Vision Mercedes-Maybach Ultimate Luxury: EV blends saloon and SUV

Published: 24 April 2018

► Ultimate Luxury concept
► From Mercedes-Maybach
► All-electric SUV/saloon fusion

Crikey, Maybach is at it again with another over-the-top concept. This, to give it its full name, is the Vision Mercedes-Maybach Ultimate Luxury concept, which has been revealed at the 2018 Auto China show in Beijing.

The new concept vision smashes together both SUV and saloon bodystyles, with a notchback rear riding high on whopping 24-inch turbine alloys and jacked-up suspension. In fact, Mercedes says the Chinese market particularly loves a saloon, hence why it’s one of the Beijing show stars.

Yikes, this is quite a lot to take in

‘Quite’ is putting it mildly for some. The ‘Ultimate Luxury’ concept’s body is smooth and clean, in keeping with Merc’s ‘Sensual Purity’ design language. The grille is much the same as the Vision Mercedes-Maybach Concept 6 coupe and cabriolet concepts, with low headlights and chrome blades slicing through the front flanks.

There’s a bar that cuts along the centre of the roof that splits both the sunroof and the rear window and a chrome bar that cuts clean across the rear end, allowing the brakes lights to nest underneath.

And what about inside?

Do you like rose gold? If not, look away now. The Vision concept is a four-seater, with seats tailored with quilted white upholstery and plenty of the shiny rose metal.

Maybach Ultimate Luxury rear seats

The dashboard layout and steering wheel is designed much like that of the current-generation S-Class, with a chunky steering wheel, two large screens and a high centre console built for controls. There are glowing blue bits everywhere to highlight the all-electric powertrain underneath.

In the rear, passengers are treated to their own tea set and even a bouquet of flowers.

Tell me more about the electric powertrain

There’s an electric motor attached to each wheel, providing all-wheel drive and plenty of power to the tune of 740bhp thanks to completely flat underfloor battery with a capacity of roughly 80kWh. Mercedes claims an EV range of over 200 miles on one charge, and a limited top speed of 155mph.

Fast charging capabilities allow for just five minutes of 350kW charging to give you around 62 miles. Induction charging is also another option.

Check out our Mercedes reviews

By Jake Groves

CAR's deputy news editor, gamer, serial Lego-ist, lover of hot hatches

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