Vision Mercedes-Maybach Ultimate Luxury officially debuts in Beijing – four electric motors, 748 PS output

This is the new Vision Mercedes-Maybach Ultimate Luxury, which celebrates its debut in Beijing as an all-electric crossover. According to Gorden Wagener, chief design officer at Daimler AG, the concept combines the DNA of an SUV with that of a sedan to produce what he calls an “ultra-modern SUV of three-box design.”

The shape is certainly eye-catching, with smooth surfaces that do not feature sharp edges to create what the company calls an “image of sporty elegance” – the vehicle measures 5,260 mm long, 2,110 mm wide and 1,764 mm tall. Influences from previous Vision Mercedes-Maybach 6 concepts are plain to see, most notably at the front grille with vertical slats.

The three-element headlamps flank said grille, and we also see a thin chrome strip at the top of the bonnet leading down to the three-pointed star ornament. Meanwhile, the lower apron hosts large air inlets with those in the centre sporting a Maybach-pattern mesh and chrome blades.

Moving towards the back, the three-part taillights reflect the design of the front headlamps, while the split rear window is another cue showcased by the brand. Large outlets are also seen in the back, along with a diffuser for the underride guard, which sports the same mesh pattern as the front.

Other details include the machined aluminium running boards in the lower door area, thin side scuttles and a set of 24-inch turbine-look wheels. There’s also the trademark Maybach badge on the relatively upright C-pillars, and the red metallic finish you see is applied by hand in several coats.

Moving inside, the driver’s area and front cockpit are reduced to just the essentials – steering wheel, air-con vents modelled after the front grille, Widescreen Cockpit system with dual 12.3-inch screens and a touchpad controller.

The carmaker says the Vision Mercedes-Maybach Ultimate Luxury is intended primarily for chauffeur-driven use, so attention was given to the rear passengers and their well-being. Its makers want it to be the “ultimate embodiment of a luxury dream automobile,” and as you can see, they clearly fulfilled that brief.

Firstly, the materials used are of the highest quality, with crystal white Nappa leather used for the seats, while a shade of brown with a light metallic finish adorns the instrument panel. These are joined by touches of rosé gold, crystal white and pearl grey all around the cabin, including the diamond stitching on the seats.

Between the two individual seats, there’s also a tea service integrated into a sculpted wooden tray made of ebony (also found in other areas of the cabin). Called “Magic Wood,” it houses a handmade fine china tea set, and can be electrically retracted into the console under a high-gloss black sliding cover at the press of a button.

That section is also heated, and allows for what the company calls “exquisite tea-drinking enjoyment while on the road.” It adds that “the philosophy of tea plays a key role in bringing body and mind into balance while discovering the path to inner calm and vitality.” Sounds fancy, and we reckon it should appeal to people in the market the concept is making its debut.

Before we forget, the luxury SUV also comes with four permanent-magnet synchronous motors providing all-wheel drive. The total system output here is 550 kW or 748 PS, and the motors are supplied from an 80-kWh battery mounted on the vehicle floor.

The claimed NEDC range is just over 500 km, and the SUV is limited to a top speed of 250 km/h. Recharging the battery is done via DC charging based on the CCS standard, and the system allows for fast-charging up to 350 kW. The carmaker says it takes just five minutes to have enough charge for an additional range of around 100 km, and you can even use induction charging.

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Learn more: 2018 Beijing Motor Show