From Concept to Castaway: The Mercedes Pod in the Junkyard

SHABAZ PASHA

The automaker’s S-Class DIGITAL: “My MBUX” concept was revealed in 2020, and it’s been all downhill from there, apparently.

Automakers routinely create concept cars to showcase technology or offer a glimpse into future models. Following their intended purpose, these prototypes are usually retained internally by the company. However, in some cases, these projects end up being discarded. This fate befell the Mercedes “S-Classic Digital ‘My MBUX'” concept, unveiled in August 2020. This peculiar-looking pod, designed to highlight the technology featured in vehicles like the EQS, was seemingly deactivated and left abandoned in a salvage yard, presenting us with exceptionally unconventional images.

Images of the pod recently surfaced on the r/justrolledintotheshop subreddit, showcasing what appears more like Wall-E’s companion EVE than an actual car. The sight of this unconventional vehicle, situated beside discarded metal tubes, garnered significant attention. Photographer Noah Mansico, who captured the images, revealed that they were taken outside Atlanta, near Mercedes-Benz’s North American headquarters. It is probable that the pod was left there after serving its purpose and became a discarded relic. Automakers typically refrain from selling or donating their conceptual vehicles due to legal considerations, leading to many being discarded in this manner.

This concept has been completely stripped of its Mercedes branding, even including the entire steering wheel. However, its distinct design made it relatively easy for internet sleuths to identify. The pod features sculptural seats, a sizable touchscreen, and other components resembling those later found in upscale models like the S-Class and EQS. A press release from its time highlighted the project’s numerous LEDs, heated and cooled massage seats, and a robust air filtration system equipped with a perfume dispenser. Unfortunately, many of these features are likely non-functional in the abandoned pod.

The disposal of such an intriguing project in an Atlanta field is regrettable, but it’s important to note that many fully functional Mercedes vehicles adopted similar interiors and technology. While witnessing EVE in a dormant state without the intervention of a cube-shaped robot with binocular eyes may evoke a sense of melancholy, the technology previewed by the concept lives on. As time passes, observers may become increasingly perplexed by the purpose of this unique vehicle, assuming it avoids imminent destruction.