The world of automotive art has seen an exciting evolution over the years, with Mercedes-Benz being at the forefront of this movement. The company has been collaborating with artists and designers to create unique and one-of-a-kind art cars that showcase the design and engineering prowess of their vehicles. This trend is set to continue, with Mercedes-Benz recently unveiling the first of five new art car concepts based on the 2026 CLA-Class compact sedan. The 2026 Mercedes-Benz CLA-Class, with its sleek and modern design, is the perfect canvas for this artistic collaboration. The car’s minimalist aesthetic provides a clean slate for the artists to express their creativity and bring their unique visions to life.
Ice Spice’s Chrome Masterpiece
The first art car concept, created in partnership with the talented musician Ice Spice, is a true showstopper. This custom CLA is a chrome-drenched extravaganza that showcases the artist’s personality and style. The entire car is covered in a dazzling array of chrome accents, which seem to be crushing the vehicle, with an enormous amount of negative camber on the wheels. The chrome filigree adds an extra layer of depth and intricacy to the design, while the oversized “Princess” chain serves as a nod to Ice Spice’s iconic “Princess of Rap” jewelry. Ice Spice’s music career has been marked by numerous platinum-selling tracks and several Grammy Award nominations. Her bold and unapologetic style is reflected in this art car, which is sure to turn heads wherever it goes.
The Collaboration Beyond the Car
The art car collaboration extends beyond the vehicle itself, with Ice Spice releasing a limited-edition run of apparel and accessories to complement the design. The collection includes shirts, car accessories such as a license plate frame, keychain, and even fuzzy dice. This cross-promotional collaboration is a testament to the power of art and music to come together and create something truly unique and special.
The Remaining Art Cars
The four remaining art cars are set to be revealed over the coming months, with a mix of designers and brands contributing to the project. The next two art cars are from interior designer Gustaf Westman and fashion designer Colm Dillane, also known as KidSuper. Gustaf Westman’s car will be showcased on May 22, followed by KidSuper’s on June 28.
| Designer | Art Car Name | Reveal Date |
|---|---|---|
| Gustaf Westman | (TBD) | May 22 |
| Colm Dillane (KidSuper) | (TBD) | June 28 |
| Hot Wheels | (TBD) | (TBD) |
| League of Legends | (TBD) | (TBD) |
League of Legends and Hot Wheels will also be contributing to the project, with their art cars set to be revealed at a later date.
Conclusion
The art car concept is a testament to the power of collaboration and creativity. Mercedes-Benz’s commitment to showcasing the artistic side of their vehicles is a breath of fresh air in the world of automotive design. With the four remaining art cars set to be revealed in the coming months, fans of the brand and art enthusiasts alike can look forward to a truly exciting and unique experience. The 2026 Mercedes-Benz CLA-Class is the perfect canvas for this artistic collaboration, and the world can’t wait to see what the future holds for this innovative project.