The new reality: Mercedes-Maybach unveils the super-luxury electric car of tomorrow’s world
When Mercedes-Benz had a second attempt at reviving the Maybach name, it took a more understated approach than the hefty limousines built for the earlier, 1997, iteration. Mercedes-Maybach, as the standalone luxury division was renamed in 2015, became a sub-brand, creating highly personalised and lavishly finished versions of the company’s flagship S-Class model.
However, something of the original marque’s devil-may-care ostentation broke cover at the 2016 Pebble Beach Concours d’Elegance. At 5.7m long, the Vision Mercedes-Maybach 6 was a spectacular foray into cyber-sybaritic excess. An all-electric 2+2, it made up for its modest environmental footprint by excelling in both scale and form, evoking pre-war coach-building, yacht design, art deco sculpture and aviation-inspired dynamism all in one package.
For 2017, Mercedes-Benz is returning to Pebble Beach with a sequel, the Vision Mercedes-Maybach 6 Cabriolet. Chopping the top off the Vision 6 has cost the car its rear seats, but has greatly increased the sense of sheer luxury abandon. For a start, there’s a sweeping rear deck and tail that would look more at home bobbing about in the Monaco harbour than humming along the Autobahn, finished off with a vertical LED brake light bisecting the trunk lid.
The cockpit is a nappa leather-lined cocoon, quilted like a Chesterfield and illuminated in every nook and cranny by LEDs and sporting a wrap-around digital dashboard that seems to blend into the doors, while the front is almost all grille, with headlights reduced to slender slivers that echo the flashes of chrome down each flank. Massive 24-inch wheels complete the picture.
The company is unapologetic about the Cabriolet concept’s role: to define ‘the ultimate in luxury of the future’, while also referencing the grand style of the past. As with the closed roof version, this concept is purely electric, with a promised 200 mile range and high performance from four electric motors. Rather more hypothetical features include a friendly ‘concierge’ – a form of on-board AI – and biometric sensors to keep track of occupants’ health.
It’s highly unlikely that the Vision Mercedes-Maybach 6 Cabriolet will ever reach series production, although deep-pocketed car collectors have been known to twist the right arms when it comes to getting what they want. More importantly, the Vision 6 cars show that Mercedes-Benz – and Mercedes-Maybach – are looking seriously at the idea of an all-electric, super-luxury car.
The time is fast approaching when the most expensive cars will make the leap to zero emissions; with over a century of high-end experience, Mercedes-Benz is ensuring it stays on top of the market.
INFORMATION
For more information, visit the Mercedes-Benz website
Wallpaper* Newsletter
Receive our daily digest of inspiration, escapism and design stories from around the world direct to your inbox.
Jonathan Bell has written for Wallpaper* magazine since 1999, covering everything from architecture and transport design to books, tech and graphic design. He is now the magazine’s Transport and Technology Editor. Jonathan has written and edited 15 books, including Concept Car Design, 21st Century House, and The New Modern House. He is also the host of Wallpaper’s first podcast.
-
‘Very Roman, very Bulgari’: Mary Katrantzou on the ancient roots of her opulent first accessories collection for Bulgari
Greek fashion designer Mary Katrantzou, Bulgari’s new creative director of leather goods and accessories, breaks down her debut ‘Calla’ collection for Wallpaper*
By Jack Moss Published
-
First look: Western Mongolia meets Kew Gardens in John Pawson and Oyuna Tserendorj’s cashmere throws
Architectural designer John Pawson and cashmere designer Oyuna Tserendor have collaborated on a cashmere throw collection inspired by Pawson’s 70m Lake Crossing in the Royal Botanical Gardens
By Scarlett Conlon Published
-
How to buy art: the accessible new market
Thanks to a growing pool of art advisers, digital intelligence and collector groups, buyers are better equipped than ever
By Annabel Keenan Published
-
In celebration of Bruno Sacco, the man who brought order and elegance to Mercedes design
The car designer Bruno Sacco has died. Sacco shaped Mercedes-Benz design for nearly a quarter of a century. We look back on his impressive legacy
By Jonathan Bell Published
-
Does the Mercedes-Maybach SL 680 Monogram Series epitomise Pebble Beach culture?
Mercedes-Maybach launched its new SL 680 Monogram Series at Monterey Car Week 2024. How does Maybach's 21st-century take on upper-class motoring square with America's most upscale auto show?
By Jonathan Bell Published
-
Mercedes electrifies the G-Wagen, transforming its brutish off-roading icon
The Mercedes G-Class began life as a utility vehicle, before evolving into a dubious urban status symbol that could win approval from LA to London. How does the first all-electric version fare?
By Guy Bird Published
-
An all-electric 1960s Mercedes-Benz SL, perfect for swift, silent classic cruising
Electrification specialist Everatti unveils its sympathetic upgrade to a 1960s icon, the elegant Mercedes-Benz SL W113
By Jonathan Bell Published
-
EMC White Wolf is a military Mercedes turned modern-day cruiser
The Expedition Motor Company (EMC) takes surplus Mercedes G-Wagens and uprates them for contemporary collectors, creating a classic car that goes anywhere
By Jonathan Bell Published
-
CES 2024 was a showcase for how to shoehorn AI into next-generation cars
CES 2024 in Las Vegas underlined that future mobility will be shaped by AI, like it or not, as intelligent assistants emerge to guide, plan and converse with their human cargo
By Jonathan Bell Published
-
Zoute Grand Prix is a car fest like no other at a pristine Belgian beachside town
Amy Serafin takes to the well-heeled streets of Knokke-Heist to experience the Zoute Grand Prix, its annual cavalcade of classic car-related events, from a rally to an auction
By Amy Serafin Published
-
Four new compact camper vans showcase the best in modest mobile home design
Volkswagen, Citroën, Ford and Mercedes-Benz showcase their latest takes on contemporary van living
By Jonathan Bell Published