the heart of the forthcoming powertrain for the performance segment.”

This outlandish concept isn’t just a tool to show people the Mercedes-Benz future electric powertrain. No, it’s a far-reaching design study that shows the possible shape of future performance cars. This gullwing-door sports car updates the general, wedge shape that made the C111 cars so interesting. Joining the uninhibited exterior styling is a future-forward interior that incorporates standout materials with a traditional automotive layout. The One-Eleven concept also offers a lounge mode, which apparently merges the interior into one spacious lounge.

The sad reality is that you probably won’t be able to buy this One-Eleven concept, or at least anytime soon. It was hard to believe that the low-slung Project One made its way to—albeit limited—production, too. Still, Mercedes-Benz is spinning off the design study into a series of limited-production accessories. The One-Eleven collection ranges from sunglasses and hoodies to a weekend bag and iPhone case. Naturally, these would be cheaper than a car, but the limited-production nature does tip the hand that these goods won’t be cheap when they roll out to this website in August.

Do you think Mercedes-Benz should make a production version of the One-Eleven? Tell us your thoughts below.