Mercedes-Maybach is the top of line in exquisite luxury rivalled only by Rolls Royce. If you want top of the line comfort and lavish motoring, you go to the Germans. Its rare for Maybach to release a new car, which makes everyone feel special and one to watch. Which is exactly what happened with the Maybach 6: this magnificent concept car was leaked a few days before the unveiling.
Mercedes-Maybach Reveal at the Pebble Beach Concours D’Elegance
But no leaker could take away from the incredible machine. Mercedes say, “The 2+2-seater is a homage to the glorious age of the aero coupes and consciously carries this tradition forward into the future. The coupe reinterprets classic, emotional design principles in an extreme way, following the Mercedes design philosophy of sensual purity.”
Electric Powered Luxury
The 6 metre long beast is powered by a 80 kWh battery giving the car 550 kW of power (750 bhp) and gives the car a 0-62 time of under 4 seconds and a top speed limited to 155 mph. The batteries also give the car a range of 200 miles, and 4 wheel drive thanks to four compact permanent magnet synchronous electric motors. The Maybach also boasts a quick charge function which Mercedes says, 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 (62 miles). The battery can either be charged via a cable connection at a public charging station or a conventional domestic outlet or, for even more convenience, it can be charged wirelessly, via an electromagnetic field.
Enough of the Electrical Stuff. Time for What Really Matters
The sleek swooping design harks back to the ‘aero coupes’ of the 40’s and 50’s with feature lines that swoop right from the radiator grill all the way to the rear of the car. Mercedes say: “A further highlight is provided by the gullwing doors, a hallmark Mercedes design element which has been brought up to date. They underline the sporty character of the vehicle’s silhouette and feature innovatively designed aluminium trim. The exterior mirrors designed as cameras are supported on the wings.”
The specially made wheels by IAA (Intelligent Aerodynamic Automobile) include a transparent plate in the vehicles Maybach Red giving a view of the aluminium spokes behind it. The rear of the Maybach is designed to remind you of a yacht, with the narrow rear lights accentuating the width of the vehicle. “Further distinctive features at the rear include the diffuser with aluminium frame and the air outlets behind the wheel arches.”
The Inside is Just as Impressive as the Outside
“The interior of the Vision Mercedes-Maybach 6 is a synthesis of intelligence and emotion and combines traditional Mercedes-Benz values with a new high-tech experience.” The materials used are a mixture of the futuristic and the classic luxury; the trim is swathed in the highest quality leather, along with rose gold for particular accent pieces. Elm wood is used in the floor to create a ‘refined yachting look’. The exquisite Chesterfield-like seats are designed to encompass you creating a 360 degree lounge experience with the seats melting into the doors and the centre console. The seats also include high tech sensors that measure the bodies vitals and adjusts the seat temperature and massage functions accordingly rather than having the occupant push a button.
“The classic circular instruments are combined with deep displays and act as a reference to the unique history of Mercedes-Benz.” Other displays such as the seat or maps are displays on an integrated piece of glass trim. The windscreen augments the world around you with driving and geographical data; the occupants with hand gestures can control this.