In the early 1990s, Mercedes-Benz was in a state of creative upswing. The brand's management was simultaneously experimenting with new formats: the front-wheel-drive A-Class, the compact SLK roadster, and the ultra-small Smart. At the same time, Japanese manufacturers were actively developing the still-young segment of compact crossovers. There were no such cars in the luxury class at all, and Stuttgart quickly recognized the serious potential in this direction – primarily for the US market, where demand was growing for comfortable but versatile all-terrain vehicles.
In the Mercedes-Benz model line at that time, there was only the G-Class – charismatic, but expensive and frankly utilitarian. Making it simpler and cheaper turned out to be pointless, so the solution was obvious: a fundamentally new SUV was needed, focused on comfort and the mass consumer. Initially, the Germans decided to take a shortcut and in 1991 agreed with Mitsubishi Motors to create a model based on the Pajero. In fact, it was planned to produce a Japanese SUV under the Mercedes-Benz star, but in 1992 the project was closed, citing technical difficulties.
After breaking up with Mitsubishi, the company took a course towards completely independent development. In parallel, a strategic decision was made to build a plant in Alabama – the first Mercedes-Benz production site for passenger cars outside of Germany. Construction started in 1994, and already in January 1996, the AA Vision concept was shown at the Detroit Auto Show. For the public, it was a real shock: the world had never seen such an unusual and bold Mercedes-Benz.
AA Vision looked playful and eclectic, but at the same time did not give the impression of a decorative show car. The name All Activity directly indicated versatility, and the body shapes, protective body kit and large wheels hinted at real off-road capability. Unlike the then-standard of a luxury SUV – the Range Rover P38A with a frame and solid axles – the German concept strived to be closer to passenger car models in terms of driving experience, without sacrificing comfort.
The AA Vision body combined style and practicality. Aerodynamics were designed to reduce noise and fuel consumption, and short overhangs and successful approach and departure angles provided sufficient geometric cross-country ability. The car received roof rails for sports equipment, a retractable tow bar, two sunroofs and an unusual double-leaf tailgate. Even the spare wheel and remote speakers for picnics were part of the overall concept of active recreation.
The interior looked no less experimental. Only the steering wheel and controls were reminiscent of the usual Mercedes, while the design of the panel, cylindrical headrests and two-tone trim seemed like a bold design challenge. At the same time, a high level of equipment was hidden behind the spectacular shell: navigation with a выдвижным screen, a telephone with steering wheel controls and an advanced hands-free system for those times.
Technically, AA Vision also broke the mold. Despite the preserved frame, the prototype received a fully independent suspension – a rarity for SUVs of that time. All-wheel drive could redistribute traction between the wheels, and the list of safety systems included airbags, ABS and electronic stabilization. All this made the concept noticeably closer to passenger car models in terms of handling.
When transitioning to a production car, some of the spectacular solutions had to be simplified. In February 1997, production of the Mercedes-Benz M-Class W163 started. It inherited the key idea of the AA Vision – a comfortable SUV with passenger car habits, but became more restrained in appearance and inside. Despite criticism for its "American" character and not the most refined finish, it was the ML W163 that actually created a new segment of premium crossovers. The concept turned out to be so successful that it determined the development of several generations of the model and set a standard that the entire industry follows today.