Already renowned as purveyors of luxury and innovation, Mercedes-Benz pulled off somewhat of a surprise at the recent Auto China 2018 when it unveiled its brand-new Vision Mercedes-Maybach Ultimate Luxury concept vehicle.

Designed, in the company’s own words, for “customers who place value on exquisite luxury, perfect craftsmanship and exceptional appointments,” the Vision Mercedes-Maybach Ultimate Luxury is a crossover car combining elements of an exclusive high-end saloon with a sophisticated SUV.

“The Vision Mercedes-Maybach Ultimate Luxury is a totally new archetype of a kind never seen before,” explains Daimler AG’s Chief Design Officer Gorden Wagener.

“Our concept combines the DNA of an SUV with that of a saloon to produce an ultra-modern SUV of three-box design. With sensuality and pure sophistication, we have created a timeless vehicle that underscores the position of Mercedes-Maybach as the ultimate luxury brand.”

Conceived as an electric car, the Vision Mercedes-Maybach Ultimate Luxury boasts four compact permanent-magnet synchronous motors which allow for fully variable all-wheel drive. It also provides an impressive power output of 750 horsepower with a top speed of 250 km/h and a range when fully-charged of more than 500 kilometers.

Impressively, the engines offer a high-speed charge function which in just five minutes allows for enough power to be charged to drive 100 kilometers. The battery can be charged by cable at public charging stations, conventional domestic socket outlets and even by induction.

The design of the Vision Mercedes-Maybach Ultimate Luxury merges influences from the west and the far east to deliver an appealing automotive cultural dialogue.

The exterior surface is smooth with no sharp edges to create a sporty elegance. Prominent at the front end of the car is a distinctive chrome-plated radiator grille with fine vertical bars in the style of a pinstripe suit. The large air inlets along with the horizontal air inlet with integral chrome blades underline the sportiness of the SUV saloon while lending it a dynamic look. The air inlets are crossed by the brand’s typical honeycomb pattern.

Unlike a conventional saloon, the Vision Mercedes-Maybach Ultimate Luxury offers a significantly higher, SUV-typical seating position aimed at enhancing the driving experience. This is accentuated by a long, gently forward-sloping bonnet to ensure a sporty yet elegant view from all angles.

The interior of the Vision Mercedes-Maybach Ultimate Luxury provides a unique contrast between high-level sportiness and luxurious spaciousness.

Exclusive, high-grade materials underline the feeling of luxury while the colors employed are typical of the brand – rosé gold, crystal white and pearl grey. Flowing forms, delicate fabrics and the clever use of aluminium create the contrast between the sportily elegant details of an SUV and the lightness of a saloon.

Given that the Vision Mercedes-Maybach Ultimate Luxury is intended primarily for chauffeur-driven use, its design is strongly focused on the rear passengers where spaciousness and comfort are at their most refined.

As well as providing extra-cushioning on the recliner seats, including knee and calf support, the rear cabin includes a wide center console equipped with an integral, heated tray with teapot and cups. The philosophy of tea plays a key role in bringing body and mind into balance while discovering the path to inner calm and vitality.

The tea service is integrated into a sculpted wooden tray made of ebony, known as “Magic Wood”. At the press of a button, the handmade service of finest china can be electrically retracted into the console under a sliding cover finished in high-gloss black.