Described as a study of an ultra-stylish luxury-class coupé, the Vision Mercedes-Maybach 6 is set to premiere at the Pebble Beach Concours D'Elégance during Monterey Car Week.
The gull-winged 2+2 seater pays homage to the glorious age of the aero coupés, says Mercedes, and carries this tradition forward into the future, reinterpreting classic, emotional design principles.
Measuring almost six metres in length, the show car is designed as an electric car with a drive system output of 550 kW (750 hp) and a shallow underfloor battery which allows a range of over 500 kilometres according to the NEDC (over 200 miles according to EPA).
"Our glamorous coupé, the Vision Mercedes-Maybach 6, represents the ultimate in contemporary luxury. It is hot and cool," states Gorden Wagener, Head of Design at Daimler AG. "With its intelligent appeal and reduced, technoid look, it perfectly embodies our design philosophy of sensual purity and our pursuit of aerodynamic efficiency."
The main body has a bulging, muscular look, extending across the entire flank while the front end is dominated by a grille inspired by a pinstriped suit, which rests on two aerodynamically shaped supports on the outer right and left of the bumper.
The 24-inch wheels are a development of the aero rim from the Concept IAA (Intelligent Aerodynamic Automobile). A transparent shield in the vehicle colour provides a view of the aluminium spokes behind it.
The interior is described as a synthesis combining traditional Mercedes-Benz values with a new high-tech experience. The dashboard wing curves across the door trim into the seat landscape, creating a 360° lounge.
Authentic materials and colours such as rose gold are used to create luxurious accents. The high-quality leather trim has a cool colour scheme and the sitting surfaces have a Chesterfield look.
In the front luggage area of the Vision Mercedes-Maybach 6 is a set of two suitcases, exclusively created for the vehicle. Here too the designers have followed the sensual, pure design idiom of Mercedes-Benz. Plenty of space has also been provided for further additions such as picnic accessories or personal items.
The side sills, illuminated by LED light strips, offer a strong hint at the car’s electric powertrain. Four compact permanent magnet synchronous electric motors deliver all-wheel drive. The shallow underfloor battery has a usable capacity of approx. 80 kWh which allows performance characteristics typical of a sports car with acceleration from 0-100 km/h in under four seconds and a top speed electronically governed at 250 km/h.
The quick-charge system, using DC charging based on the CCS standard, allows a charging capacity of up to 350 kW. Mercedes claims that a five-minute charge will deliver enough power to achieve an additional range of around 100 kilometres. The battery can either be charged via a cable connection at a public charging station or a conventional domestic outlet or even wirelessly, via an electromagnetic field.