True to the principle of creating “the very best from the very best,” the Vision Mercedes-Maybach Ultimate Luxury concept is a crossover between an exclusive high-end saloon and an SUV, combining the strengths of both body styles to create to a luxury experience of the highest level. The overall design language is an application of Mercedes’ “philosophy of Sensual Purity.“
“The Vision Mercedes-Maybach Ultimate Luxury is a totally new archetype… With sensuality and pure sophistication, we have created a timeless vehicle that underscores the position of Mercedes-Maybach as the ultimate luxury brand.” – Gorden Wagener, Chief Design Officer, Daimler AG.
The exterior features smooth, extravagant surfaces with no beads or sharp edges. The distinctive chrome-plated radiator grille dominates the front view of the vehicle. The fine vertical bars, in the style of a pinstripe suit, takes its inspiration from the grille of the Vision Mercedes-Maybach 6 coupé.
The upright C-pillar, long, gently forward-sloping bonnet and compact notchback dominate the profile of the car. The muscular volume of the flank is accentuated by a long wheelbase and short rear overhangs. The overall appearance is rounded off by 24-inch turbine-look wheels. A continuous trim strip extends from the split bonnet across the roof through to the rear end. The vehicle is accentuated by subtle chrome trim throughout.
At the rear end, the three-part lamps are reminiscent of the design of the front headlamps. Situated above them is the vertically split rear window. Another striking feature is the modelled underride guard with a diffuser look.
The goal of the interior designers was to provide echoes of the series-produced vehicles while also giving an idea of the coming generations of Mercedes-Maybach models. Overall, the interior creates an atmosphere of luxurious cosiness that allows the occupants to relax pleasantly. The high-contrast colours employed are typical of the brand, such as rosé gold, crystal white, pearl grey, shades of brown and polished aluminium. The entire interior space is surrounded by a large-area trim level of dark-ebony with wave-like, flowing lines of light integrated into the wood surface.
As the concept was conceived primarily as a chauffeur-driven car, its interior design is strongly focused on the rear passengers. The seats impress with their adjustment kinematics. Unlike in a conventional saloon, the backrest is adjusted separately while the footwell and seat reference point remain unchanged. The cushion can be adjusted separately, while the seat angle and height adjustment are combined. Extra-soft knee cushions afford protection and comfort. The reclining seats feature a calf support, which is freely adjustable for length and angle. The crystal white Nappa leather seats are enhanced by diamond stitching in rosé gold.
The wide centre console extends through to the rear. It is equipped with an integral, heated tray with teapot and cups. The tea service is integrated into a sculpted wooden tray made of ebony, known as “Magic Wood”. At the press of a button, the handmade service of finest china can be electrically retracted into the console under a sliding cover finished in high-gloss black.
The driver’s area and cockpit are reduced to the essentials. Air vents, which reflect the design of the radiator grille, surround the free-standing Widescreen Cockpit with dual 12.3-inch displays. The feeling of spaciousness is further enhanced by a light, contrasting bottom part of the instrument panel as well as by the reduced height of the dashboard.
Like a butler, the Mercedes-Maybach concept is designed to act with anticipation, instead of offering long menus and lists. The vehicle plays music to match the current mood, knows the appointment calendar and plans the routes accordingly.
The holistic comfort and infotainment system can be individually programmed. Energizing comfort control has been carried over from the S-Class. Systems such as massage, fragrancing, light and music are combined, helping to regenerate and improve concentration. The highlight of the user experience is the comprehensive touch control concept – a combination of touchscreen and touchpad on the centre console, and Touch Control buttons in the steering wheel. Alongside the intuitive control experience, reduced driver distraction is a further advantage.
The control of the free-standing Widescreen Cockpit comprises three levels with rising information density: home screen, base screen and a submenu. The voice control adjusts to the user’s voice and adapts new vogue words or changed use of language. In addition, the system does not employ stereotypical responses but uses interactive variations.
The Vision Mercedes-Maybach Ultimate Luxury is conceived as an electric car. Thanks to its four compact permanent-magnet synchronous motors, it offers fully variable all-wheel drive. The output from the powertrain is 750 hp. The flat underfloor battery has a usable capacity of around 80 kWh, producing a range of over 500 kilometres. The top speed is electronically limited to 250 km/h. The fast-charging system allows a charging capacity of up to 350 kW. In just five minutes, enough power can be charged to achieve an additional range of around 100 kilometres. The battery can be charged by cable, or by induction, whereby current is transmitted without contact by an electromagnetic field below the car.
