IN DUBAI’S VAST SEA OF SKYSCRAPERS, A NEW HYPERTOWER ASCENDS, MARKING THE DAWN OF A NEW ERA FOR LEGACY LUXURY CARMAKER MERCEDES-BENZ

BY AMANDA McCOY

Phrases such as “redefining the skyline” are frequently tossed around in ultraluxury real estate, especially given the recent influx in 1,000-foot-plus superstructures rising in the world’s most affluent cities, from Manhattan to Miami and Shanghai to Singapore. But Mercedes-Benz’ first residential undertaking, which broke ground last year and is scheduled for a 2026 crowning, isn’t simply slinging marketing speak; early renderings of the Dubai hyper-tower showcase a facade that’s as sleek and groundbreaking as a Maybach S-Class, and there’s nothing else in the City of Gold quite like it.

The German automaker tapped Binghatti Properties to bring its $1 billion vision to life, the same developer behind boundary-pushing neo-projects like Jacob & Co Residences and Binghatti Hills, the latter fashioned after sweeping hillsides. Mercedes-Benz Places will reach 1,118 feet toward the desert sky for a grand total of 65 stories and 150 ultra-lavish homes. Its downtown address promises sweeping views over the waterfront city, including uninterrupted vistas of the world’s tallest building, the Burj Khalifa.

Its facade is strikingly unique, featuring an elliptical shape inspired by Benz’ VISION EQXX and Concept CLA Class and accented with cladding that resembles the brand’s three-pointed star. The exterior will also don 75,000 square feet of photovoltaic panels, utilizing the power of the sun to generate energy to charge 40 electric vehicles per day.

“Iconic design is what we are striving for,” noted Gorden Wagener, chief design officer of Mercedes-Benz Group AG. “We want to create something that stands out and makes a strong statement. This is what we have done for Mercedes Benz Places in Dubai. We have taken our unique design philosophy of Sensual Purity beyond automotive and shaped an iconic landmark. It looks very different, unique, and futuristic, and it will be associated with the design, technology, and luxury appeal that are trademarks of every Mercedes-Benz.”

Units per floor will be limited to four for dual-bedroom configurations, and three for three-bedroom suites. There will also be a palatial penthouse collection, of course, with each type named after an iconic Mercedes of past or present. Penthouses range from four to seven bedrooms. The top suite, dubbed the Mercedes-Benz Uhlenhaut Coupé Penthouse, will stretch a mouth-gapingly spacious 18,000 square feet over three floors, and every penthouse will feature a private elevator.

The fully automated smart homes will be encased in floor-to-ceiling glass with tall ceilings for a pool of natural light. Expect clean, contemporary layouts in an earth-toned palette with sparkling chrome accentsa fitting touch for a luxury marque. Wood-paneled walls, oversized metal columns, and curved staircases are complemented by oblong sofas and sculptural chairs that present as works of art. Master suites are simply swimming in decadence, offering massive walk-in wardrobes and spa bathrooms with custom backlit vanities and futuristic hammock tubs that appear as if they are floating mid-air. All homes will be finished with wraparound terraces and private plunge pools to take full advantage of the tropical desert climate (Dubai sees more than 300 days of sunshine per year).

The building will indeed offer a surplus of shared amenity spaces including fine-dining restaurants, chic cocktail clubs, and a wellness zone but for denizens who prefer privacy in their self-care routines, each penthouse home will also come equipped with a salon, massage area, steam room, sauna, and gym. C-suite czars and disrupting entrepreneurs alike can also continue their quest for global domination in the quiet of their homes with in-unit office lounges.

In addition to automated valet parking, homeowners will have access to chauffeur services via 24/7 concierge. A large chunk of the ground-floor square footage will be dedicated to retail and exhibition.