Mercedes has unveiled a new concept car, designed to represent a flagship model for its company – and it’s electric. The Mercedes-Maybach 6 is a luxurious 2+2 coupe which brings the Maybach name back into the limelight, with its official debut planned for the prestigious Pebble Beach Concours D’Elegance.
Measuring almost six metres in lenght, the Mercedes-Maybach 6 lives up to the Maybach part of its badge – one of the few names in luxury motoring that can begin to challenge Rolls Royce. Designed with the body-length curve and tapered tail of classic 1930’s coachbuilt Grand Tourers, the new concept is undeniably modern in design – inside and out.
Under the skin is an drivetrain that produces 550 kW (750hp) from four electric motors, one in each wheel, providing four-wheel drive. The battery capacity is around 80 kWh, providing a range of 310 miles (500km) according to Mercedes. Performance sees the 0-62mph time completed in less than four seconds, while rapid charging is possible through the car’s CCS socket.
Mercedes has designed a system that can charge at up to 350 kW, with 100km worth of range available in just five minutes. The Mercedes-Maybach 6 concept also features wireless charging technology.
The seats have been made to resemble Chesterfield sofas, and the wood trim has been styled to mirror that found on yachts. Glass trim is used extensively with various information and controls displayed on it, and the windscreen doubles as a digital display too such as navigation and driving data. Gesture control features heavily, and the seats continuously monitor the occupant’s vital signs, automatically enabling massage or temperature functions to keep them comfortable.
Although a concept, it is interesting to see that Mercedes has previewed a number of forthcoming new features in such a way. There are a number of shared elements and influences from the Concept IAA from last year’s Frankfurt Motor Show. With this in mind, the next S-Class – Mercedes’ flagship saloon – is likely to feature a number of these systems and design elements.
What is most interesting though is Mercedes decision to making the concept an electric vehicle – and one that is capable of travelling long distances. We are yet to see a rival from the company for the likes of the Audi e-tron quattro and Porsche Mission E models, but a scaled down version of this concept would make for a fascinating competitor.
