Mercedes-Maybach 6 officially sails in

THE covers have officially been ripped off the striking Mercedes-Maybach 6 concept ahead of its Pebble Beach Concours d’Elegance debut in California this week, revealing a six-metre long electric cruiser.

Under the impossibly long bonnet is a 550kW electric powertrain that is matched with a shallow 80kWh underfloor battery providing a 500km electric driving range, comparable to that of a Tesla Model S P90.

Mercedes says the 6 can dash from zero to 100km/h in under four seconds and has a governed top speed of 250km/h.

A quick-charge function allows the Maybach to be topped up with 100km of range in just five minutes. It can be plugged in at a public charging station, conventional domestic outlet or wirelessly, through an electromagnetic field.

The swoopy two-door 2+2 seat concept measures 5700mm long – 247mm longer than the four-door long-wheelbase Mercedes-Maybach S600 limo – 2100mm wide and 1328mm high.

As reported, images of the 6 emerged online yesterday after showing up on Carscoops.com but now Mercedes has revealed the car in full, showcasing gullwing doors as a nod to the recent AMG SLS as well as the iconic 300SL.

“Our glamorous coupe, the Vision Mercedes-Maybach 6, represents the ultimate in contemporary luxury. It is hot and cool,” according to Daimler AG head of design Gorden Wagener. “With its intelligent appeal and reduced, technoid look, it perfectly embodies our design philosophy of sensual purity and our pursuit of aerodynamic efficiency.” A feature line runs along each side of the concept from the top of the grille to the rear, while chrome contrasts with the red paintwork on the wheel arches, bonnet and bootlid.

Mercedes says the massive vertical strut grille was inspired by a pinstriped suit, while the giant 24-inch wheels were a development of the hoops on the futuristic Concept IAA from last year. Occupants can appreciate the aluminium wheel spokes thanks to a transparent shield in the cabin.

The “boat-tail” rear-end styling is reminiscent of a luxury yacht, Benz says, while the slender tail-lights helps emphasise the sheer width of the enormous concept.

A pair of tiny rear windows, a diffuser with an aluminium frame and air outlets behind the wheel arches also feature at the stern.

Mercedes has packed the 6 concept with future tech, and the company says the interior is “a synthesis of intelligence and emotion and combines traditional Mercedes-Benz values with a new high-tech experience”.

The “inside-out” design of the cabin includes a dashboard that tracks from the lower part of the doors across the front, creating what Benz says is a 360 degree lounge.

Elements of the front seats flow into the doors and underneath the dash.

Unsurprisingly, high-quality materials are used throughout such as elm in the floor area, highlighting the yachting theme, as well as wood trim in the doors, Chesterfield-look seats, while colours such as rose gold are also used.

It even has a pair of suitcases crafted exclusively for the concept, housed in the front luggage area where there is also room for picnic accessories or other personal items according to the German car-maker.

Digital meets analogue in the interior with circular instruments contrasting with other digitally integrated elements in a continuous glass strip displaying map and other key information.

Even the seats are tech heavy. The buttons on the fabric are actually body sensors that monitor the occupant’s vital functions which can then activate functions seat climate or massage. Sensors in the upholstery can also detect colours and light and adapt the lighting inside accordingly.

A floating transparent centre tunnel allows the occupant to see the drive system’s electrical energy flow.

The 6 also has an autonomous drive mode.

The concept is the latest move from Mercedes to re-establish the Maybach brand following the introduction of the S-Class-based S500 and S600 sedan, S600 Guard and S600 Pullman limousine in global markets.

It is expected to grow in the coming years with the 6 likely to spawn a production model at a point in the future.