*NOW UPDATED WITH VIDEO* All-electric 2+2 coupe Vision Mercedes-Maybach 6 is revealed at Pebble Beach Concours ahead of 2017 production date.
Mercedes has finally shown mercy after a brief clip and a teaser image, and revealed the all-new Vision Mercedes-Maybach 6 concept in full at this year’s Pebble Beach Concours d’Elegance. And good news for Mother Earth supporters, the 2+2 coupe features all-electric powertrain.
Combined, four magnet synchronous electric motors send 550kW (750hp) to all four wheels, enough for 0-100kph ‘in under four seconds’ en-route to an electronically governed top speed of 250kph. Unsurprisingly, range from the all-electric model is similarly impressive, 500km do-able courtesy of an underfloor, 80kWh battery. Got a plug handy too? Apparently fast charging technology will add 100km to your range in just five minutes. It’s a little early for pricing details, but given that the Rolls-Royce Wraith is likely to be the main competition, expect to fork over at least $250K for ‘the ultimate in exclusivity and individuality’ from Mercedes-Maybach.
Enough of the tech side of things though, let’s delve into the looks of the Vision Mercedes-Maybach 6. Because those are awesome.
[Not a valid template]Paying homage to ‘the glorious age of aero coupes’ of the 1930s, the curvaceous bodywork of the almost six-metre long concept sits atop a (very) long wheelbase from, presumably, Mercedes’ flagship S-Class (expected to remain the same when the renamed Maybach 6 hits production in 2017). Key features of the design include very awesome gullwing doors, Maybach red paint with chrome accenting, front grille struts inspired by a pinstripe suit, and 24in wheels derived from Concept IAA that debuted last year in Frankfurt. If that lengthy rear quarter looks familiar, it’s because it’s inspired by luxury yachts. Above lie nautically themed two shallow ‘split windows’ and super slick vertical taillights.
Inside meanwhile is Mercedes’ modernist ‘inside out’ concept, referencing the manner in which the curving wing of the dashboard merges seamlessly with the Chesterfield-esque seats via the door panels. The nautical theme continues amidst the futuristic design courtesy of elm wood in the floor area, likely to become a Mercedes production staple. Perhaps most interesting though is the windscreen, which serves as a transparent display where driving-related data among other info is stretched, pillar-to-pillar. The best bit? Said information is controlled by hand gestures from the driver.
In what Mercedes rather nauseatingly call ‘the wow factor’, the Maybach 6 is the first coupe of Mercedes’ ‘Vision’ range of concept models, earlier examples of which have included the Vision EnerG‑Force (2012), AMG Vision Gran Turismo (2013) and Vision Tokyo (2015).
