In an era where the digital realm converges with tangible reality, Mercedes-Benz is transcending its auto-manufacturing roots. With the unveiling of the Mercedes-Benz NXT Icons, the luxury automaker is embarking on an exciting journey into the realm of digital collectibles. These arenât just any collectibles, but masterpieces that encapsulate Mercedes-Benz's rich design legacy, interpreted anew for the digital age.
A Historical Voyage in Digital Art
The NXT Icons series aims to narrate the illustrious design journey of Mercedes-Benz across seven distinctive eras. The first in the series, titled âThe Era of Luxuryâ is poised to offer 2,694 digital collectibles.
The re-interpretations of notable designs have been crafted with precision by the in-house Mercedes-Benz design team. This endeavor signifies more than just a brand extension; it represents a seamless blend of tradition with the future, reimagining classical designs in digital art form.
An Auction with a Twist
Mercedes-Benz is not just redefining art but also the art of acquisition. The automaker has chosen a rebate Dutch auction mechanism for these collectibles. In this setup, the auction starts with a lofty initial price that diminishes over a 90-minute span. Beginning at 1 eth, the price descends linearly to a final point of 0.1 eth.
What sets this auction apart is its rebate feature: participants, regardless of their bid amount, pay a uniform price. Following the auction, they can reclaim the variance between their bid and the price of the last token sold. It's a refreshing approach that promotes fairness and accessibility, ensuring that all participants stand on equal footing.
Minting and Global Participation
Post-auction, the digital artworks will remain cloaked in mystery, revealing their true essence 24 hours later. This period of anticipation heightens the sense of intrigue, as all NXT Icons collectibles will initially don the same visual. Furthermore, the auction is open to everyone, with a special nod to loyalists.
10/ Due to regulatory and taxation requirements, only collectors from all EU countries, Australia, Brazil, Japan, Singapore, South Korea, Switzerland, the U.K., the U.S., and Taiwan will be able to participate. We are working on adding more countries for future activities.
— Mercedes-Benz NXT (@MercedesBenzNXT) August 25, 2023
Owners of specific tokens, like "Maschine" and Mercedes-Benz NXT Eternities, receive a mint pass, enabling them to acquire a digital collectible from any of the seven eras at zero cost. However, due to regulatory stipulations, only collectors from a select list of countries, including the entire EU, the U.S., the U.K., and a few others, can participate.
Bridging Heritage with Digital Innovation
As Mercedes-Benz paves its way into the digital art sphere with NXT Icons, it reinforces the brand's pioneering spirit and commitment to innovation. By intertwining its rich heritage with the limitless possibilities of the digital domain, the luxury automaker is not just preserving its legacy but also shaping the future of art and collectibles. As the world keenly awaits each eraâs release, Mercedes-Benz stands at the nexus of tradition and technology, exemplifying how established brands can flourish and evolve in the digital age.
