The Mercedes-Maybach Vision Ultimate Luxury Concept was unveiled at the 2018 Beijing Motor Show. The all-electric concept aims to compete with the Bentley Bentayga and the upcoming Rolls-Royce Cullinan. Being a concept, we can expect the final production version to look a lot different.
Mercedes claims that they intend to sell the vehicle only in select global markets; China being a top priority. Unlike its rivals, the design of the Ultimate Luxury Concept will offer the commanding driving position of an SUV with the styling of a sedan. But has the outcome of this combination succeeded in turning eyes toward it or away from it?
The chrome vertical-slat grille takes up most of the real estate at the front. The bumper showcases a rather sportier approach with the large air-dams and sharp splitters. The front splitter evolves from there and goes over the arches and under the doors till it connects with the rear. The 24-inch wheels look nothing short of incredible with the turbine-shaped spoke design.
The sedan-SUV amalgamation rides significantly higher than any other Maybach. To put the size in perspective, the Vision Ultimate Luxury is 130mm longer, 180mm wider and 86mm lower than the Mercedes-Benz GLS. The dimensions are similar to the upcoming Mercedes-Maybach GLS, due in 2019. The Mercedes-Maybach Vision Ultimate Luxury Concept has four electric motors; one on each wheel. This makes it an all-wheel-drive vehicle capable of torque-vectoring. The combined output of the four motors is claimed to be 750bhp, giving an electronically-limited top speed of 250km/h. The 80kWh battery promises a range of above 500km. Five minutes of charging can give a range of 100km.
The ultra-luxury mutation makes use of an unconventional three-box body structure. The same gives the vehicle a D-pillar in the form of a split-rear windshield. The windows get a chrome embracement just like in the Mercedes-Maybach S600 available in India. The triple tail lamps are a first in the brand’s latest design philosophy – Sensual Purity. Though each design element of the Ultimate Luxury Coupe is exquisite, the result of their combination is the exact opposite. The concept is just ugly.
However, the interiors of the Ultimate Luxury Coupe tell a different story. Fine leather, Magic Wood or Ebony and Rose Gold are the ingredients of this Chinese-fashioned interior. You get teapots and cups in the central console rather than just boring cup holders.
The white quilted leather seats embrace its occupants really well, while the ambient lighting sets the mood. If that’s not enough, the bunch of flowers might help. Head of Design at Mercedes, Gordon Wagener, says that the interiors have been designed with reference to traditional Chinese furniture design processes.
The 3-spoke spoke steering wheel looks similar to that in some latest Mercedes models. The advanced and informative 12.3-inch displays are also familiar.
Thoughts On The Mercedes-Maybach Vision Ultimate Luxury Concept
The Mercedes-Maybach Vision Ultimate Luxury Concept is truly a one-of-a-kind vehicle. The concept features a lot of sophisticated technology, one could expect in future Mercedes models. The sedan-SUV mixture, however, doesn’t look good to the eyes. In fact, the Ultimate Luxury concept is so ugly that the phrase, ‘Beauty lies in the eyes of the beholder’ seems pointless.