Mercedes-Benz NXT Unveils the 6 Cars Featured in Their New NFT Collection

“The Era of Technology“ is almost upon us. This, the second NFT collection in the Mercedes-Benz NXT Icons seven-era series features the six cars that best exemplify the technological innovation that MB has brought to the automotive world. Before I reveal what they are, let’s have a look at the collection as a whole.

What Are Mercedes-Benz NXT Icons?

The Mercedes-Benz NXT Icons pay homage to the rich design history of Mercedes-Benz. They aim to bridge the gap between the past, present, and future by giving a modern twist to some of Mercedes-Benz's most iconic designs for the digital era.

This narrative is divided into seven periods, showcasing 62 traits that speak to elements from the early days of automotive innovation to the present. Each era highlights select iconic features that have defined Mercedes-Benz throughout its history.

NFT Utility

Truth be told, there does not appear to be any stated utility tied to the ownership of these collectibles. This is something their community in Discord has been vocal about, with many great ideas floating around, but none yet to be adopted.

For now, buyers should treat them strictly as a piece of the brand’s history and at most, a key to unlock access to a community of fellow Benz enthusiasts. We can always hope that their vision expands to offer holders more experiences in the future.

Enter the 2nd Era

As a company established by engineers, Mercedes-Benz has always held the belief that technology and innovation are essential for creating meaningful change. Over the years from 2000 to 2017, during a period of increased globalization and connectivity, Mercedes-Benz made substantial investments in research and development.

These advancements had a profound and enduring impact, especially in the areas of assistance systems, powertrains, and connectivity solutions. As a result, Mercedes-Benz has consistently led the way in transforming automobiles from simple modes of transportation to sophisticated "computers on wheels".

The Cars of “The Era of Technology”

1/ SLS AMG Coupe

While not yet “officially” confirmed, the NXT team led their announcement of the collection by featuring the SLS AMG Coupe and has featured the car in the marketing materials for the 2nd Era. The is probably my favorite Benz of all time, second only to the original 300 SL Gull Wing.

The Mercedes-Benz SLS AMG, produced from 2010 to 2015, is a unique supercar that combines classic design with modern technology. It is the first car developed in-house by AMG and is inspired by the iconic 1954 300SL Gullwing, featuring distinctive gullwing doors.

The SLS AMG has unique features like an aluminum spaceframe chassis, a 6.2-liter V8 engine with 563 horsepower, and a 7-speed dual-clutch transmission. It can go from 0 to 60 mph in 3.7 seconds and has a top speed of 197 mph. The car also has a rear-mounted transaxle for better handling and electronic systems for an exciting driving experience.

2/ Maybach Landaulet

During the Dubai Motor Show in 2007, Maybach introduced a remarkable luxury vehicle based on the most powerful chauffeur-driven saloon in the world. The Maybach Landaulet was revealed, reviving the iconic Landaulet concept and showcasing exclusive luxury in automobiles. Continuing the tradition of Landaulets, the rear roof can be fully opened while the driver's compartment remains closed.

With the roof retracted, it collapses neatly onto the parcel shelf, enabling those seated in the back to luxuriate under the sunshine on plush rear reclining seats, adorned with premium Grand Nappa leather, showcasing an essence of refined elegance. The inaugural hand-assembled model was presented to a client during the fall of 2008. In the esteemed Maybach Manufaktur, a bespoke series of 21 Landaulets, each tailored to the unique specifications of their owners, were carefully constructed with painstaking attention to detail.

3/ S 560 Cabriolet

With the launch of the 217 series S-Class Cabriolet, Mercedes-Benz introduced the first convertible version of the S-Class since 1971. This luxurious flagship model with a soft top is often seen as a car of dreams. Similar to the S 560, the S-Class Cabriolet is incredibly powerful, but what truly sets it apart is its ability to anticipate the future.

Using Magic Body Control's Road Surface Scan feature, the stereo camera can identify road imperfections with great accuracy before they are encountered, enabling the chassis to instantly adjust to the road conditions. The Curve Tilt feature further enhances the unmatched driving comfort of the S 560 Cabriolet.

4/ CLS 500

Mercedes-Benz introduced the groundbreaking Vision CLS at the IAA 2003, showcasing a four-door luxury-class coupé. Following the positive reception of the Vision CLS show car, the production version of the CLS was unveiled in autumn 2004, staying true to its original design. This innovative vehicle seamlessly combines the sophistication and agility of a coupé with the practicality and comfort of a sedan. 

The CLS 500 not only delivered exceptional performance and power, but also stood out as a stylish choice for long journeys, showcasing the highest standards of automotive engineering. Mercedes-Benz paved the way for the resurgence of the four-door coupé with the CLS, inspiring other manufacturers to follow suit. Even two decades later, the impact of this pioneering vehicle can still be felt.

5/ G 63 AMG 6x6

The composition of components is impressively elaborate: begin with the 5.5-liter V8 biturbo engine from the G 63, and distribute its vigor across the three axles of a 6x6 drivetrain, elegantly complemented by five differential locks featuring a torque distribution of 30-40-30. This is skillfully blended with the portal axles from a Unimog, a tire pressure control system, and the front axle suspension borrowed from an armored G-Class.

This remarkable engineering is seamlessly integrated into a G-Class pickup body, culminating in the creation of the G 63 AMG 6x6. This vehicle is capable of traversing terrains where others might struggle to proceed. For those inclined, it offers the thrilling option to drift across sandy landscapes. While its exterior presents a formidable, almost untamable appearance, the interior offers a stark contrast of lavish tranquility, akin to being enveloped in a cozy sanctuary.

6/ AMG 65 Black Series

While this the NFT design for this car has yet to be revealed, they are making no efforts to hide that the final model in the collection is the brutal yet refined AMG 65 Black Series.

The SL65 AMG Black Series is a high-performance, limited-production vehicle developed by Mercedes-Benz and AMG. It is a significantly reworked version of the standard SL65, designed to compete with Ferrari and Lamborghini models. Technologically, the SL65 AMG Black Series boasts several unique features, including a more conventional coil-spring and strut suspension system, which replaces the standard car's air suspension and active body-control setup. This change, along with revised elasto-kinematics, results in more precise steering and handling.

Another key technological aspect is the heavily modified 6.0-liter V12 bi-turbo engine, producing 670bhp and 738 lb-ft of torque. The engine's power output required significant upgrades to the five-speed gearbox, which now features four modes: comfort, sport, manual 1, and manual 2. The car also underwent extensive weight reduction measures, shedding 250kg through the removal of the folding roof mechanism and other bodywork components. The resulting lower roofline, revised aerodynamics, and carbon/plastic lid contribute to the SL65 AMG Black Series' unique technological profile.

When Does the Collection Mint?

The team has yet to announce when “The Era of Technology” will mint. However, there are indications on their Discord server that the sale is just weeks away.

I suggest following them on X and joining their Discord server to get the most up to date info on the matter.

My Take

Mercedes is a luxury car brand that produces only the highest quality goods. Their non-fungible collectibles are no exception. The polished aesthetic is unrivaled. The creativity is abundant. And the personality is distinctly Deutsch.

The category in which these collections fall short is one which only crypto-natives can describe. That being, utilitarian vision. The characteristic that all blue chip NFT collections have in common is that the assets serve as a passkey to experiences reserved only for the holder.

It is my belief that if Mercedes-Benz NXT were to place as much focus on the holder experience their collections offer, as they do on the stunning visuals of the assets, this could be one of the first major brands to have an NFT collection on par with Apes, Pudgies, and Punks.

Are Mercedes-Benz NXT Icon NFTs an Investment?

As mentioned previously, these digital collectibles are just that. Collectibles. The value of such items, particularly in the world of web3 often transcends the art or brand awareness, both of which this collect definitely have going for it. Digital collectible long-term value is more often derived from the secondary value holders receive as a function of their exclusivity. This includes things like community and event access, passive earning opportunities such as staking, playable video game items, or even digital-twins of real-world assets.

However, the lack of added value to the NXT Era Icons NFTs will likely ensure that their demand is relegated strictly to the most die-hard Mercedes fans. Any prescribed value from there is purely subjective.

Currently the 1st Era collection’s floor price sits at 0.09 ETH. That’s 0.01 ETH below the mint price of 0.1. Barring any adjustments to the developer’s plans we can probably expect the 2nd Era collection to hover around their mint price as well.

Other Mercedes-Benz NXT Collections

The Era of Luxury Collection

Mercedes-Benz has consistently been recognized for its innovative approach, sophistication, and worthiness, producing items that endure through time. It respects its heritage while continuously looking forward to the horizon, with a strong focus on influencing culture.

For Mercedes-Benz, luxury is defined by its loyalty to its heritage, all the while continuously adapting. This commitment not only pertains to tangible products but also extends into the digital realm.

OpenSea | Rarible | Looksrare

Maschine

The initial series "Maschine" from Mercedes-Benz NXT, was developed in partnership with the esteemed artist Harm van den Dorpel and Fingerprints DAO, an elite collective of art aficionados. This generative art series delves into notions of movement, speed, and visual perception, showcasing an aesthetic that is remarkably distinct from that of the NXT Icons collections.

OpenSea | Rarible

Superdackel

Superdackel serves as a tribute to the cherished dashboard novelty, the "Wackeldackel," and was initially unveiled by Mercedes-Benz and Superplastic at CES 2023. The following year, in 2024, this delightful canine returned in the form of a digital collectible.

The collection boasts a variety of four scenes, alongside 19 options for both jacket and shoe colors, culminating in a total of 1,000 distinct digital collectibles. The choice of colors for Superdackel's attire and footwear is inspired by the automotive paint options found in the Mercedes-Benz NXT Icons collection.

OpenSea | Rarible | Looksrare

Mercedes-Benz NXT Eternities

Mercedes-Benz NXT Eternities are exclusively awarded to a select group of distinguished Mercedes-Benz customers and are minted in real life during premier customer events.

OpenSea | Rarible | Looksrare

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