Exclusive trips at the highest level
Mercedes-Benz presents the Vision Mercedes-Maybach Ultimate Luxury in Beijing on the occasion of the “Auto China 2018” show. The design of this hybrid model, which integrates elements of an exclusive high-end sedan and an SUV, is based on the design philosophy expressed by the term sensual clarity. The showcar combines the comfort and characteristic attributes associated with both body variants. This includes, but is not limited to, the high seating position and the overall athletic appearance. The Vision Mercedes-Maybach Ultimate Luxury is conceived as an electric vehicle, powered by four compact synchronous electric motors with permanent magnets that make it possible to implement fully variable all-wheel drive.
«The Vision Mercedes-Maybach Ultimate Luxury is something never seen before. It is the archetype of a new generation of vehicles,” highlights Gorden Wagener, Chief Design Officer of Daimler AG. “Our concept reconciles the DNA of an SUV with that of a saloon to generate an ultra-modern Sport Utility Vehicle in a three-volume design,” adds Wagener. «Sensuality and refinement are the basic features of a timeless vehicle that underlines the positioning of Mercedes-Maybach as a brand of exquisite luxury vehicles.»
Continuing the Mercedes-Maybach success story
The prototype does not simply embody the aesthetic canon of Mercedes-Maybach, but links it to the traditional values of the brand and continues the history of Mercedes-Maybach in an innovative way. The Mercedes-Maybach brand remains faithful to its motto “the best of the best” and is committed to luxury in the design of its products, combining the perfection of Mercedes-Benz models with the exclusivity of Maybach.
The showcar unites influences from the Western Hemisphere and the Far East in a highly suggestive cultural dialogue. An example is the use of ebony wood, the "Magic Wood" traditionally used in the design of Chinese furniture. Another aspect that underlines this feature is the amalgamation of SUV and sedan with a three-volume body. These two body variants are the most appreciated internationally and, especially, in the Chinese market.
The spacious spaciousness of the Vision Mercedes-Maybach Ultimate Luxury is the key to a luxury experience at the highest level in combination with the elevated seating position, the elegant design and the use of exquisite materials, especially in the rear. The vehicle is an exemplary display of the characteristic values of Mercedes-Maybach, such as traditional craftsmanship, uniqueness and customization possibilities.
Exterior design: sensuality and clarity in harmony
The smooth concave surfaces, free of grooves or sharp edges, generate an image full of elegance and sportiness. The Vision Mercedes-Maybach Ultimate Luxury has balanced proportions.
The striking chrome radiator grille with its thin vertical bars accentuates the elegance of the front and is reminiscent of a pinstriped suit. The new radiator design celebrated its debut in the Vision Mercedes-Maybach 6, the exclusive coupé prototype that caused a sensation among connoisseurs and fans of the brand around the world in 2016. Another vehicle inspired by this design study It is the current version of the Mercedes-Maybach S-Class.
In combination with the low-slung headlights, made up of three optical groups, the grille accentuates the front view of the vehicle, underlining its belonging to the brand. The large-format air intakes on the sides and the horizontal air intake with integrated chrome slats underline the sporty look of this hybrid SUV and luxury sedan and give it a dynamic note. The air intakes feature the brand's characteristic honeycomb pattern. A decorative strip extends from the split bonnet to the rear and across the roof.
Compared to a conventional sedan, the Vision Mercedes-Maybach Ultimate Luxury offers its occupants a significantly higher seating position, a typical feature of SUVs, combined with a superlative driving experience. This meets the expectations of many customers, who long for this cozy feeling of protection. On the other hand, this functional requirement has constituted an enormous challenge for designers. In short, it was about harmoniously transposing the well-known three-volume design, made up of the trio formed by the hood, the passenger compartment and the trunk, into the characteristic architecture of SUVs. From here results an interesting bipolarity, an attractive interaction between sportiness and the luxury inherent to the Mercedes-Maybach brand.
The upright C-pillar, the long bonnet with a gently sloping forward line and the compact stepped rear end describe a sporty and elegant silhouette. The long wheelbase with short rear overhang accentuates the muscular volume of the vehicle's flanks. The 24-inch wheels in turbine design add a dynamic finishing touch to the overall look.
Polished aluminum running boards are suggested at the bottom of the doors. These elements are illuminated in white and display the Maybach logo. A discreet chrome trim element above the sills and in the lower section of the front and rear accentuates the noble character of the vehicle. The door handles, integrated into the side surface, extend electrically.
The rear lights with three elements reproduce the design of the headlights at the rear of the vehicle. Above the lights is the rear window, optically divided vertically. Another striking attribute is the underbody protection, with a three-dimensional diffuser-effect configuration. An element of the front is also included here, the classic Maybach honeycomb design.
Distinction and lightness: interior design
The interior of the Vision Mercedes-Maybach Ultimate Luxury creates an interesting contrast between a markedly sporty orientation and luxurious spaciousness. This showcar absolutely embodies the dream of a luxury car. The designers' objective was to reproduce the features of the production models in the interior, sublimating them and elevating them to a world of unprecedented luxury. To this end, they created a symbiosis of sportiness, modernity and elegance, while showing a preview of future generations of Mercedes-Maybach models.
Exclusive materials with high-quality finishes and contrasts are an expression of high value in the cabin and thus underline the luxurious character of the vehicle. The generous feeling of space and the rich contrasting color compositions generate an experience of luxury never seen before. As befits the prestige of the brand, exclusive colors are used, including rose gold, crystal white and pearl grey. The fluid shapes, soft materials and aluminum components create a suggestive contrast between the sporty and elegant details of an SUV and the lightness of a saloon.
The Vision Mercedes-Maybach Ultimate Luxury is a car designed for chauffeur-driven driving. For this reason, the design is largely oriented towards the needs and well-being of the rear seat occupants. Here you can especially perceive the cozy feeling of space.
The driver's environment and cockpit have been reduced to the essential elements. The ventilation diffusers once again echo the design of the radiator grille and frame a floating widescreen driving position, made up of two 12,3-inch displays. Other details that reinforce the feeling of space are the lower section of the instrument panel in a light contrasting color and the lower height of the dashboard. The interior design creates an atmosphere of luxurious well-being, where occupants can relax and enjoy pleasant surroundings. An aesthetic detail that accentuates the lightness of the cabin is the open frame of the front seats in rose gold, which allows you to appreciate the white leather. The color concept and the combination of materials of the Vision Mercedes-Maybach are an expression of maximum luxury, with noble materials and impressive surfaces.
The luxurious luminosity of the interior takes on a noble tone with the crystal white elements, the exquisite nappa leather of the upholstery and the sensual shade of brown, which gives a particularly noble character to the instrument panel through a light metallic finish. Shiny surfaces in polished aluminum generate attractive sparkles and reflect a highlight, the rose gold-coated seat trays. In order to realize this high level of luxury, important technical challenges must be faced. The Mercedes-Maybach emblem in deep metallic red requires several layers of paint to be applied by hand. Tradition and modernity alternate and interact in attractive contrasts. The entire cabin is surrounded by a large belt-shaped molding. The dark ebony wood stands out vividly against the white leather surfaces that surround it. Wave-shaped luminous lines integrated into the wooden surfaces impressively reconcile the analogue and digital worlds. The careful design of the seat upholstery picks up the lines of the decorative element and interprets the traditional quilted diamonds in an innovative way. The fine perforation reveals a rose gold background. Everything is conceived with precision, down to the last detail, and finished with craftsmanship and perfection.
The example is the S Class
As in the Mercedes-Maybach S-Class, the particularly comfortable seats impress with their adjustment mechanism. Unlike the seats in a conventional saloon, the backrest is adjusted separately, so the footroom and seat reference point remain unchanged. The combined adjustment of seat depth and inclination allows the bench to be adjusted separately. Particularly soft knee padding provides protection and comfort. The reclining seats feature calf support of variable length and inclination. The seats upholstered in crystal white nappa leather are enhanced by rose gold diamond quilting.
The wide center console extends to the rear. It is equipped with an integrated heated tray, including a teapot and cups that make it possible to elegantly enjoy a cup of tea while on the go. The philosophy of tea assumes an essential role in ensuring the balance of body and spirit and finding serenity and inner strength.
The teaware is integrated into a wooden tray with a sculptural configuration, made of ebony wood, the so-called "Magic Wood". This tableware, produced by hand in high-quality porcelain, is normally covered by a high-gloss black sliding lid and opens electrically by pressing a button.
User Experience expanded to the highest level
The Mercedes-Benz User Experience also represents the recreation of a dream luxury car. The warm and bright design features create a luxurious atmosphere. The entire car design process has been done in 3D in a real-time graphical environment. The Vision Mercedes-Maybach Ultimate Luxury anticipates the user's needs like a butler, instead of offering endless lists and menus. The vehicle plays the music most appropriate to the occupants' mood, knows their agenda and plans routes based on this and other information. In the back it is possible to taste different types of tea and enjoy relaxation programs, tailored to the expectations of each passenger.
The well-known ENERGIZING comfort control has been carried over from the S-Class. This equipment combines the functions of different systems, such as massage, ambiance, lighting and music, and thus contributes to the regeneration of the occupants, promoting their concentration. This holistic comfort and infotainment system can be programmed and adapted specifically for each market.
One of the highlights of the Mercedes-Benz User Experience of the Vision Mercedes-Maybach Ultimate Luxury is the comprehensive touch control concept, a triad consisting of a touch screen, a touch panel on the center console and touch control buttons on the steering wheel. Another advantage, in addition to the intuitive driving experience, is less driver distraction.
The operating concept in the widescreen cockpit consists of three levels, in which the information density progressively increases: Homescreen, Basescreen and a submenu. The voice control system adapts to each user and her voice and assumes new buzzwords, or changes in the meaning of some terms. Furthermore, this team does not respond by always repeating typical phrases, but varies as in a real dialogue.
From an aesthetic point of view, it is based on the traditional Chinese style of ink painting with simple features, white surfaces and balanced proportions.
Ultra-modern propulsion and undercarriage technology
The Vision Mercedes-Maybach Ultimate Luxury has been conceived as an electric car. Its four compact electric motors – permanent magnet synchronous motors – drive the vehicle with fully variable all-wheel drive. Its propulsion system develops a power of 550 kW (750 HP). The flat battery is integrated into the underbody of the vehicle. It has a useful capacity of 80 kWh, which gives the car a range of more than 500 kilometers in the normalized European cycle. The speed is limited electronically when reaching 250 km/h.
The fast charging function is particularly convenient. Direct current charging based on the CCS standard is carried out with a charging power of up to 350 kW. This allows, in just five minutes, to recharge enough energy to obtain an additional range of about 100 kilometers.
The battery can be recharged via cables – by connecting it to public charging stations or a household outlet – or, particularly conveniently, by induction. In that case, the charging current is transmitted via an electromagnetic field under the car.
The future in sight: visionary showcars
With its generous dimensions – 5.260 mm long, 2.110 mm wide and 1.764 mm high – the Vision Mercedes-Maybach Ultimate Luxury joins the series of visionary showcars from Mercedes-Benz, which so far includes the Vision EnerG‑ models. Force (Los Angeles, November 2012), AMG Vision Gran Turismo (Sunnyvale, 2013), Vision Tokyo (Tokyo, 2015) and Vision Mercedes-Maybach 6 Coupé (Pebble Beach 2016). Thanks to the distribution of Mercedes-Benz design centers around the world, these showcars take on local trends in the field of culture, design and mobility and integrate them into advanced automotive concepts.
Mercedes-Maybach: perfection meets exclusivity
Mercedes-Maybach embodies the pinnacle of exclusivity and individuality. Its target group is those customers who value luxury at the highest level, impeccable manufacturing quality and outstanding equipment. Current vehicles include, among others, the Mercedes-Maybach S 560 4MATIC introduced in 2017 in a redesigned version (combined fuel consumption: 9,3 l/100 km; CO emissions2, combined cycle: 209 g/km). The top-of-the-range model of the luxury brand is the Buses (combined fuel consumption: 14,6 l/100 km; CO emissions2 in the combined cycle: 330 g/km) with seats facing each other behind the separator glass. This 6,50 meter long model is the longest in the S-Class family.
